Real Madrid election heats up as candidate Riquelme claims Haaland deal, denied by club and player
Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme claimed on Spanish TV he has secured deals to sign Erling Haaland and Rodri if elected on June 7. Haaland’s camp and Manchester City denied the claims, with City threatening legal action over unauthorized image use. Incumbent Florentino Pérez countered by announcing José Mourinho as next coach. Riquelme’s approval rating has risen, but the controversy has sparked skepticism among club members.
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Riquelme: Klopp Press Release Was Discussed Between the Parties
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid, addressed the controversy surrounding a press release from his campaign that claimed Jurgen Klopp would be the club's next coach. Speaking outside his electoral headquarters, Riquelme stated that the press release, issued in both English and Spanish, was explicitly discussed and agreed upon with Klopp and his entourage to avoid any ambiguity. He reiterated that Raul Gonzalez Blanco, if Riquelme becomes president, will lead the effort to convince Klopp to join Real Madrid. Riquelme emphasized that his campaign's platform of transparency, hierarchy, and professionalism would make it easy to attract top talent like Klopp. This statement comes after Klopp's agent publicly denied any agreement. Riquelme is scheduled to hold a final campaign event later today in central Madrid.
FútbolToni Kroos Denies Joining Enrique Riquelme's Real Madrid Presidential Candidacy
Toni Kroos has publicly denied reports linking him to Enrique Riquelme's candidacy for the Real Madrid presidency. According to some media outlets, Riquelme, a businessman, was allegedly trying to convince the retired German midfielder to return to Real Madrid if elected. Kroos refuted these claims on social media using a Pinocchio emoji (three faces with long noses), indicating the reports were false. While Riquelme's campaign has indeed recruited Real Madrid legends such as Raúl, Fernando Hierro, Vicente del Bosque, and Iker Casillas, Kroos will not be joining them. The denial was published by Mundo Deportivo on June 6, 2026.
FútbolReal Madrid Candidate Enrique Riquelme Vows to Approach Jürgen Klopp if Elected
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate challenging incumbent Florentino Pérez in the upcoming Real Madrid presidential election, announced via a press release that he would contact former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp to offer him the coaching position if he wins on Sunday. Riquelme has made several high-profile campaign promises, including the signings of Erling Haaland (denied by the player's camp), Rodri, and the appointments of Raúl as sporting director and Fernando Hierro as head of the training center. In response, Pérez released a video of José Mourinho wearing a Real Madrid jersey, hinting at a potential return for the 'Special One' if re-elected. The election will determine the club's direction for the coming years.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuRiquelme: Klopp will be first choice for Real Madrid job if I win election
Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has announced that Jurgen Klopp will be his first choice for head coach if he wins the club's presidential election on Sunday. Riquelme, who is challenging incumbent Florentino Perez, has also promised to sign Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri, and appoint club legend Raul as sporting director. Riquelme's office released a statement emphasizing that only Real Madrid could lure Klopp back to management. Meanwhile, Perez has promised to bring back Jose Mourinho as head coach and sign defenders Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate, along with a €150m offer for a top European player, reportedly Bayern Munich's Michael Olise. The election pits two very different visions for the club's future.
SkySports | NewsManchester City Denies Haaland Release Clause as Real Madrid Candidate Riquelme Insists on Agreement
Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has reiterated his claim that he has a pre-agreement with Erling Haaland to join Real Madrid if he wins the election, asserting that Haaland has a release clause allowing a unilateral exit from Manchester City. Manchester City has again denied the existence of such a clause. Riquelme previously made the claim on Spanish TV and backed it with a notarized promise to pay 15 million euros in membership fees if he fails. Haaland's father and agent Rafaela Pimenta issued a joint statement calling the claims 'interesting, but not true' and wishing both candidates well. Haaland himself has not commented publicly. Riquelme dismissed the denial as 'part of football,' referencing the Luis Figo transfer saga.
虎扑 - 足球Real Madrid Candidate Riquelme Dismisses Man City Legal Threat Over Haaland Pledge
Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has responded to Manchester City's legal threat by calling their reaction 'normal' after he promised to sign Erling Haaland if elected. City issued a statement denying any agreement or release clause for Haaland, and warned of legal action over the use of the player's image in Riquelme's campaign. Haaland's agent Rafaela Pimenta and his father Alfie also dismissed the claims as 'not true'. Riquelme, who faces incumbent Florentino Perez in Sunday's election, said he would begin formal talks with City and Haaland's representatives next week if he wins. Haaland, who signed a nine-and-a-half-year contract with City in January 2025, is currently focused on the upcoming World Cup with Norway.
