The controversy erupted on Wednesday during an appearance on Spanish television, where Riquelme not only outlined his transfer ambitions but also held up a Real Madrid shirt printed with Haaland’s name and the number nine—an image that quickly spread across media platforms and triggered an official response from the Premier League champions.
Beyond Haaland, the businessman and presidential hopeful also spoke about a move for City midfielder Rodri, despite the Spain international still having a year left on his current contract at the Etihad Stadium.
“Rodri plays in a position Real Madrid need and he fits the profile. If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid,” Riquelme said on Antena 3.
He further acknowledged City’s contractual position regarding Rodri, while suggesting early discussions would be pursued if he wins Sunday’s election.
“With Rodri, he is under contract and we must respect Manchester City. We would sit down to talk with the club and his representatives as early as next Monday,” added the renewable energy entrepreneur.
However, it was his comments on Haaland that provoked the strongest reaction. Riquelme suggested the Norwegian striker could be available through a release clause and expressed confidence that a move to Spain would appeal to him.
“As for Haaland, it is a different situation. He has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid,” Riquelme said.
Manchester City swiftly moved to dismiss the claims, rejecting the existence of any such clause and warning that they are considering legal action over the use of their player’s image in a transfer-related context.
“The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue,” said a club spokesman.
“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 joined City in 2022, signed a long-term extension in January 2025 that ties him to the club for nine and a half years. Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, the Norwegian striker has established himself as one of world football’s most lethal forwards, helping City to multiple domestic and European titles.
This season, he added the League Cup and FA Cup to his honours list and secured another Premier League Golden Boot after scoring 27 league goals.
The row comes just days before Real Madrid’s presidential election scheduled for Sunday, where Riquelme is challenging long-serving incumbent Florentino Pérez. Pérez, who has dominated modern Real Madrid history, first took office in 2000, presided over the Galácticos era, briefly stepped down in 2006, and returned three years later to continue his transformative leadership of the club.
While election rhetoric often brings ambitious sporting promises, City’s firm response suggests this particular episode may extend beyond politics and into legal territory.