Real Madrid presidential hopeful Enrique Riquelme appeared on “El Hormiguero” to promise that, if elected, he will bring Manchester City’s Rodri and striker Erling Haaland to the Bernabéu. He added a notarised guarantee to cover season‑ticket costs for the club’s 100,000 socios should either deal collapse. The stunt echoes the promises that propelled Florentino Pérez to victory in 2000.

Pérez first used a similar gambit in July 2000, declaring “If I am president, Figo will be a Real player.” The clause in Figo’s contract—roughly €60 million—allowed Madrid to buy out Barcelona’s star, a move that secured Pérez’s win by over 3,000 votes and launched the Galácticos era. A comparable tactic resurfaced in 2003 when Joan Laporta promised Barcelona a Beckham deal to sway his own election.

Manchester City responded Thursday, stating there is “no contractual clause” that would allow Haaland to move and warning Real Madrid of legal action for using the player’s image. The episode underscores how Spanish club elections have become arenas for transfer theater, forcing voters to weigh promises against legal realities. Riquelme’s fate now hinges on Sunday's ballot.