The controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's potential move to Real Madrid has taken a new turn, as presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has been forced to clarify his earlier statements. Riquelme, who is challenging incumbent Florentino Perez in the upcoming Real Madrid elections, had claimed he would secure the signing of the Manchester City striker if elected.
Clarification Issued
Riquelme's campaign team has now issued a statement clarifying that the candidate did not assert that Haaland had already signed for the club. Instead, they emphasised that Riquelme is committed to bringing the Norwegian forward to the Bernabeu in the future. The clarification comes after Haaland's camp and Manchester City threatened legal action over the use of the player's image in the political campaign.
Response from Haaland's Representatives
Haaland's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, and his father, Alfie Haaland, responded to the initial reports by stating: "All very entertaining but not true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Madrid elections." This statement underscored that no agreement had been reached with Real Madrid.
Manchester City's Stance
Manchester City have also reacted strongly to the claims. A spokesperson for the club said: "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. We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context."
Riquelme's Confidence
Despite the backlash, Riquelme remains confident in his ability to deliver Haaland. According to reports from El Mundo, the businessman has been working for years on a deal to bring Haaland to Madrid. Riquelme stated: "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. Haaland has a release clause, and he wants to come to Madrid."
Haaland's Commitment to City
Haaland, who joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, signed a new nine-and-a-half-year contract in January last year, underlining his commitment to the Premier League club. During his time at City, he has scored an impressive 162 goals, won the Champions League, and claimed the Golden Boot three times. The striker was heavily linked with Real Madrid before choosing City, but the Spanish giants have continued to be associated with him.
The situation remains tense, with legal action potentially on the horizon as the presidential campaign heats up. Both Riquelme and Perez are vying for the support of Real Madrid members, with Haaland's name being used as a key bargaining chip.
