Enrique Riquelme Calls Denial of Haaland Talks 'Part of the Game'

Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid, addressed recent denials from sources close to Erling Haaland regarding any agreement for the Norwegian striker’s transfer to the Spanish club. Riquelme described these denials as "part of the game."

Late on Wednesday night, Riquelme stated that Haaland, who scored 38 goals across all competitions last season, has a release clause and desires to move to Real Madrid. He added that finalizing this deal would be his top priority if he wins the upcoming election scheduled for Sunday.

Meanwhile, Manchester City is reportedly considering legal action after Riquelme publicly declared his intention to sign Haaland. The club issued a statement on Thursday denying the reports from Spain about Haaland’s future, emphasizing that no contractual clause permits such a transfer and that they are evaluating legal measures due to the use of the player’s image in this context.

Riquelme, an investor in renewable energy and a challenger to current president Florentino Pérez, made his pledge during a television appearance in Spain on Wednesday, where he held up a Real Madrid jersey bearing Haaland’s name.

Responding to the denials of negotiations with Haaland in an interview with the newspaper "AS," Riquelme said, "Well, this is part of the game, and you journalists know that better than anyone else. The same happened with Luis Figo before; these are normal occurrences in football. It is natural for the player to be protected. We have spoken before and after, including with Pablo, Rodri’s agent."

He acknowledged the necessity of negotiating with Manchester City, stating, "I fully understand that we must negotiate with Manchester City, and I said that yesterday. Rodri’s situation differs from Haaland’s, but in both cases, we need to talk to City. We respect the English club to the highest degree and are working on this matter."

Riquelme expressed full confidence in his plan, declaring, "We have a very clear and organized vision, and I am completely sure that if I become president of Real Madrid, Haaland and Rodri will play for Real Madrid."

He also mentioned providing a personal guarantee to demonstrate his seriousness to club members: "If I fail to fulfill any of these promises, I will personally pay the membership fees for one hundred thousand Real Madrid members. I cannot ask for the members’ trust if I do not trust the project I am presenting myself."

Riquelme added, "I cannot reveal more details because I do not want to put anyone in an awkward position. What I can say is that I fully understand clubs protecting their players because they are still under contract, and that must be respected."

Regarding Manchester City’s displeasure with his statements, Riquelme clarified, "Negotiations must continue, with full respect to Manchester City. We have to sit at the negotiating table. The player has a contract with certain clauses, and we have already sent a private message to the club on Wednesday to clarify some points, especially since language differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, but the picture is clear to us."