Manchester City Rejects Haaland Transfer Claims Amid Real Madrid Election Drama
Manchester City have dismissed claims that Erling Haaland could join Real Madrid after presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme publicly promised to sign the Norwegian striker if elected. Riquelme even displayed a Madrid shirt with Haaland’s name, claiming a release clause existed.
Haaland’s father and agent quickly denied the reports, while City stated no such clause exists. After the dramatic developments surrounding the upcoming presidential election at Real Madrid, a controversy emerged when presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme publicly claimed that Erling Haaland would join the Spanish giants if he won the election. During a television appearance, Riquelme displayed a Real Madrid shirt with Haaland's name and stated that the Norwegian striker had a release clause and wanted to move to Madrid. He also promised to sign Rodri, claiming discussions had already taken place with the player's representatives.
The comments were quickly rejected by both Haaland's camp and Manchester City. Haaland's father, Alfe Inge Haaland, and agent Rafaela Pimenta issued a joint statement describing the claims as untrue. Manchester City also denied the reports, insisting there is no release clause in Haaland's contract and revealing that the club is considering legal action over the use of the player's image in the election campaign.
The controversy comes ahead of Real Madrid's presidential election on 7 June, where Riquelme is challenging long-serving president Florentino Perez for the first time in 20 years. Around 100,000 club members are eligible to vote. While Riquelme has promised major signings and fan benefits, Perez remains the overwhelming favourite and has already outlined plans to strengthen the squad after a disappointing trophyless campaign.