"How...how much?" Laporta could hardly believe his ears.
“Exactly right, 40 million euros.” Li Shiguang’s voice sounded somewhat reserved.
After confirming that it was this number, both Laporta and Guardiola were stunned.
no!
Your Leeds United right-back is amazing!
How come it's more expensive than a striker?!
It's worth noting that Laporta and Guardiola are preparing to offload their star player Ronaldinho, whose price tag is between 20 and 30 million euros.
If I remember correctly.
Back then, Li Shiguang only spent 20 million euros to bring Alves from Sevilla to Leeds United, right?
They dared to sell a full-back for 40 million euros in the blink of an eye!
No wonder it's known as a notorious rip-off in Europe! How dare you ask for such a price!
Laporta's mouth seemed to be blocked by the price, and he couldn't say a word for a long time.
Li Shiguang wasn't in a hurry; he knew very well that Laporta needed time to digest and think things through.
Once the thought of Real Madrid takes over his mind, he probably won't think that 40 million euros is too expensive!
To be honest.
Li Shiguang didn't just throw out a price of 40 million euros.
Actually, this price wasn't for Laporta, but for Florentino.
Li Shiguang had already made up his mind before coming to Thorpe Arch.
If the final outcome of the discussions is to sell Alves, then the price absolutely cannot be lower than 40 million euros. If it is lower than that price, Li Shiguang would rather not sell!
Unfortunately, Florentino didn't hear it, but his arch-rival Laporta did.
····
Both places remained silent for a while.
Li Shiguang's teacup was almost empty.
Laporta finally spoke: "Li, did you quote this price?"
“Of course not!” Li Shiguang raised an eyebrow. “If I were to submit the bid, it would have to be at least another 10 million euros.”
Laporta immediately panicked: "Then why did you agree?!"
Li Shiguang's tone turned somewhat helpless, and he sighed softly: "Sigh... Huo An, no matter what your relationship with Florentino is, from my perspective, you are both my friends. Since my friends have come to me, I definitely have to make some concessions!"
"Furthermore, since Florentino has just returned to the position of president of Real Madrid, according to our Chinese tradition, we should give gifts when friends have happy occasions. Consider this 10 million euros as my gift to Florentino!"
Hey!
You're really something else! 10 million euros, just given away like that!
When you sold Yaya Touré to me last year, why weren't you this generous?
Laporta inwardly grumbled.
But the astute Catalans also noticed a flaw in Li Shiguang's words.
That is, he originally wanted to sell Alves for 50 million euros!
Li Shiguang's style in the transfer market has always been profit-driven; Laporta simply doesn't believe any talk of giving away 10 million euros as a gift!
More likely, Florentino Pérez has reached some kind of agreement with Li Shiguang, such as including a rising star from Real Madrid whom Li Shiguang has his eye on in the deal.
I've finished my crazy brainstorming.
He glanced at Guardiola, noticing the resolute expression on the face of his handpicked new Barcelona coach.
Laporta steeled himself and spoke: "Li... I want to ask, since your deal with Florentino isn't officially finalized yet, I'll also make an offer. Would you accept it?"
"Pfft..." Simone, who was standing at the door, quickly covered his mouth halfway through his laughter.
Li Shiguang raised his hand and pointed at Simone, glaring at him fiercely.
She turned her gaze back to her phone, her tone still helpless: "Huo An... you're putting me in a difficult position... I've already agreed..."
"41 million euros!"
Laporta's voice came through the phone, interrupting Li Shiguang.
"This isn't about money..."
"42 million euros!"
"Hey, don't get agitated, I've already told you..."
"43 million euros! Li, that's a very high price!"
"Deal! I'll have Allen draft the contract and fax it to you as soon as possible. After the season ends, have your people come to Leeds to discuss personal terms with Dani. Let me tell you in advance, I'm not going to interfere with his going to Barcelona!" Li Shiguang spoke quickly and decisively.
"44... Huh!? What did you just say, deal?" Laporta was about to make an offer when he suddenly realized what was going on.
Li Shiguang responded matter-of-factly, "Yes, I said it's a deal. I can see that, Huo An, your sincerity is even greater than Florentino's."
Oh shit!
Li Shiguang's answer was confirmed.
Laporta breathed a sigh of relief, but felt no joy at having bought the target player; instead, he felt a pang of heartache.
That's 43 million euros! Spending that much money on a full-back? I'm fucking insane!
His lips twitched twice.
Having regained his composure, Laporta was unwilling to say anything more to Li Shiguang.
After exchanging a few polite words, he hurriedly hung up the phone.
As soon as the call ended, Laporta seemed to lose all his strength, collapsing onto the sofa and looking at Guardiola listlessly: "Joseph, do you think we've gone crazy? With so many players in the youth team, why are we spending this money?"
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