The contentious Real Madrid presidential race intensified on Thursday as Manchester City threatened legal action over transfer claims made by candidate Enrique Riquelme. The 37-year-old businessman is actively trying to unseat incumbent president Florentino Pérez in the upcoming June 7 election, which has sparked a series of high-profile campaign maneuvers from both sides.
During a live Spanish television broadcast on El Hormiguero, Riquelme held up a Real Madrid jersey printed with Haaland’s name and the number 9. He told viewers that he would sign both Erling Haaland and Rodri if he wins the vote. Riquelme even signed a public guarantee promising to pay 100% of all club members’ dues for the next season out of his own pocket if he fails to secure the players.
The English club responded swiftly on Thursday with a firm statement denying any possibility of a transfer. Manchester City stated that the stories emerging from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue, adding that there is no chance of this happening and no contractual clause exists to enable it. The Premier League champions confirmed they are considering legal action over the unauthorized use of their player’s image during the political broadcast.
Shortly after the broadcast, Haaland’s representatives rejected the claims entirely. Agent Rafaela Pimenta and the striker’s father, Alfie Haaland, called the situation entertaining but not true while offering their best wishes to both candidates in the election. Haaland remains under a long-term contract extension signed with Manchester City back in January 2025.