Man City Fire Back At Haaland Exit Rumours, Warn Real Madrid Over Reports

Manchester City have firmly dismissed speculation linking star striker Erling Haaland with a summer move to Real Madrid, insisting that no provision exists in the Norwegian forward’s contract that would facilitate such a transfer.

The clarification follows remarks made by Enrique Riquelme, a contender in Real Madrid’s forthcoming presidential election, who reportedly promised to bring both Haaland and Rodri to the Spanish capital if elected. Riquelme also alleged that Haaland’s contract contains a release clause that could make the transfer possible.

In response, Manchester City categorically denied the claims, describing reports emanating from Spain regarding the player’s future as false. The club maintained that there is no contractual mechanism that would allow Haaland to leave under the circumstances suggested and revealed that it is considering legal action over the unauthorized use of the player’s image in connection with the reports.

The controversy intensified after additional reports in Spain claimed that an agreement had already been reached between Haaland and Riquelme ahead of a potential change in leadership at Real Madrid.

The reports prompted a swift reaction from Haaland’s father, Alfie Haaland, and his representative, Rafaela Pimenta, who jointly dismissed the speculation. In a statement, they described the reports as entertaining but entirely inaccurate, while extending their best wishes to the candidates participating in the Real Madrid presidential race.

Haaland has long been admired by Real Madrid and has frequently been linked with a move to La Liga. However, the prolific forward reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester City after signing a new long-term contract in January 2025. The agreement is set to keep the 25-year-old at the Etihad Stadium until June 2034, underlining the club’s determination to retain one of world football’s most sought-after talents.