Manchester City Considering Legal Action Against Real Madrid Over Haaland Claim

Manchester City are considering to take legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme said he would try to sign their striker Erling Haaland if he wins the upcoming election.

Riquelme, who works in renewable energy and is running against current president Florentino Perez, made the comment during a TV appearance in Spain on Wednesday. He also showed a Real Madrid shirt with Haaland’s name on it.

Speaking about the latest development, a City spokesperson reaffirmed that such claims are not true, as the club is not interested in trading its premier striker with anyone.

“The stories which ⁠have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue,” said Manchester City spokesperson.

“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’s image in this context.” added the spokesperson.

According to Riquelme, Haaland’s City deal has a release clause and is open to a move to the Spanish club. He added that if he wins Sunday’s election, he will make signing him a top priority.

Along with Haaland, Riquelme also said he would try to bring in Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri. He claimed he has already spoken to the player’s agent and will try his best to sign the Ballon d’Or winner for Real Madrid next season.

These comments come during Real Madrid’s presidential election, the first in 20 years where Florentino Perez is facing competition, after the club went two seasons without winning a major trophy.

Talking about Haaland, the Norwegian striker has said before that he would like to play for Real Madrid one day. However, recent reports suggest he is happy at Manchester City for now.

Meanwhile, Perez also said that if he wins the election, he would try to bring Benfica manager Jose Mourinho back to Real Madrid for another stint in charge.

The Portuguese coach, who has managed Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan as well, had earlier won La Liga during his three years at the Spanish club.