Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has made a significant declaration, promising the signing of Erling HaalandPlayer·Erling Haaland as a central plank of his campaign to unseat current president Florentino Perez. Riquelme's bold pledge, made on Spanish television, positions the Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City striker as a potential 'galáctico' acquisition should he win the upcoming election on June 7, 2026.
The prospect of Haaland joining Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid has been a recurring topic, despite the Norwegian international signing a new long-term contract with Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City in January 2025, committing him to the club until 2034. Reports suggest a 'freedom clause' in his contract could facilitate a move to a non-Premier League club under specific circumstances, such as the departure of Vinicius JuniorPlayer·Vinicius Junior from Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid or Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City. Haaland himself has expressed contentment at Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City but acknowledged in December 2025 that "you never know what the future brings," also noting his admiration for the Santiago BernabéuVenue·Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid's interest in Haaland has fluctuated. As of December 2025, the club was reportedly not actively pursuing the striker, believing that Kylian Mbappé adequately fulfilled their attacking requirements. However, by May and June 2026, Haaland was once again linked with the Spanish giants, particularly in connection with Riquelme's presidential aspirations.
Riquelme's campaign, operating under the slogan "legacy and future," extends beyond Haaland. He has also explicitly promised the arrival of Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City midfielder RodriPlayer·Rodri, stating, "RodriPlayer·Rodri jugará en el Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid." Furthermore, Riquelme has expressed his ambition to appoint Jürgen Klopp as the new manager, signaling a comprehensive overhaul of the club's sporting direction. His platform also includes a commitment to return the club to its members, or "socios," through a project named "Ciudad del Socio." This initiative proposes halving membership fees until Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid secures another UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League title, establishing a lottery system for 10,000 new season-ticket spots, and significantly expanding facilities at the Valdebebas training ground to include a new 15,000-seat basketball arena, a social club, hotel, and sports courts. To underscore his commitment, Riquelme has reportedly signed a personal notarial guarantee, pledging to refund the full membership fee to all 100,000 club members if he fails to deliver on his promises.
The 2025/26 season proved challenging for Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid, as they concluded the campaign trophyless for the first time since 2020-21. In La LigaCompetition·La Liga, the club finished in second place with 86 points, eight points behind champions BarcelonaTeam·Barcelona, recording 27 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses. Kylian Mbappé was their top goalscorer in the league with 25 goals. In other competitions, Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League, were finalists in the Spanish Super Cup, and were eliminated in the round of 16 of the Copa del ReyCompetition·Copa del Rey. This backdrop of a disappointing season may lend additional weight to Riquelme's promises of significant change and high-profile signings.
Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match in Madrid. Photo: Alex Perez/IMAGO
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