Man City consider legal action after Haaland claim

Man City consider legal action after Haaland claimImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Manchester City faced Real Madrid three times in last season's Champions League, with Haaland scoring twiceByDaniel AustinBBC Sport senior journalistPublished4 June 2026Manchester 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."To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, Not if Manchester City have anything to do with it!What is happening in the Real Madrid election?Riquelme has challenged Perez in the election – the first time in 20 years Perez has not stood unopposed – following tw...