Manchester City are reportedly considering legal action after claims linked to a political figure raised questions about Erling Haaland’s future. The development was flagged by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who described the situation as breaking news and emphasized that the club is taking the matter seriously.
According to Romano’s report, the trigger for City’s response was a claim attributed to Enrique Riquelme. The allegation suggested that Haaland would move to Real Madrid if Riquelme wins upcoming elections. Such a statement, if it was circulated publicly in a way that connected Haaland’s professional future to political outcomes, is at the center of the dispute.
Manchester City have denied the information. The club’s denial indicates that they do not accept the claim as factual and do not recognize any agreement, understanding, or promise that ties Haaland’s career direction to external election results. For City, the key concern appears to be both reputational and contractual: a player of Haaland’s profile cannot be used as a bargaining chip or implied reward in political narratives without consequences.
Romano’s account frames the situation as a potential image-rights and misinformation issue. Manchester City are exploring legal action, which suggests that they believe the claim may have involved the club’s player in a way that could mislead the public or be unauthorized. Specifically, the report points to the use of Haaland’s image “on purpose,” implying that the messaging may have been designed to create attention or influence while using his name and likeness.
While the detailed legal grounds are not fully spelled out in the announcement, the direction of City’s intended response is clear. The club is not treating the matter as a simple rumor. Instead, it appears to be preparing a formal challenge—either through legal correspondence or proceedings—to address what it views as improper conduct. The focus includes the deliberate nature of the claim, not just the content.
This is significant because Haaland’s transfer rumors regularly circulate during the football calendar. However, Romano’s framing suggests that this case is different. The allegation is described as conditional on a political win, which may cross a line by linking a player’s career to election campaigning. That link can be particularly damaging: it can generate unrealistic expectations among fans, complicate the club’s internal messaging, and potentially create confusion in negotiations or sponsorship communications.
The report also underlines that Manchester City are taking steps beyond denial alone. Clubs typically deny transfer rumors when they are baseless, but City is reportedly “exploring legal action” rather than stopping at a statement. That distinction highlights the likelihood that the club believes there is a tangible harm or a potentially actionable breach tied to the use of Haaland’s image or identity.
Romano’s intervention suggests that the journalist expects the story to develop, given the club’s willingness to consider legal routes. If City proceeds, the action could involve blocking or removing content, seeking damages, or requesting corrective steps from parties responsible for the claims and any associated publicity materials. The aim would be to protect Haaland’s image rights and safeguard the club’s standing.
As the football world tracks player futures, Haaland remains one of the most valuable and closely watched forwards in the sport. Any claim about a move to Real Madrid tends to attract immediate attention due to the scale and prestige of the clubs involved. Yet City’s response indicates that they want to prevent political claims from being presented as credible football news.
Romano’s report therefore serves as both a clarification and a warning. It clarifies that Manchester City deny the allegations. It also signals that the club believes there is enough concern—especially around the “purposeful” use of their player’s image—to consider formal legal steps. The outcome of any legal action is uncertain, but the direction from City appears firm: the club will not ignore what it sees as a misuse of Haaland’s profile in a politically driven narrative.
Source: Fabrizio Romano
Fabrizio Romano: 🚨 BREAKING: Manchester City consider LEGAL ACTION after Enrique Riquelme claims of Erling Haaland joining Real Madrid if he wins the elections. The club has denied the information and exploring legal action for using their player’s image on purpose.. #breaking
— @FabrizioRomano May 1, 2026
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