Manchester City are contemplating taking legal action after a Real Madrid presidential candidate promised to sign their striker Erling Haaland.
Enrique Riquelme, a renewable energy magnate who is challenging current president Florentino Perez for the position, unveiled a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name while on television on Wednesday, saying: “He has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid. If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid.”
A swift denial was issued in a joint statement by Haaland’s father and agent, before City rubbished the suggestion.
“The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue,” the statement read. “There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it.
“We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.”
Enrique also pledged to sign City midfielder Rodri, adding: “He is a great player, in a position where Madrid need to strengthen.
“We have spoken to his agent. We have to respect his club, but if I’m president he will play for Madrid. I will do everything possible.”
Haaland’s father Alfe Inge and agent Rafaela Pimenta said in their joint statement: “All very entertaining but not true.
“We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections.”
Riquelme has challenged Perez in the election, the first time in 20 years Perez has not stood unopposed, following two seasons in which the club has won no major trophies.
The 37-year-old has run on a campaign of vast giveaways, including a promise to build a members’ city for fans of the club in the area surrounding the training base featuring swimming pools, padel courts and a basketball arena.
He has also suggested reducing the annual membership fee by up to 50 per cent if the team does not win the Champions League next season.
Riquelme also opposes Perez’s decision to hire Jose Mourinho as the club’s manager. That appointment can only be formally confirmed if Perez wins the election.
The team behind Riquelme’s campaign has hinted that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is their main target for the position.
“My coach is the one Real Madrid fans wants,” he said on Wednesday, without revealing a name.
When asked about Klopp in an interview with The Athletic last month, Riquelme said: “Naturally, I would love for profiles of that calibre, and others like them, to coach this club.”
The Perez campaign has sought to dismiss Riquelme’s strategy of immediately bringing in superstar names as unrealistic.-BBC
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