Like Miguel, Li Shiguang also took a sip of water, shifted his position in the chair to find a more comfortable spot, and then slowly explained, "Mr. Miguel, regarding the issue you just mentioned about Real Sociedad's limited youth training resources, I think you don't need to worry about that at all. I'm not going to send you some 12 or 13-year-old kids. I'm going to provide you with players who are 16 years old or older and can directly participate in La Liga. I'm not being presumptuous; I believe you know that I, Li Shiguang, have a knack for judging young players. The current youth training director of Leeds United, Thomas Tuchel, is also an excellent coach, and in my opinion, the kids he's trained have the ability to play in La Liga!"
"Thomas Tuchel? The Stuttgart U19 coach? You poached him to Leeds United?"
Miguel was a little surprised. He knew Tuchel. In fact, before Amotulu took over as manager, Real Sociedad had invited Tuchel to coach, but he refused. He didn't expect that Li Shiguang would poach him to Leeds United.
Even though he thought the conditions were acceptable, Miguel still shook his head: "Mr. Li, even so, I'm afraid I can't agree to it. Even if you offer a super talent, the board won't agree to spend money to loan some players who are destined to return to Leeds United, unless they can bring Real Sociedad a championship. But I don't think you would dare to promise that condition easily."
Miguel wasn't speaking without reason; he wanted to test Li Shiguang because this morning he had seen in the newspapers that Li Shiguang had declared in the post-match press conference after the game against Manchester United that Leeds United's goal this season was either the Premier League title or the Champions League title.
If Li Shiguang is really so arrogant as to agree to such conditions, then Real Sociedad could sign a betting agreement with Leeds United and might even make a fortune in the end!
But Li Shiguang wasn't about to fall for that trick.
In his opinion, Miguel, do you think you don't know what Real Sociedad is like? After 8 rounds of league play, they have 0 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses, scoring 5 goals and conceding 15, ranking last in La Liga. I'd say the only way they could win the championship is if we sent them Ultraman!
However, Li Shiguang continued, "Mr. Miguel, you've misunderstood again. Since I said I was sending the player to Real Sociedad, I naturally won't charge you any money. This is just a nominal loan; all expenses, including the player's salary, will still be borne by Leeds United."
Upon hearing Li Shiguang's words, Miguel didn't rush to answer, but lowered his head and pondered.
To be honest, the offer of sending players over for free is quite tempting.
Li Shiguang wasn't making things up. Since his debut, his eye for selecting young players has been recognized throughout European football. Many media outlets have compared him to Wenger, considering them to be the two coaches in the Premier League who are best at developing young players.
But no matter what, these players would take up playing time from other players on the team after they arrived, and Miguel was still not entirely comfortable with not charging them money.
So he gathered his thoughts, deliberately feigning difficulty, and said to Li Shiguang, "Mr. Li, I do think your suggestion is feasible, but as you know, this kind of thing definitely needs the board's approval. And sending players over will inevitably reduce our own players' playing time... uh... if you could pay a little more, the chances of it being approved when I report to the board might be higher..."
Miguel had assumed that Li Shiguang would try to negotiate the fee with him, so after he finished speaking, he immediately sat up straight, ready to squeeze some money out of Li Shiguang.
To his surprise, Li Shiguang didn't refuse his suggestion at all. He nodded and replied with an even bigger smile, "Haha, that's great! Mr. Milger! You and I are on the same page. Today, besides bringing you players, I'm also here to bring you money!"
Then, under Miguel's questioning gaze, Li Shiguang sat up straight, staring intently at Miguel, and his tone became serious: "Mr. Miguel, I would like to acquire a portion of your shares in Royal Society. Do you think it's feasible?"
"Huh? Acquiring shares?"
“Of course, that’s actually my main reason for coming to San Sebastián today.” Seeing Miguel’s hand already raised, Li Shiguang directly pressed Miguel down. “Please let me finish before deciding whether to reject this proposal. I know Real Sociedad has been in financial trouble these past few years, otherwise you wouldn’t have been selling off key players and promoting young players to the first team. Frankly, your situation is very difficult right now. If you don’t change things, you’ll most likely be relegated after this season. But with Leeds United’s young players and my investment, things will be different. You can further strengthen your squad in the winter transfer window and thus retain your La Liga spot.”
"Furthermore! If I could become a shareholder in Real Sociedad, it would provide more security for the players I loan to you. Rest assured, I won't interfere too much in the team's operations; after all, Leeds United is my home turf, don't you think?"
After finishing his explanation in one breath, Li Shiguang released Miguel's hand and comfortably leaned back in his chair, waiting for Miguel's reply....
····
At 8 p.m., Li Shiguang dragged his tired body back to his hotel room alone, while Shakira was already lying on the sofa watching TV.
When Li Shiguang opened the door and entered, Shakira immediately sensed his return. A happy smile spread across her face, and she instantly rose from the sofa and walked over. Like a playful little deer, she lightly leaped off the sofa and instantly threw herself into Li Shiguang's arms. Then, she gave him a deep, passionate kiss.
"You're back. Did you close the deal?" Shakira's voice was filled with anticipation.
Li Shiguang ruffled Shakira's hair and replied casually, "Well, that's about it. Allen will stay here to discuss the specific details, so I'll come back first."
"Hehe! So you'll be free tomorrow?"
"Of course! I promised to keep you company."
Li Shiguang bent down, picked up Shakira in a princess carry, and walked into the bedroom.
"Hey! You stink! Take a shower first!"
"What are you thinking? I'm just going to take a shower, hahaha!"
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