Manchester City Eyes Legal Action Over Haaland Claim

Manchester City is contemplating legal action regarding an unauthorized use of striker Erling Haaland's image by a Real Madrid presidential candidate. Entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme, who is challenging incumbent Florentino Perez, stated his intention to sign Haaland if he wins the upcoming election, even displaying a shirt with the player's name.

City officials have vehemently denied Riquelme's assertions, calling them untrue and clarifying that no contractual clause exists to facilitate such a move. The club indicated it is exploring legal avenues for the unauthorized public use of their player's image and name.

Candidate's Claims and Club's Rebuttal

During a Spanish television appearance, Riquelme claimed Haaland had a release clause and desired a move to the Spanish club. He emphasized that securing the Norwegian striker would be a priority if he were to win Sunday's presidential election.

In response, a joint statement from Haaland's father, Alfie, and his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, swiftly rejected Riquelme's suggestion, labeling it as fabricated. These strong denials directly contradict the candidate's public declarations.

Wider Election Context and Player Status

Riquelme also mentioned his intent to pursue Manchester City midfielder Rodri, stating that he had engaged with the player's agent and would exert every effort to bring the Ballon d'Or winner to Madrid. These remarks are set against the backdrop of Real Madrid's presidential election, which marks the first time in two decades that Perez faces an opponent, following two seasons without a major trophy.

Haaland had the option to join Real Madrid in 2022 when he departed Borussia Dortmund but ultimately chose to sign with Manchester City, a club where his father previously played. The striker, who secured the Premier League Golden Boot for the third time in four seasons, has expressed a future interest in playing for Real Madrid; however, there have been no indications of discontent at City. He signed a new long-term contract in January 2025.

Implications for Club and Player

This incident underscores the often-intense speculation surrounding top football talent during election cycles in major clubs like Real Madrid. Unauthorized use of player images can lead to significant legal repercussions and disrupt transfer market stability.

For Manchester City, the strong stance against Riquelme's claims reinforces their commitment to retaining their key players and protecting club assets. The situation highlights the challenges clubs face in managing external narratives, especially when star players are involved in public discourse by third parties.