Manchester City have strongly denied reports linking star striker Erling Haaland with a move to Real Madrid and are considering legal action over the unauthorised use of the player’s image during the Spanish club’s presidential campaign.
The controversy began when Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme appeared on Spanish television and claimed that he would sign Haaland if elected.
During the appearance, Riquelme displayed a Real Madrid jersey bearing Haaland’s name and suggested that the Norwegian striker had a contractual clause that would allow him to leave Manchester City for the Spanish giants.
Manchester City quickly dismissed the claims, describing them as false. In an official statement, the team said there was “no chance” of Haaland joining Real Madrid and insisted that no contractual clause exists that would enable such a transfer.
The club also confirmed that it is considering legal action over the use of Haaland’s image in the campaign.
Haaland’s representatives also moved swiftly to reject the rumours. His father, Alfie Haaland, and agent, Rafaela Pimenta, issued a joint statement describing the claims as “entertaining but not true.”
The 25-year-old striker remains one of Manchester City’s most valuable players. Since joining the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has established himself as one of the world’s leading forwards.
He recently won another Premier League Golden Boot and has scored more than 160 goals for City in all competitions. In January 2025, he signed a long-term contract that keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until 2034.
The dispute comes ahead of Real Madrid’s presidential election, the first contested vote at the club in two decades. Riquelme is challenging long-serving president Florentino Pérez and has made several ambitious promises in an attempt to win support from club members.
Along with Haaland, he has also claimed he would attempt to bring Manchester City midfielder Rodri to the Santiago Bernabéu.
For now, Manchester City’s message is clear: Haaland is not for sale, and the club is prepared to defend both its player and its interests through legal channels if necessary.
