Hearing Li Shiguang ask this question, Florentino's confusion deepened.
Since taking office, he has consistently implemented a policy of signing one superstar every year, so in recent years, Real Madrid's main squad has consisted mostly of established superstars.
Before meeting Li Shiguang, Florentino had done some research on Li Shiguang's transfer policy over the past year, so he knew that Li Shiguang liked to use young players. But did Li Shiguang really want those 16 or 17-year-old players from the youth academy who could only play in youth leagues at most? Judging from Li Shiguang's words, it seemed that he wanted these teenagers to play in the Premier League.
Florentino took a sip of tea before asking the question that had been bothering him: "Mr. Li, if I understand correctly, you mean you want to buy these kids to play in the Premier League?"
Li Shiguang smiled and nodded, then began to explain his thoughts: "That's right, Mr. Perez, as you know, Leeds United has returned to the Premier League, and our schedule will be even more intense next season. So I think our current squad depth is still too thin, but I don't have enough money right now to make any big-scale signings. So I think we can start a win-win cooperation!"
"I have a preliminary idea: Leeds United could select some young players from Real Madrid's youth academy or first-team bench, and I could bring these players to the Premier League at a relatively low price. Leeds United would then provide them with playing time in top-flight leagues or cup competitions while developing them, thus serving as a training ground for young players. Moreover, we could offer these players three-year contracts."
"Then, if Leeds United want to sell these players during the contract period, we will notify you immediately, and Real Madrid will have the right of first refusal. What do you think of this proposal?"
After hearing Li Shiguang's words, Florentino was instantly moved.
In recent years, while his transfer policies have brought Real Madrid considerable success, this powerful squad has also reduced playing time for players from Real Madrid's youth academy. More importantly, the excessive playing time taken up by star players has fueled numerous rumors about the dressing room, already impacting the team's balance.
Because of these two issues, after the league ended, he specifically organized a meeting with the coaching staff to discuss them, but ultimately failed to come up with a good solution.
Li Shiguang's suggestion perfectly solved the problem that Real Madrid is currently facing.
In addition, Florentino thought of something else.
Since Leeds United won the Championship, Li Shiguang has been hailed by the media as the second Wenger, because the average age of the Leeds United team he led was only in their early 20s, and these players only began to have these outstanding performances after being discovered by Li Shiguang. From this, it can be seen that Li Shiguang does have something in mind when it comes to training young players.
If the players Li Shiguang selects from me can really make it in the Premier League, then buying them back wouldn't be a loss! After all, they are all youth academy players, and they only have two-year contracts. Li Shiguang is unlikely to sign contracts with exorbitant release clauses.
Having considered these two points, Florentino felt that Li Shiguang's suggestion was indeed worth considering!
“Mr. Li, from my personal perspective, I really like your suggestion, but as you know, the club is not a decision I can make alone. I need to go back to Madrid and discuss it with the management before I can give you a definite answer.”
“Of course, Mr. Perez, I’m not in a hurry. After all, the summer transfer window hasn’t officially opened yet, and we both have plenty of time to discuss the proposal we just made.”
The suggestion was just a spur-of-the-moment idea from Li Shiguang this afternoon. It would be best if it could be done, but even if it couldn't, it wouldn't be a loss for him or Leeds United. Therefore, he didn't urge Florentino to reply to him in a short time.
Then Li Shiguang steered the conversation toward Sneijder's transfer. Following his previous plan, he prioritized building a good relationship with Real Madrid, a major client. Therefore, Li Shiguang didn't haggle over the price and quickly agreed to Florentino's offer of 28 million euros to bring Sneijder to the club.
After the business was concluded, the two sides enjoyed a pleasant meal.
After learning that Li Shiguang had only bought a regular grandstand ticket, Florentino warmly invited him to watch the game in his private box the next day. Li Shiguang readily agreed, as watching the game while sipping red wine would be much more comfortable!
The next day, Li Shiguang did not go out for a stroll.
I slept until after 1 p.m. After lunch, I worked out in the hotel gym for a while, then went back to my room, took a shower, changed my clothes, and got ready to go out.
After arriving at the stadium with Florentino, Li Shiguang stood in the VIP box, looking at the tens of thousands of fans below and the players from both sides warming up. He was secretly excited.
This was the first Champions League match he had ever watched live, and it was the final.
A moment later, Florentino came over with two glasses of red wine. After handing one to Li Shiguang, he asked, "Mr. Li, whose team do you support more in tonight's match?"
Without hesitation, Li Shiguang replied, "In fact, besides Leeds United, AC Milan is my second favorite team."
Florentino was a little confused; he had assumed that Lee Shih-kuo, as the manager of Leeds United, would support Liverpool, who were also from England.
"So, you're saying you're more optimistic about AC Milan winning the title?"
But Li Shiguang shook his head: "But I think Liverpool should win tonight's game."
This confused Florentino even more. "You little brat, are you playing two-faced with me? You said you liked AC Milan, but now you're supporting Liverpool to win the title."
It seemed that they had noticed Florentino's confusion.
Li Shiguang put down his wine glass and said with a smile, "Mr. Perez, although I personally prefer AC Milan, don't forget that I am the owner and coach of Leeds United. Of course, I have to support the team from England in such an important match."
After saying that, he turned to Florentino and asked, "And you, Mr. Perez, which team do you support?"
Florentino said, feigning seriousness, "I think AC Milan should win. But, as you know, I only support Real Madrid, and unfortunately, we were eliminated by Liverpool, the team you support."
After saying that, he gave a helpless smile.
Yes, his superstar policy brought huge economic benefits to Real Madrid, but as the superstars gradually aged, Real Madrid's performance in European competitions has not been very good in the past two years.
This is one of the reasons why he strongly agreed with Li Shiguang's proposal yesterday.
It's time for Real Madrid to undergo a major overhaul.
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