Manchester City are preparing legal action after a candidate for the Real Madrid presidency publicly declared he would sign Erling Haaland if elected.
Erling Haaland Stays Until 2034, Insists Manchester City as Legal Warning Issued
Enrique Riquelme, a Spanish businessman running in Sunday’s presidential election, made the remarks during a television appearance on Wednesday.
He held up a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name and the number nine as he outlined his plans.
“Haaland has a release clause and wants to join Real Madrid,” Riquelme said.
City have strongly rejected the suggestion. A club spokesperson stated: “The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue.
There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it.”
The Premier League champions also confirmed they are exploring legal action “for the use of our player image in this context.”
Haaland joined City in 2022 and signed a new nine-and-a-half-year contract in January 2025, committing his future to the club until 2034.
The Norway striker has scored 162 goals in 198 appearances, helping City secure two Premier League titles and the Champions League trophy.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak recently described the 25-year-old as a “superstar” and a “goalscoring machine,” adding that he expects Haaland to win the Ballon d’Or soon.
Riquelme also claimed he would sign City midfielder Rodri. The 29-year-old Spain international, whose current contract runs until 2027, has previously attracted interest from Real Madrid.
City still consider Rodri part of their long-term plans, though the player said earlier this week he does not wish to discuss his future until after the World Cup.
City’s legal threat underscores their determination to protect one of world football’s most valuable assets as the Spanish election campaign intensifies.