Mirror - Transfer NewsReal Madrid and Man City war of words over Erling Haaland takes new twist after legal threat
The war of words between Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme and Manchester City has escalated after City threatened legal action. Riquelme had pledged to sign Erling Haaland if elected, claiming an agreement was in place. City denied the claims, stating there is no contractual clause enabling a move, and are considering legal action for using Haaland's image in the election context. Riquelme responded by calling City's reaction 'normal' and said he would hold talks with Haaland's agent and City next week if elected. Haaland's representatives, Rafaela Pimenta and Alfie Haaland, dismissed the claims as 'not true'. Haaland, who signed a nine-and-a-half year contract with City in January 2025, is focused on the upcoming World Cup with Norway.
Mirror - Transfer NewsReal Madrid and Man City war of words over Erling Haaland takes new twist after legal threat
The war of words between Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme and Manchester City has escalated after City threatened legal action. Riquelme, who is running against Florentino Perez in the upcoming election, promised to sign Erling Haaland this summer, claiming an agreement was in place. Manchester City denied the claims, stating there is no contractual clause enabling a move, and are considering legal action for the use of Haaland's image. Riquelme responded by calling City's reaction 'normal' and said he plans to hold formal talks with Haaland's agent and City if elected. Haaland's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, and his father, Alfie Haaland, issued a joint statement calling the claims 'entertaining but not true.' Haaland, who signed a nine-and-a-half year contract with City in January 2025, is currently focused on the upcoming World Cup with Norway.
Mirror - FootballReal Madrid President Pérez Promises Most Expensive Transfer in Club History
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has announced he will submit a record-breaking transfer offer next Tuesday, as part of his re-election campaign. The announcement comes amid a fierce power struggle with challenger Enrique Riquelme, who previously promised to sign Erling Haaland. Pérez did not reveal the target player but stated the offer is for a player of 'Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaká caliber' from a Champions League team not in the Premier League. He explicitly ruled out Haaland, Harry Kane, Michael Olisé, and Jérémy Doku. The current club record is the €103 million (up to €127 million with bonuses) paid for Jude Bellingham in 2023. Pérez also confirmed the return of José Mourinho as coach, the free transfer of Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool, and the signing of Denzel Dumfries. The presidential election is scheduled for June 7th, marking the first serious contest for the position since 2006, as Pérez faces pressure after two trophy-less seasons.
BILD - SportEnrique Riquelme responds to Florentino Pérez, announces Vicente del Bosque as coach and reiterates Haaland and Rodri promises
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in the Real Madrid presidential election scheduled for June 7, 2026, has responded to incumbent Florentino Pérez's announcement of José Mourinho as his coach by revealing his own choice: Vicente del Bosque. In an interview with COPE's El Partidazo program, Riquelme stated that Del Bosque, 75, will join the project altruistically 'for the good of Real Madrid.' Riquelme also addressed rumors about Jürgen Klopp, denying any direct negotiations. He reiterated his campaign promise to sign Manchester City stars Rodri and Erling Haaland if elected, vowing to pay members' monthly fees if the transfers fail. Del Bosque, a former Real Madrid player and Spain national team coach, has been without a club since 2016.
RecordRiquelme Reacts to Florentino Pérez's Record Offer Announcement
Florentino Pérez, a candidate for Real Madrid presidency, announced on the 'Horizonte' program that if elected on Tuesday, he would make the largest offer in the club's history for a player. Meanwhile, rival candidate Enrique Riquelme was being interviewed on COPE and learned of Pérez's statement live. Riquelme responded by saying he would try to give more important names and that his sports team, led by three captains, is working on a complete candidacy. He also revealed that former coach Vicente del Bosque would join his project if he wins the election.
FútbolEnrique Riquelme Downplays Man City Legal Threat Over Haaland Name Use in Election Campaign
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in an unspecified election, has responded to Manchester City's threat of legal action over his unauthorized use of Erling Haaland's name in his campaign. Riquelme described the club's reaction as 'normal,' stating they have to protect their player. He compared the situation to the well-known Figo case. While he has not yet spoken directly with Haaland's agent, Riquelme emphasized he does not want to disrespect Manchester City and confirmed that formal negotiations will begin on Monday. The dispute centers on Riquelme's use of the star striker's name for political purposes, which the club views as a violation of the player's image rights.
The back page of the internet.Real Madrid: Revelations About Erling Haaland and Florentino Pérez
On Wednesday evening, Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in Real Madrid's presidential election, claimed to have a verbal agreement with Erling Haaland (25) to sign him if he wins the election on Sunday. Haaland's father quickly denied the claim, and Manchester City threatened legal action against Riquelme. Journalist Marcos Benito later stated on El Chiringuito that Florentino Pérez's campaign team knew in advance that Riquelme would make this announcement and that Haaland's father would deny it, suggesting a coordinated political stunt. The article highlights the intersection of football transfer politics and club presidential campaigning.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertReal Madrid Candidate Riquelme Promises to Sign Rodri and Haaland
As the Real Madrid presidential elections approach, candidate Enrique Riquelme has made bold campaign promises, vowing to sign Manchester City stars Rodri and Erling Haaland if he wins the upcoming election. The announcement, reported by Yardbarker Soccer on June 5, 2026, highlights the high-stakes nature of the election and the potential impact on Manchester City's squad planning. City are reportedly counting on Rodri to play a key role next season, making Riquelme's promise a direct challenge to their roster stability. The news underscores the intersection of football politics and transfer market dynamics, with Riquelme leveraging high-profile signings as a central campaign platform.
