Enrique Riquelme, who is challenging Florentino Perez in Sunday's Real Madrid presidential election, has repeated his claim that he will sign Erling Haaland and Rodri from Manchester City if elected. He says he has met Haaland recently to discuss a move. Manchester City has rejected the claims and is considering legal action.
Riquelme made the initial comments on the El Hormiguero television show, where he held up a Real Madrid shirt with Haaland's name. He followed up in an interview with Spanish daily AS, stating that he would pay the membership fees of the club's 100,000 members next season if he fails to deliver both players. The 37-year-old candidate said Haaland has a contractual clause allowing him to leave Manchester City. He added that he had already contacted the club regarding their objections and that denials from the player's camp are normal. Manchester City issued a statement saying the reports are untrue and that there is no such clause in Haaland's contract. The club said it is considering legal action over the use of the player's image. Haaland's agent Rafaela Pimenta and father Alfie issued a joint statement describing the claims as not true. Rodri has one year left on his contract at City and has previously been linked with a return to Madrid.