Real Madrid Presidential Candidate’s Bold Promise Ignites Club Response
A stunning pledge made by a candidate vying for the Real Madrid presidency has sent shockwaves through the football world, prompting an immediate and strong reaction from Manchester City.
Candidate’s Haaland Transfer Pledge
Enrique Riquelme, a challenger to current club president Florentino Pérez, recently appeared on television to outline his campaign promises. During this appearance, Riquelme presented a Real Madrid home jersey bearing the name and iconic number 7 of Manchester City star Erling Haaland. He publicly declared, “If I am elected, I will sign Haaland for Real Madrid.”
Manchester City’s Firm Denial and Legal Consideration
Manchester City wasted no time in refuting the claim. A representative for the club, speaking to the English newspaper the Daily Mail, stated, “The comments from Spain about Haaland’s future are not true.” The representative further emphasized, “There is absolutely no possibility of such a move happening, and there are no contractual clauses that would allow for it.” The club also indicated that they are “considering legal action” regarding the use of their player’s image in this context.
Haaland joined Manchester City from Dortmund in 2022, signing a five-year contract. In January of the previous year, Manchester City secured Haaland with a long-term, 10-year deal, reportedly worth £500,000 per week. This extensive contract is widely seen as a commitment to keeping the prolific striker at the club indefinitely.
Haaland has been in exceptional form since his arrival, amassing 162 goals and 29 assists in 198 appearances, averaging nearly one attacking point per game. Manchester City’s firm stance underscores their determination to retain their star forward.
Other Campaign Promises and Coaching Speculation
Riquelme, who represents a renewable energy company, also brought up other potential signings, including Manchester City player Rodri. Furthermore, he addressed the club’s coaching situation, suggesting he would bring in a new manager to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who is reportedly under contract with Real Madrid for three more years.
Portuguese media outlets have reported that Ancelotti’s contract with Benfica extends until next year, and Real Madrid would need to pay a €12 million buyout clause to secure his services. Riquelme stated in his television interview, “Ancelotti is not our coach. We must bring in a coach that all Real Madrid fans truly want.” He promised, “If I win the election, we will bring in a superstar coach, someone befitting Real Madrid, a coach we can only imagine.”
The Presidential Election Dynamics
Florentino Pérez has held the Real Madrid presidency since 2009 and was previously elected unopposed in his fifth term. However, this upcoming election sees him facing a challenge from Riquelme, with the outcome of the vote being closely watched.
As Riquelme makes bold claims, Pérez is rallying behind Ancelotti. He has posted on his campaign website, stating, “I have too much history to make at Real Madrid,” alongside a photo of himself and Ancelotti. Pérez previously brought Ancelotti to Real Madrid in 2010, and they worked together until 2013. It is understood that after the last season, Ancelotti was presented with a contract extension until 2028.
Pérez has publicly committed to securing Ancelotti’s return as a “major signing” if he is re-elected. The Daily Mail has also reported speculation that Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, whose contract renewal talks with Liverpool have stalled, and Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries are also potential targets for Real Madrid.
