Manchester City is reportedly contemplating legal action against Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the Real Madrid presidency, following his public declaration to sign striker Erling Haaland.
Riquelme's bold promise was made during a recent appearance on Spanish television, where he suggested that if elected, he would facilitate the transfer of the prolific Norwegian forward to the Santiago Bernabéu.
This statement comes despite Erling Haaland being under contract with Manchester City until 2034, a significant long-term agreement that highlights his crucial role within the current Premier League champions.
The presidential election at Real Madrid is slated for Sunday, representing the first contested election for the club's highest office since 2006. This political backdrop may be a key factor in Riquelme's public pledge.
Manchester City is likely to adopt a firm stance regarding such public pronouncements about their players, especially given Haaland's extended contract. The club may perceive Riquelme's comments as an opportunistic move to gain political advantage within the Real Madrid election.
Such unauthorized and potentially premature approaches to players under contract with other major European clubs could be viewed as a breach of footballing protocol and good sportsmanship.
City's legal team is reportedly assessing the situation to determine the appropriate course of action, which could include formal complaints or other legal measures.
The club's response will likely set a precedent for how such public transfer promises are handled in the future, particularly when they involve high-profile players and competitive club elections.
