Manchester City threaten legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate's Haaland claim
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The controversy emerged ahead of Madrid's presidential election, where Riquelme is challenging long-serving president Florentino Pérez.
In an attempt to win support from club members, Riquelme promised to bring both Haaland and City midfielder Rodri to the Bernabéu if elected.
Speaking on Spanish television, Riquelme claimed Haaland had a release clause in his contract and was eager to move to Madrid.
If I break my promises regarding either of these players, I've signed a guarantee where I'd pay 100 per cent of membership costs for next season.City swiftly rejected the suggestion, insisting there is no truth to the claims and no contractual mechanism that would allow such a transfer to happen.
Haaland has a release clause and wants to join Real Madrid.
In a strongly-worded statement, a City spokesperson said:
The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are false.
There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it. We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.
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Why Manchester City are considering legal action
City's response appears to be linked not only to the transfer claims themselves but also to the public use of Haaland's image during the television appearance.Reports suggest a Madrid shirt bearing Haaland's name was displayed during the programme, prompting further frustration from the Premier League champions.
The club's unusually forceful reaction underlines their determination to shut down speculation surrounding one of the world's most valuable footballers.
💣Enrique Riquelme, sobre el desmentido de Haaland
— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) June 4, 2026
💰 "Es parte del juego. Pasó también con Figo. Hay que seguir hablando, máximo respeto al City. El jugador tiene una cláusula, y este miércoles ya mandamos algún mensaje en privado al City"
💥 "Sé perfectamente que si soy… pic.twitter.com/jSoyW31Vvr
Haaland's representatives dismiss rumours
The striker's camp has also moved quickly to distance itself from the claims.Agent Rafaela Pimenta and Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, issued a joint response that left little room for interpretation.
All very entertaining but not true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Madrid elections.Their comments reinforce City's position and suggest there is currently no basis for the transfer rumours being circulated in Spain.
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Read This Next →Haaland remains central to City's future
Despite regular links with Madrid throughout his time in England, Haaland's long-term future appears firmly tied to City.The Norway international signed a new nine-and-a-half-year contract in January last year, signalling his commitment to the club despite ongoing interest from Europe's elite sides.
Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has established himself as one of the most prolific forwards in world football.
The 25-year-old has scored 162 goals for City, including 38 during the most recent campaign.
With Pep Guardiola having departed and senior figures such as Bernardo Silva and John Stones already leaving the club, Haaland is expected to play an even bigger leadership role as City aim to end a two-year Premier League title drought.
Rodri also targeted by Riquelme
Haaland is not the only City player on Riquelme's wishlist.The presidential candidate also claimed he wants Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder Rodri and revealed he has already held discussions with the player's representatives.
He's a great player, in a position where Madrid need to strengthen.Rodri, however, has declined to engage with speculation whilst preparing for the upcoming World Cup.
We've spoken to his agent. We have to respect his club, but if I'm president he'll play for Madrid. I'll do everything possible.
With a World Cup ahead, my responsibility is to stay focused. Anything related to my future will wait until after the World Cup.The Spain international added that contract situations naturally generate transfer rumours but insisted he remains relaxed about his future.
Real Madrid election adds transfer drama
Pérez has not faced a serious challenge for the Madrid presidency since 2004, making Sunday's vote one of the most closely watched in years.Riquelme has attempted to energise supporters with a series of ambitious promises, including high-profile transfer targets and a new managerial appointment.
However, City's emphatic denial, combined with Haaland's representatives publicly rejecting the claims, makes any move for the Norwegian striker appear highly unlikely in the immediate future.
For now, City insist there is no release clause, no transfer agreement, and no prospect of Haaland leaving the Etihad Stadium.
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