Erling Haaland’s supposed Real Madrid deal denied by his camp after Riquelme claim

Erling Haaland’s camp has publicly denied claims by Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme that a deal was already in place to bring the Manchester City striker to the Bernabéu. The denial, issued by Haaland’s father Alfie and agent Rafaela Pimenta and shared via Fabrizio Romano, came after Riquelme told Spanish television viewers he expected to sign both Haaland and Rodri if elected — comments that Haaland’s entourage labelled “NOT true.” The dispute unfolded in early June 2026 and matters because Haaland remains one of world football’s most valuable and influential players.

Why it matters

Haaland is contracted to Manchester City until June 2034 and is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in world football. Any suggestion that Real Madrid could have pre-arranged terms to sign him would be significant for the transfer market, for Manchester City’s long-term planning and for Real Madrid’s presidential election narrative. The immediate denial from the player’s camp underlines how sensitive and consequential public claims about marquee transfers can be during election campaigns and transfer windows.

What Riquelme said and the Haaland response

According to the report, Enrique Riquelme told viewers on the Spanish programme El Hormiguero that, if elected Real Madrid president, he would bring in both Rodri and Haaland. Riquelme also said he planned to appoint Raúl González as sporting director and Fernando Hierro to head the club’s youth academy, La Fábrica, and claimed he had given a notarial guarantee tied to promises made during his campaign.

Following those remarks, Fabrizio Romano shared a statement from Alfie Haaland and Rafaela Pimenta saying the reports were “All very entertaining but NOT true. We wish the very best for both candidates for Real Madrid presidential elections.” World Soccer Talk reports Manchester City were not alarmed by the claim, confident in their relationship with Haaland and expecting any genuine interest to be handled directly rather than via the media.

Context on contract, value and past reports

World Soccer Talk notes Haaland’s current contract with Manchester City runs until June 2034. The story also references public third-party sources for background: Capology lists Haaland’s fixed salary excluding bonuses at nearly $37 million per year, and Transfermarkt places a market value of around €200 million on the striker. The article adds that previous reports have suggested Haaland’s deal might include a hidden release clause usable by Barcelona or Real Madrid, but it emphasises that a move to Madrid ahead of the 2026–27 season currently appears unlikely.

• Enrique Riquelme told El Hormiguero he expected to sign Erling Haaland and Rodri if elected Real Madrid president.
• Haaland’s father Alfie and agent Rafaela Pimenta publicly dismissed the claim as “NOT true.”
• Haaland is under contract at Manchester City until June 2034.
• Reported salary and market-value figures (from Capology and Transfermarkt) are referenced by the source but not independently confirmed in this article.
• Manchester City were reported to be unconcerned by Riquelme’s comments, trusting Haaland and routine transfer protocols.

Implications for Manchester City and Real Madrid

If taken at face value, Riquelme’s comments would have intensified speculation about Manchester City’s squad planning and Real Madrid’s transfer ambitions under a potential new president. The Haaland camp’s swift denial reduces the immediate likelihood of disruption. For City, a public repudiation from the player’s representatives helps maintain stability; for Real Madrid, the episode could become an unwelcome distraction in a presidential campaign unless Riquelme clarifies his remarks.

It is important to stress that the information in this story comes from a single report summarising Riquelme’s television remarks and a short statement from Haaland’s representatives shared by Fabrizio Romano. Key documentary evidence — such as any contract clause or an official approach from Real Madrid — has not been presented in the available source material.

What happens next

At present, Haaland remains a Manchester City player under a long-term contract and his camp has denied the suggested arrangement with Real Madrid. Further verification is needed: official comments from Real Madrid or Riquelme, publication of any contractual clause, or confirmation from Manchester City would change the story. Until then, the practical effect is limited — the claim has been publicly rejected and should be regarded as unverified.