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City threaten legal response after Real Madrid candidate's Haaland pledge
Manchester City are weighing legal options after a Real Madrid presidential hopeful publicly declared his intent to sign striker Erling Haaland if elected.
Riquelme's campaign promise sparks controversy
Enrique Riquelme, a renewable energy executive challenging incumbent Florentino Pérez, displayed a Real Madrid jersey bearing Haaland's name during a television appearance on Wednesday. "He has a release clause and would like to join us," Riquelme stated. "If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid."
Haaland's representatives swiftly dismissed the claim. A joint statement from his father and agent, Alfie Inge Haaland and Rafaela Pimenta, called the reports "untrue" and insisted no contractual escape clause exists. City later echoed the denial, labeling the episode "entertaining but false" and hinting at potential legal action over the unauthorized use of Haaland's image.
Rodri also targeted in transfer pledge
Riquelme extended his recruitment promises to include City midfielder Rodri. "He's a world-class player in a position where Madrid need reinforcement," he said, adding that discussions with Rodri's agent had taken place. "We respect his current club, but if I'm elected, he will be a Madrid player."
Rodri, 29, recently indicated he would address his future after the upcoming World Cup. "It's normal for speculation to arise when a player nears the end of his contract," he noted. "I'm calm and know my situation-though the World Cup timing might have changed things."
Election battle intensifies with rival strategies
Riquelme's candidacy marks the first contested Real Madrid presidential race in two decades. His platform includes ambitious promises: a members' complex near the training ground featuring pools, padel courts, and a basketball arena, alongside a 50% membership fee cut if the team fails to win the Champions League next season.
He has also criticized Pérez's decision to appoint José Mourinho as manager, a move contingent on Pérez's re-election. Riquelme's campaign has hinted at targeting Jürgen Klopp, stating, "My coach is the one Madrid fans want," though stopping short of naming him. In a prior interview, Riquelme expressed admiration for "profiles of that calibre."
Pérez's team has dismissed Riquelme's transfer promises as unrealistic, while Pérez himself acknowledged the club's recent struggles. "We haven't met expectations, but we've identified the issues," he said. "Injuries and a disrupted pre-season hurt us, but we're preparing for next season."
Signings and squabbles define campaign
If re-elected, Pérez plans to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté and Inter full-back Denzel Dumfries, deals already agreed upon. He also pledged to resolve internal disputes that escalated after Álvaro Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso mid-season.
The campaign has been marked by mutual ridicule. Pérez's supporters purchased ad space during Riquelme's TV appearance to mockingly announce Mourinho's appointment, urging members to back Pérez.
Club legends split as vote looms
Real Madrid's election, set for Sunday, pits Pérez's experience against Riquelme's outsider appeal. The club's 100,000 members-who pay an annual £130 fee-will decide the presidency, a rare democratic process in football governance.
Pérez, a former Madrid city councillor and construction magnate, remains the favorite despite recent on-field disappointments. He first took office in 2000 with a "Galácticos" strategy, signing stars like Luís Figo and Zinedine Zidane, but resigned in 2006 amid declining results. He returned unopposed in 2009.
Club legends are divided: Karim Benzema, Casemiro, and Roberto Carlos back Pérez, while Iker Casillas and Fernando Hierro support Riquelme.
