Double Bomb from Riquelme: Promise of Haaland and Rodri

The Spanish football market was bombed on Wednesday evening. Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme revealed two incredible promises during the live broadcast of the El Hormiguero program on Antena 3: Erling Haaland and Rodri. Riquelme, who is the founder of the renewable energy company COX Energy, is running against Florentino Perez, who has been in the seat for many years, in Sunday's Real Madrid presidential election. This is Real Madrid's first contested presidential election since 2006 — a picture not seen in 20 years.

Riquelme's statements were very dramatic. In the studio, alongside Real Madrid's 2026-27 season shirt, he showed a number 9 shirt with "Haaland" written on it and said, "If I win the election, Haaland will come to Real Madrid." Although the Norwegian scorer's contract with Manchester City runs until 2034, according to the news announced, there is a specific release clause — it was stated that the transfer would be possible by triggering this clause. His words "Haaland has a release clause, he wants to come to Real Madrid" were in a determined tone.

For Rodri the picture is different. The Spanish midfielder of Manchester City has a contract with City for another year. Riquelme said: "Rodri is a great Spanish player, a Ballon d'Or winner. He plays in a position that Real Madrid needs to strengthen. If I become president, I cannot say it more clearly: Rodri will play at Real Madrid." This expression gathered millions of likes on social media within hours. Riquelme also announced that on Monday, they will sit down with Manchester City management and the player's agent.

The most unusual aspect of the statement was the notary-certified guarantee. Riquelme, showing the document he signed in front of the cameras, said, "If I do not keep the promises I made in the campaign, I will cover 100% of the Real Madrid socios' dues for the next season." His words "Before asking for socios' trust, I myself must be the first to trust" created great excitement among fans. It should be added that the club has over 100,000 socio members and this guarantee carries a financial obligation of millions of Euros.

Riquelme's project team is also composed of strong names. As sporting director, Raúl González (Real Madrid legend and current Real Madrid Castilla coach), as the head of the youth academy, Fernando Hierro (former Madrid captain) is being considered. For the head coach position, he said, "An experienced person should come instead of Xabi Alonso — let the experiments end." Riquelme's program is also focused on increasing Real Madrid's contribution to the Spanish National Team (La Roja). His vision, summarised as "making the club the main feeder source of La Roja again," is a reaction to the increase in Spanish players coming from foreign clubs like English Liverpool or Manchester City in recent years.

Florentino Perez did not delay in responding to Riquelme. With the video he shared from the Twitter @Florentino2026_ account on Wednesday evening, he clarified his promise to bring José Mourinho back to Real Madrid (we have a separate news on this). The bombs from both candidates turned the election atmosphere into a battlefield. On Sunday, votes will be cast from 09:00 to 20:00 at the basketball hall in Real Madrid City; it should be reminded that the 79-year-old Perez has been managing the club since 2000 and has won 37 trophies. Riquelme, on the other hand, is giving a "renewal" message. Despite both sides having big promises, the last word will belong to the approximately 90,000 Real Madrid socios on Sunday.

It is also a matter of curiosity how this move by Riquelme will affect Manchester City. The club under Pep Guardiola's management, with its strong squad including Haaland and Rodri, was giving signals of restructuring after completing the 2025-26 season without a trophy (lost to Liverpool in the Premier League). If Riquelme wins on Sunday, one of the biggest star transfer departures of two seasons could happen for City.

Image: mundodeportivo.com