News Focus
- Real Madrid presidential hopeful Enrique Riquelme vows to sign Erling Haaland if he wins Sunday’s election.
- Riquelme displays a Real Madrid shirt with ‘Haaland 9’ on Spanish television, claiming the striker has a release clause.
- Manchester City deny any exit clause exists and state Haaland will remain at the Etihad until 2034.
- The Premier League club considers legal action over the unauthorised use of their player’s image.
- Haaland’s representatives dismiss the claims as ‘entertaining but not true’.
Manchester City are exploring legal options after a candidate in Real Madrid’s presidential race made bold claims about signing Erling Haaland.
Enrique Riquelme, who hopes to defeat current president Florentino Perez in Sunday’s vote, appeared on the Spanish television programme El Hormiguero on Wednesday. During the show, he promised supporters he would bring the Norwegian striker to the Bernabeu. He also vowed to sign Rodri from City.
Riquelme held up a Real Madrid jersey displaying Haaland’s name and the number nine. He insisted the player possessed a release clause in his contract. He also stated that Haaland wishes to play for the Spanish giants.
The candidate added a guarantee. He said he would cover all membership fees for the next season if he failed to secure either signing.
However, Manchester City have strongly rejected these assertions. The Premier League champions released a statement on Thursday. They confirmed Haaland remains under contract until 2034. They also denied the existence of any release clause that would allow a transfer.
A club spokesperson said the reports from Spain were false. The official added there was “no chance” of the striker leaving the Etihad Stadium. The club is now considering legal proceedings. The action relates to the unauthorised use of the player’s image during the television broadcast.
Haaland’s representatives have also dismissed the speculation. His agent Rafaela Pimenta and his father Alfie Haaland issued a joint statement early on Thursday. They described the situation as “very entertaining but not true.” They extended good wishes to both candidates in the upcoming election.
The controversy comes ahead of a significant vote at Real Madrid. Club members will choose between Perez, aged 79, and Riquelme, aged 37, on Sunday. This marks the first contested presidential election at the club since 2006.
Meanwhile, Perez has made his own campaign pledge. He appeared to confirm that Jose Mourinho will return as manager if he wins another term. The current president posted a video on social media platform X on Wednesday evening. The clip showed Mourinho wearing a Real Madrid shirt and saying “Yes.”
The post appeared to mock Riquelme’s television appearance. Perez has previously indicated his desire to bring Mourinho back to the club. The Portuguese coach is expected to sign a three-year contract. He would replace Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over in January.