The race for the Real Madrid presidency has taken another fascinating twist after fresh details emerged regarding Enrique Riquelme’s ambitious promise to bring Erling Haaland to the Santiago Bernabeu.
When Riquelme publicly declared that Haaland would become a Real Madrid player if he won the election, many viewed it as a campaign statement designed to excite supporters.
However, a new report from Mundo Deportivo suggests there may have been far more substance behind the promise than initially believed.
According to the report, despite denial from the forward’s camp, discussions involving the Manchester City striker’s camp actually took place, raising the possibility that the proposal was based on genuine groundwork rather than pure election rhetoric.
Riquelme reached agreement with Haaland’s camp
The report claims that an agreement was finalised last week in Marbella between Enrique Riquelme and Haaland’s father.
🆕 Riquelme asegura que HAALAND será jugador del REAL MADRID si gana las elecciones.
💸 Se compromete a pagar la cuota anual de todos los socios si incumple sus promesas.
vía @El_Hormiguero pic.twitter.com/a0KFyCJFDB
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) June 3, 2026
While some reports have suggested that Haaland himself may also have been present, the one detail that appears consistent across various accounts is that the player’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, was not involved in the meeting.
Despite that absence, the understanding reached between the parties is said to be significant.
It must be noted that Riquelme has repeatedly insisted that Haaland would become a Real Madrid player if he secures victory in the presidential election.
He has also linked his sporting project to the potential arrival of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, presenting both players as centrepieces of his vision for the club’s future.
How can he sign these players?
According to the report, the proposed operation would involve Real Madrid activating a release clause included in Haaland’s contract with Manchester City.
Erling Haaland of Manchester City
Haaland has a contract with City until 2034. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The exact figure of that clause remains unclear, but it is believed to be central to any future negotiations.
Even if an agreement exists in principle, completing a deal of this magnitude would still be extraordinarily complicated, as Haaland remains one of the most valuable footballers in the world and is currently under contract with Manchester City until 2034.
Hence, any transfer would require not only financial muscle but also cooperation from multiple parties, including the player’s representatives.
That is particularly relevant given the reported absence of agent Rafaela Pimenta from the Marbella discussions.