Manchester City Threatens Florentino's Rival with Lawsuit Over Haaland Claims

Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme stirred controversy after announcing that Erling Haaland would join the "Whites" if he won the upcoming elections. Riquelme made the claim Wednesday evening in another interview ahead of Sunday's vote (June 7th), where he will challenge current president Florentino Pérez.

However, it quickly emerged that no one in Haaland's camp had heard of such a deal. Furthermore, Manchester City, the striker's current club, threatened Riquelme with legal action.

The first to react to the candidate's "announcement" were Erling's father, Alfie Haaland, and his agent, Rafaela Pimenta. They released a brief statement in the early hours, which read: "It's all very amusing, but it's not true. We wish both Madrid candidates all the best."

A response from the Etihad followed later, with threats of legal proceedings.

"Reports circulating in Spain regarding Erling Haaland's future are untrue. There is no possibility of this (the transfer - ed. note) happening, and no contractual clause exists to allow it. We are considering legal action due to the use of our player's image in this context," City stated to "The Athletic."

Interestingly, on Tuesday, Enrique Riquelme had already announced that if he won the elections, he would bring another Manchester City player, Rodri, to Real Madrid. However, in that instance, there was no reaction from the English club.