Manchester City Threaten Legal Action After Real Madrid Election Candidate Promises Erling Haaland Signing

• Manchester City have dismissed claims that Erling Haaland could join Real Madrid and are considering legal action over the use of the striker’s image in a presidential campaign.
• Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme publicly promised to sign both Haaland and Rodri if elected.
• Haaland’s representatives have branded the claims “entertaining but not true” as City reaffirm their commitment to keeping both stars.

Manchester City have threatened legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme used Erling Haaland’s image during his election campaign and publicly guaranteed he would sign the Norwegian striker if elected president.

The controversy emerged during a Spanish television appearance on Wednesday when Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur challenging long-serving president Florentino Perez, unveiled a Real Madrid shirt bearing the name “Haaland” and the number nine.

Attempting to boost support ahead of Sunday’s election, Riquelme also promised to bring Spain midfielder Rodri to the Santiago Bernabéu and claimed he would personally compensate club members if those signings failed to materialise.

“If I break my promises regarding either of these players, I’ve signed a guarantee where I’d pay 100% of membership costs for next season,” Riquelme said.

“Haaland has a release clause, and he wants to come to Madrid.”

Those claims were swiftly rejected by Manchester City.

In a strongly-worded statement released on Thursday, the Premier League club insisted there is no possibility of Haaland leaving and suggested legal action could follow over the unauthorised use of the player’s image.

“The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue,” a City spokesperson said.

“There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it.

“We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.”

The response reflects City’s determination to shut down speculation surrounding one of the world’s most valuable footballers.

Haaland committed his future to the club by signing a record-breaking 10-year contract in January 2025 and has repeatedly spoken of his happiness in Manchester. In an interview earlier this year, the 25-year-old described himself as “super happy” at the Etihad Stadium.

The striker’s representatives were equally dismissive of Riquelme’s comments.

In a joint statement, agent Rafaela Pimenta and Haaland’s father, Alfie Haaland, laughed off the suggestion that an election result in Madrid could influence the player’s future.

“All very entertaining but not true,” the statement read.

“We wish all the best for both candidates in the Madrid elections.”

The episode has also drawn attention to Rodri, another player Riquelme claimed he would bring to Madrid.

However, City remain equally firm on the Spain international’s future. The club have no intention of entertaining offers this summer and continue to view the midfielder as a central figure in their long-term plans.

While Rodri has entered the final year of his current contract, discussions over a new deal have already begun. Although the midfielder has publicly stated that he is keeping his options open, City remain confident about his importance to the project moving forward.

For now, Riquelme’s ambitious campaign promises appear more political theatre than transfer reality.

Real Madrid elections have often been accompanied by bold declarations and dreams of marquee signings. Yet City’s swift response leaves little doubt about their position. Haaland remains central to their future, Rodri is not for sale, and the club are prepared to defend both their players and their interests if necessary.

As the presidential race gathers pace in Madrid, one thing is already clear: Manchester City have no intention of becoming part of the campaign.