Erling Haaland and Rodri Promised to Real Madrid as Enrique Riquelme Challenges Florentino Pérez for Club Presidency

Real Madrid’s upcoming presidential election has taken a dramatic turn, with challenger Enrique Riquelme unveiling an ambitious transfer agenda designed to directly challenge Florentino Pérez’s re-election bid.

Appearing on the popular Spanish television programme El Hormiguero, the 37-year-old billionaire and renewable energy entrepreneur confirmed that signing Manchester City striker Erling Haaland would be his foremost sporting priority upon taking office. In a pointed display of intent during the broadcast, Riquelme held up a Real Madrid shirt bearing Haaland’s name and the number nine, signalling his determination to pursue the Norwegian frontman. According to reports, Riquelme intends to bypass negotiations with Manchester City altogether by triggering the striker’s multi-million euro release clause directly.

Haaland, widely regarded as one of the most prolific finishers in world football, would represent the kind of marquee acquisition that Madrid’s fanbase has historically associated with the club’s “galáctico” transfer policy. The Norwegian has been in exceptional form since joining City, consistently registering among the highest goal tallies in European football.

Riquelme did not limit his ambitions to the attacking line. He also announced plans to reinforce the midfield with Manchester City and Spain international Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner who suffered a serious knee injury in September 2024 and missed the remainder of that season. “Rodri plays in a position Real Madrid needs, and he fits the profile. If I become president, he will play for Real Madrid,” Riquelme stated, adding that formal talks with City and the player’s representatives would commence immediately following a potential election victory.

The timing of Riquelme’s announcement is significant. His media appearance came shortly after Florentino Pérez, the long-serving incumbent who has overseen multiple Champions League victories since first taking office in 2000, confirmed that José Mourinho would be his choice as head coach should he secure re-election. The duelling announcements have reframed what many had anticipated to be a routine re-election campaign for Pérez into a genuinely competitive contest between two sharply contrasting visions for the club.

Real Madrid’s presidential elections are decided by the club’s registered members, known as socios. The last contested election of note at the Bernabéu occurred over two decades ago, giving this cycle an unusual degree of historical weight. Socios will now be asked to weigh Pérez’s institutional continuity and the Mourinho appointment against Riquelme’s pledge of transformative signings and structural modernisation.

Whether Riquelme’s transfer promises are achievable remains an open question. Both Haaland and Rodri are contracted to Manchester City, and any move — regardless of release clause provisions — would involve substantial financial outlay and player negotiations. The outcome of the election itself will ultimately determine whether these commitments move beyond the campaign trail.