A fresh transfer controversy has erupted in European football after Manchester City threatened legal action over claims that star striker Erling Haaland could be heading to Real Madrid.
The dispute emerged during the ongoing presidential campaign at Real Madrid CF, where presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme made headlines with bold promises regarding the club’s future transfer plans.
Appearing on Spanish television, Riquelme unveiled a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name and confidently declared that the Norwegian superstar would join the Spanish giants if he were elected president.
“He has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid. If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid,” Riquelme stated.
The comments immediately triggered a strong response from all parties connected to the player.
Representatives of Erling Haaland quickly dismissed the suggestion, while Manchester City issued a firm statement rejecting the claims and warning that legal measures could follow.
“The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue,” City’s statement read.
“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 controversy deepened when Riquelme also revealed his desire to bring City midfielder Rodri to the Santiago Bernabéu.
“He is a great player, in a position where Madrid need to strengthen,” he said.
“We have spoken to his agent. We have to respect his club, but if I’m president he will play for Madrid. I will do everything possible.”
The remarks have generated widespread discussion across Europe, particularly because both Haaland and Rodri remain central figures in Manchester City’s long-term plans.
Meanwhile, Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, and his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, issued a joint response aimed at cooling speculation.
“All very entertaining but not true,” the statement read.
“We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections.”
The episode highlights the increasingly political nature of presidential campaigns at Real Madrid, where ambitious transfer promises have often been used to win support among club members.
However, Manchester City’s reaction suggests the Premier League champions are unwilling to tolerate the public use of their players’ names and images for electoral purposes.
For now, both Haaland and Rodri remain firmly under contract at Manchester City, while Real Madrid’s presidential race has gained yet another dramatic subplot.
Whether the matter escalates into legal proceedings remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Manchester City have made it clear they have no intention of entertaining suggestions that two of their biggest stars are destined for Madrid anytime soon.