Yardbarker: SoccerMadrid's Mess: Presidential Candidates Clash Over Signings and Coaches
The Real Madrid presidential election campaign has turned into a spectacle of competing announcements between incumbent Florentino Pérez and challenger Riquelme. Riquelme declared on TV program El Hormiguero that he would sign Erling Haaland from Manchester City and midfielder Rodri, while Florentino countered by naming José Mourinho as his coach and promising a €150 million offer for a star. Haaland's agents quickly denied the claims, and Manchester City reportedly threatened legal action. Riquelme's strategy includes opposing Florentino's plan to sell 5-10% of the club, making flashy signing promises, and surrounding himself with former legends like Raúl, Hierro, and Casillas. Florentino relies on his experience, European titles, and economic management, backed by former players Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Pirri, and Solari. The election, the first in 20 years, sees Florentino as the favorite, but Riquelme is gaining attention.
FútbolReal Madrid Candidate Riquelme Targets Kroos for Campaign Team Ahead of Election
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in the upcoming Real Madrid presidential election, is making a final push by attempting to recruit legendary midfielder Toni Kroos to his campaign team, according to Corbe Radio. Kroos, who retired in June 2024 after a decade at Real Madrid, would be a major asset. Riquelme has already confirmed that if elected, club legends Raul, Fernando Hierro, Iker Casillas, and Vicente Del Bosque would join the management or coaching staff. In a previous interview, he also claimed to have reached an agreement with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Regarding the head coach position, Riquelme stated his preference would be 'completely different' from rival Florentino Perez's reported plan to appoint Jose Mourinho, but has not revealed a specific name. Real Madrid members will vote this Sunday.
虎扑 - 足球Riquelme: Vicente del Bosque joins my Real Madrid presidential campaign without compensation
Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme announced that legendary coach Vicente del Bosque has joined his campaign team selflessly and without compensation. Riquelme's team already includes Real Madrid figures Raul, Hierro, and Casillas. He reiterated promises to sign Erling Haaland and Rodri if elected, vowing to pay membership dues for all Real Madrid members if he fails. Riquelme denied private meetings with Klopp but hinted his sports director Raul may have met the German coach. He is actively campaigning across Almeria, Murcia, and Alicante, claiming nearly a thousand supporters for the upcoming vote.
虎扑 - 足球Riquelme Announces Vicente del Bosque Joins His Real Madrid Presidential Candidacy
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in the Real Madrid presidential election, announced that former Real Madrid player and coach Vicente del Bosque will join his candidacy in a selfless capacity, without a specific role. The announcement, made on Cadena Cope, adds to a series of high-profile names Riquelme has previously claimed for his campaign, including Raúl, Fernando Hierro, Iker Casillas, Rodri, and Erling Haaland. The article highlights the ongoing electoral campaign for the Real Madrid presidency, characterized by a flurry of candidate announcements.
FútbolRodri Avoids Question on Real Madrid Future Amid Presidential Race
Spanish midfielder Rodri, currently with Manchester City, deflected a question about a potential move to Real Madrid during a press conference with the Spanish national team. The query arose from the ongoing Real Madrid presidential election campaign, where candidate Enrique Riquelme publicly promised to sign both Erling Haaland and Rodri if he wins. Incumbent Florentino Perez is also in the race. Rodri stated he was focused on the upcoming World Cup and would discuss his future only after the tournament. The article, published by Foot Mercato on June 4, 2026, highlights the political maneuvering within Real Madrid's election and its impact on transfer speculation.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertRiquelme's Banner Attacks Florentino Pérez: 'Real Madrid is Not for Sale'
Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid, escalated his campaign against incumbent Florentino Pérez by displaying a large banner on Velázquez Street in Madrid on June 4, 2026. The banner features an illustration of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium with a 'For Sale' sign and Pérez's name, accompanied by the text 'Real Madrid is not for sale.' This move follows Riquelme's announcement on the Spanish TV program 'El Hormiguero' that he would sign Erling Haaland if elected. The banner is a direct attack on Pérez's leadership, implying he is willing to sell the club. The article, published by Mundo Deportivo, highlights the heated rivalry in the upcoming Real Madrid presidential election.
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