Erling Haaland to Real Madrid transfer talks to begin on Monday, says presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme
Published 05/06/2026 at 09:59 GMT+1
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Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has claimed talks will begin with Manchester City over a deal to sign Erling Haaland on Monday, should he win Sunday's elections.
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Riquelme controversially claimed earlier this week that he would prioritise the signing of striker Haaland, who he claimed has a release clause in his contract and "wants to come to Madrid".
City, in response, threatened to take legal action against Real Madrid, insisting that there is "no chance" of a transfer. But Riquelme has not backed down from his comments.
"It's normal, it's an election, there are two candidates, no one is guaranteed to win, and they [Man City] have to protect the player," he said, adding that he "didn't want to disrespect Manchester City".
"Starting Monday, we'll talk, we'll sit down to talk with them."
Riquelme is bidding to replace Florentino Perez, Real Madrid's president for 26 years.
The incumbent has himself promised to spend in this summer's transfer window, vowing to break the club's transfer record on an unnamed player.
"On Tuesday I'm going to make a significant offer to a top Champions League team for a top player," . "It would be the largest transfer fee Real Madrid has ever paid. At least €150 million (£130m).
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"When we sign someone, it's to inspire: [Luis] Figo, [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo], Kaka. The player will be of that calibre, and he won't be from the Premier League. A true superstar.
"It's not [Michael] Olise, or [Jeremy] Doku, or [Erling] Haaland. They're great players, but it's not the name I'm thinking of.
"It isn't [Harry] Kane. It's a player who plays from the midfield, or further forwards. He's a total Galactico. But first we'll talk to his club."
Speculation will inevitably be rife in the coming days, particularly if Perez wins the elections.
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The 79-year-old is the favourite to come out on top again, although Riquelme's comments have certainly created some discussion.
The Cox Energy founder, 42 years Perez's junior, has also outlined his aim to sign City midfielder and Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.
"He’s a top player, a Ballon d’Or winner in a position where Madrid needs to strengthen. If I become president, Rodri will play for Real Madrid, with all due respect to City," Riquelme said.
"I don’t have the track record of Florentino – I’ve never been president. That’s why I’m committing myself to the two players I’ve announced, backed by a personal notarised guarantee. If I fail to deliver, I will pay 100% of the annual dues of Madrid’s 100,000 members."
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Despite Riquelme's assertions, Haaland's father, Alfie, and agent, Rafaela Pimenta, dismissed the claims in a joint statement.
"All very entertaining but not true," they said. "We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections."
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