Enrique Riquelme has insisted he never claimed Erling Haaland is already a Real Madrid player, but doubled down on a pledge to bring the Manchester City striker to the Bernabéu if elected — comments that prompted denials from Haaland’s camp and a robust rebuttal from City, which says the reports are false and is weighing legal action.
Riquelme denies Haaland is signed as Madrid presidential race turns headline-grabbing
Enrique Riquelme says he did not tell voters Erling Haaland has already committed to Real Madrid, but he has made the striker a central promise of his challenge to Florentino Pérez. The assertion that Haaland will one day wear white has triggered pushback: Haaland’s family and agent have dismissed the claims, and Manchester City has publicly rejected any prospect of the forward joining Real, warning it may pursue legal options.
What Riquelme actually claimed
Riquelme has framed marquee signings as proof of his ambition to restore Real Madrid’s competitive edge. He insists he is working toward securing Haaland in the future and presented contractual and financial guarantees tied to his promises to voters. That projection — presented during a heated campaign against incumbent Florentino Pérez — has been interpreted by opponents and some observers as political theatre designed to sway membership votes.
Haaland’s camp and City respond
Erling Haaland’s agent and family publicly rejected the notion that the striker has committed to Real Madrid, calling the reports untrue. Manchester City issued a firm rebuttal, denying any contractual mechanism for such a move and confirming it is exploring legal remedies over the unauthorised use of the player’s image in the campaign. Haaland, under a long-term contract at City since 2022, remains a cornerstone of their project.
Why this matters for Real Madrid and the election
Promising high-profile transfers can energise supporters, but presenting them as near-certainties carries risk. For Riquelme, the Haaland claim is a double-edged sword: it grabs attention and signals big ambitions, yet it exposes him to reputational damage and legal scrutiny if assertions are misleading. For the club, speculative transfer talk during an election shifts focus from governance and squad planning to headline-grabbing soundbites.
Implications for City and player relations
Manchester City’s swift rejection highlights how clubs guard intellectual property and player images — especially when third parties use stars to further political aims. The episode underscores the tension between elite clubs in the transfer market and the need for clear legal boundaries when players become political or commercial assets.
What happens next
Expect the Madrid campaign to pivot back to governance and practical proposals as scrutiny intensifies. If City follows through with legal action, the dispute could become a cautionary case about the limits of transfer promises in electoral contexts.
On the sporting front, Haaland’s long-term contract and central role at City make an imminent move to Real improbable; any genuine approach would require careful timing, significant financial firepower and, crucially, the player’s willingness.
The Real Madrid presidential elections take place on June 7
Riquelme’s gambit has succeeded in making him the story, but whether it wins votes or triggers lasting consequences will be decided in the weeks ahead.
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