Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme is determined to land Manchester City midfielder Rodrigo when he gets elected as the club’s president.
The ambition forms part of his broader campaign message as he contests incumbent Florentino Pérez for control of the Santiago Bernabéu hierarchy.
Riquelme has built his campaign around aggressive sporting promises and high-profile targets, positioning himself as a disruptive alternative in the race for the presidency.
Among his most controversial claims is the intention to secure Manchester City attacker Erling Haaland, a statement that previously prompted reports of legal threats from the Premier League outfit.
Now, he has heightened his pursuit of Rodri, insisting that discussions have already begun at an early stage. He maintains that any future approach will follow the correct formal procedures once he assumes office. “We spoke with Rodri’s agent. I know perfectly well that we then have to talk to City,” he said.
Early Contact With Agent and Transfer Approach
Riquelme revealed that initial contact has already been made with Rodri’s entourage, suggesting that exploratory conversations are underway even before any official negotiations with Manchester City.
The Spanish midfielder is seen as a key structural target in Riquelme’s midfield rebuild plans should he win the presidency.
He stressed that his team understands the formal process required in elite transfers involving top European clubs. While he has publicly spoken about the player, he insists there is awareness that any deal must go through Manchester City directly and in the proper manner.
The candidate also referenced the need for respect in dealings with the English champions, despite the bold nature of his campaign promises.
His comments reflect a pattern seen in earlier statements, where ambition is paired with acknowledgment of procedural boundaries.
Haaland Link and City Transfer Sensitivities
Riquelme also addressed his wider recruitment vision, once again referencing Erling Haaland as part of his long-term sporting project. However, he admitted that securing the Norwegian striker would be significantly more complex than a move for Rodri. “Rodri’s circumstances are different from Haaland’s, but we have to talk to City. We have the utmost respect for the club,” he stated.
His repeated references to Manchester City’s squad have continued to generate attention due to the sensitivity surrounding such public declarations during an election campaign.
Riquelme’s earlier comments about Haaland caused discomfort at the English club, with City suggesting that they will consider legal action over the nature of the statements.
Riquelme’s approach, however, remains consistent with his previous messaging style, where high-profile names are used to underline ambition and intent. It is a strategy that has defined his campaign narrative, particularly in contrast to Florentino Pérez’s established leadership.
Rodri Contract Situation and World Cup Decision Timeline
Rodri remains under contract at Manchester City until the summer of 2027, placing the midfielder in a stable but strategically important position in the transfer market.
The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder has one year remaining on his current deal with City actively working to secure an extension.
Despite this, reports indicate that Rodri has chosen to delay any final decision regarding his future until after the upcoming World Cup. This timeline has naturally fueled speculation among interested clubs, including Real Madrid, who continue to monitor his situation closely.
The Spanish international’s connection to Madrid adds another layer of complexity to the situation. He originally joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019 after the English club activated a £62.8 million release clause in his contract, a move that strengthened City’s midfield core significantly in erstwhile manager, Pep Guardiola.
Riquelme’s latest remarks reinforce his belief that elite-level recruitment requires early positioning and bold declarations, even in politically sensitive environments such as a presidential race.
Whether such ambitions translate into formal negotiations will depend on the outcome of the election and the willingness of all parties involved.
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