Manchester City threaten to sue Real Madrid presidential hopeful over Haaland

Manchester City are considering legal action against Enrique Riquelme after the Real Madrid presidential candidate held up a Madrid shirt with Erling Haaland’s name on the back during a TV appearance in which he claimed a clause in the striker’s contract would allow him to sign Haaland if elected. On Wednesday Riquelme said that Haaland, who agreed a record nine-and-a-half-year deal in January 2025, wanted to join Real. The Spanish businessman also promised that Rodri would leave City for the record 15-times European champions. “Haaland has a release clause and he wants to come to Madrid,” Riquelme said on El Hormiguero, a Spanish television show. The businessman is standing against the incumbent, Florentino Pérez, in Sunday’s presidential elections. City responded on Thursday by saying: “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’s father, Alfie, and agent, Rafaela Pimenta, also denied Riquelme’s claim. “All very entertaining but not true,” they said. “We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections.” Regarding Rodri, Riquelme said: “He’s a top player, a Ballon d’Or winner in a position where Madrid needs to strengthen. If I become president, Rodri will play for Real Madrid, with all due respect to City. …