Manchester City have shut down rumours linking Erling Haaland with a move to Real Madrid, saying there is “no chance” such a move could come to fruition.
Star striker Haaland is the envy of Europe after he cruised to the Premier League golden boot this season, netting 27 goals in 35 appearances.
But the Norwegian, who is currently gearing up to represent his nation at the World Cup for the first time, has been caught up in a game of political bluff.
Real Madrid are in the process of electing a new president, and, as he looks to curry favour with the voter base and overthrow Florentino Perez, candidate Enrique Riquelme has promised to deliver Haaland to the Bernabeu should he be installed.
Appearing on Spanish TV show El Hormiguero, Riquelme said: “Haaland has a release clause [in his City contract], and he wants to come to Madrid.”
He also promised to bring in City’s Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri, adding: “If I become president, Rodri will play for Real Madrid, with all due respect to City.”
He then promised to personally pay the annual dues of Real Madrid’s 100,000 members should he fail to fulfil his promise.
But City were quick to put the kibosh on the rumours, releasing a statement which set an unequivocal stance.
"The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue," the statement read. "There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it.
"We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context."
Haaland’s father Alfie and agent Rafaela Pimenta also responded, added in a joint statement to Fabrizio Romano: “All very entertaining but NOT true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections”.
