Manchester City are contemplating legal action following a Real Madrid candidate's Erling Haaland claim

Riquelme, a renewable energy entrepreneur who is challenging the incumbent Florentino Perez, made this pledge during an appearance on Spanish television on Wednesday, where he displayed a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland's name.

"The stories that have emerged from Spain about the future of Erling Haaland are not true," a City spokesperson said on Thursday.

"There is no possibility of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it. We are contemplating legal action for the use of our player's image in this context."

Riquelme stated that Haaland, who scored 38 goals in all competitions last season, had a release clause and wished to move to the Spanish club. He added that he would prioritise the transfer if he wins Sunday's election.

A joint statement from Haaland's father, Alfie, and the 25-year-old player's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, quickly dismissed the suggestion, describing it as "not true".

Riquelme further mentioned that he would attempt to sign City's Spain midfielder Rodri, stating he had spoken to the player's agent and would "do everything possible" to bring the Ballon d'Or winner to Madrid.

These remarks come against the backdrop of Real's presidential election, the first in two decades in which Perez is not standing unopposed, following the club's two seasons without a major trophy.

Voting is set for Sunday, with around 100,000 club members eligible to participate.

Haaland had the opportunity to join Real in 2022 when he left Borussia Dortmund, but chose City, where his father once played.

Although the striker, who won the Premier League Golden Boot for the third time in four seasons, said he would like to play for Real Madrid one day, there has been no suggestion that he is unhappy at City. He signed a new 9 and a half year contract in January 2025.