Riquelme pledges to sign Haaland if elected Real Madrid president

Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has made a bold election promise, pledging to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland if he is elected club president in Sunday’s vote.

The statement has added fresh intensity to an already heated electoral race at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Riquelme is challenging long-serving incumbent Florentino Pérez.

Riquelme made the remarks during a televised appearance in Spain, where he outlined an ambitious sporting project aimed at strengthening Real Madrid with some of the biggest names in world football.

His comments immediately attracted widespread attention due to Haaland’s status as one of the most valuable and in-demand strikers in the game.

He further claimed that the Norwegian forward has a release clause in his Manchester City contract and suggested that the player would be open to a move to the Spanish capital.

The presidential hopeful also surprised viewers by holding up a Real Madrid shirt printed with “Haaland 9”, reinforcing his confidence in the proposed transfer.

He went on to extend his promises beyond Haaland, also mentioning Manchester City midfielder Rodri as another potential target if he wins the election.

Riquelme added that he had placed a financial guarantee on his promises, stating he would cover 100 per cent of club membership costs for the following season if he fails to deliver.

Manchester City, however, reacted strongly to the claims, swiftly dismissing them as false.

The Premier League champions insisted there is no possibility of Haaland leaving the Etihad Stadium in the near future and rejected the suggestion that any release clause exists in his contract.

In an official statement, 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.”

Haaland, who is under contract with Manchester City until 2034, remains a central figure in the club’s long-term plans following a highly successful spell in England, which has included major trophies and record-breaking goal returns.

His representatives, including agent Rafaela Pimenta and his father Alf-Inge Haaland, also dismissed the rumours, describing them as inaccurate and light-hearted, while wishing both candidates well in the Madrid election.

The controversy has further intensified the build-up to Sunday’s vote, which will be decided by Real Madrid members.

It is the first contested presidential election at the club since 2006, with Pérez facing a rare challenge to his long-standing leadership.

Meanwhile, Pérez also drew attention after posting a video featuring José Mourinho in a Real Madrid shirt, fuelling speculation about a possible return of the Portuguese coach if he secures another term.

As campaigning reaches its final stage, the focus remains firmly on both political rivalry and high-profile football promises shaping the future direction of the club.

Photos

Real Madrid presidential candidate, Enrique Riquelme

Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland.