Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has refused to back down from his pledge to sign Erling Haaland if he is elected president on Sunday, despite strong opposition to the idea and continued denials from those connected to the player.
Riquelme has emerged as the first serious challenger to Florentino Perez in many years following a disappointing period for Real Madrid. After failing to win a trophy in consecutive seasons, frustration has grown among sections of the club’s supporters, creating an opportunity for alternative candidates to present their vision for the future.
For a club accustomed to competing for and winning the biggest honours in world football, recent seasons have fallen below expectations. This has occurred despite the arrival of several elite players, including Kylian Mbappe, leading some supporters to question the club’s current direction.
Riquelme Maintains Haaland Promise
One of the central points of Riquelme’s campaign has been his insistence that he would bring Erling Haaland to Real Madrid if elected. The proposal has attracted significant attention and generated widespread debate among supporters and football observers.
The comments have reportedly angered Manchester City, who are believed to be considering legal action over the continued discussion surrounding one of their most important players. Meanwhile, Haaland’s representatives have repeatedly stated that the striker is happy at the club and has no intention of leaving.
Response to Growing Criticism
Despite the criticism, Riquelme has continued to defend his position. According to VG, he has suggested that Haaland has a release clause that he would be prepared to activate if given the opportunity. He also indicated that he understands why those close to the player have publicly dismissed the speculation.
The report quotes him as saying: “I understand that the agent must defend and protect the player, and the same with the club.”
Haaland remains under a long-term contract at Manchester City, making any potential transfer highly complicated. While major moves can never be completely ruled out in football, the prospect currently appears unlikely. There are also questions about how Real Madrid would accommodate both Haaland and Mbappe in the same squad, given their status as two of the most prominent attacking players in world football.