Why is Manchester City threatening legal action against Spanish giants Real Madrid?

Manchester City have strongly denied claims that Erling Haaland could leave the club for Real Madrid and are now considering legal action against Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme. The controversy began after Riquelme appeared on Spanish television holding a Real Madrid shirt with Haaland’s name on it and suggested that the Norwegian striker could join the Spanish giants if he wins the club’s upcoming presidential election.Riquelme also claimed that Ballon d’Or winner Rodri would leave Manchester City and move to Madrid under his leadership. His comments quickly attracted attention across Europe. However, City responded firmly and dismissed the statements as completely inaccurate. The Premier League club insisted there is no release clause in Haaland’s contract that would allow such a move and warned that the use of the player’s image in this political campaign could lead to legal consequences.Enrique Riquelme stated during a television appearance that Erling Haaland was interested in joining Real Madrid and suggested the striker had a contract clause that could make the transfer possible. The businessman is challenging current president Florentino Pérez in Sunday’s election and used the promise of major signings as part of his campaign.Manchester City immediately rejected the suggestion. Club officials said the reports coming from Spain were false and stressed that Haaland’s contract contains no clause that would allow Real Madrid to sign him. The club also revealed it is exploring legal options over the unauthorized use of Haaland’s image during the election campaign.Haaland’s representatives also dismissed the claims. His father, Alfie Haaland, and agent Rafaela Pimenta described the reports as entertaining speculation but insisted they were not based on reality. They added that they wished both candidates success in the election.Riquelme also promised to bring Rodri to Madrid. He described the Spanish midfielder as an ideal signing and argued that Real Madrid needed reinforcement in that area of the squad. To show confidence in his promises, he said he would personally cover the annual membership fees of all club members if he failed to deliver the transfers after winning the election.Meanwhile, uncertainty remains around Rodri’s long-term future because his current Manchester City contract expires next summer. The midfielder recently suggested that circumstances could have been different without the upcoming World Cup but made clear that he remains comfortable with his current situation.