Manchester City dismiss Erling Haaland to Real Madrid transfer claims
Manchester City have firmly rejected claims that Erling Haaland will join Real Madrid this summer, threatening legal action over the unauthorised use of the striker’s image.
Speculation arose after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme used the Norwegian international’s likeness during his election campaign.
The challenger incorrectly claimed the forward possessed a release clause that would facilitate an imminent move to the Spanish capital.
“He has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid. If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid,” Riquelme stated.
Camp dismisses Spanish speculation
However, these assertions have been swiftly dismantled by both the Premier League champions and the player’s representatives.
A joint statement from the attacker’s father, Alf-Inge, and agent Rafaela Pimenta dismissed the political campaigning as entirely fictitious.
“All very entertaining but not true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections,” they clarified.
The Etihad club further escalated the situation by confirming there is no contractual mechanism allowing such a transfer.
Perez retains presidency with alternative targets
Riquelme ultimately lost the election to incumbent Florentino Perez, who subsequently secured his 17th consecutive year in power at the Bernabeu.
Perez immediately distanced the La Liga giants from the former Borussia Dortmund star, outlining alternative recruitment plans for the upcoming window.
“We’re going to make a significant offer, at least around €150m. He needs to be a player from midfield who can go forward, and it’s not Haaland,” Perez confirmed.
Despite the immediate future of the prolific goalscorer remaining in Manchester, long-term speculation continues to surround his eventual career path.
Long-term future remains a talking point
The Scandinavian forward has enjoyed a sensational spell in English football, maintaining a staggering scoring rate that averages a goal every 85 minutes.
Such remarkable consistency has kept Europe’s elite clubs on high alert, with Barcelona also reportedly monitoring his situation.
Borussia Dortmund president Hans Joachim Watzke, who oversaw the 24-year-old’s development in Germany, recently weighed in on the ongoing debate.
“I know very well what Haaland thinks, and I can say that a move to Madrid will happen in the future,” Watzke told Marca.