Manchester City denies Enrique Riquelme regarding Haaland's signing

Manchester City has vehemently denied claims made by Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the Real Madrid presidency, that he has secured the signing of star striker Erling Haaland. The English club issued a statement on Thursday calling the reports originating from Spain "false."

"There is no possibility of this happening and there is no contractual clause that allows it," Manchester City stated. The club further expressed its consideration of legal action due to the unauthorized use of their player's image in this context. Riquelme had announced on the Spanish program 'El Hormiguero' that Haaland, along with Rodrigo Hernández, would join Real Madrid if he were elected president.

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The stories that have emerged from Spain about Erling Haaland's future are false. There is no possibility of this happening and there is no contractual clause that allows it. We are considering legal action for the use of our player's image in this context.

To back his promises, Riquelme committed, via a notary, to pay 100% of the membership fees for Real Madrid's 100,000 members if he fails to deliver on his pledges. Haaland, who is currently with Norway for the 2026 World Cup, has had a prolific season, scoring 38 goals in 52 matches and securing the Premier League's top scorer title for the third time in four years. He signed a contract extension with Manchester City until 2034 in January 2025, though some reports suggest a release clause exists for Real Madrid.

Riquelme is competing against the incumbent president, Florentino Pérez, in the upcoming Real Madrid elections. Pérez is seeking re-election after serving terms from 2000 to 2006 and continuously since 2009.

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I have signed a personal notarial guarantee; if I fail to comply, I will pay 100% of the fee for all 100,000 Madrid members.