The boss's wife Linda came from London in a special car specifically to listen to the report about Gu Ran.

Linda was wearing a slim red dress with floral patterns today, which matched the color of Liverpool perfectly. She sat with her legs crossed behind the chairman's desk, and the entire office was filled with Liverpool executives who came to visit her.

After a brief introduction and greeting, Linda asked, "Mr. Edwards, how is the progress of Gu Ran's transfer?"

Edwards stood up uncomfortably. "Ms. Linda, Southampton has rejected our transfer offer for the third time. They have also issued a formal warning to Liverpool, warning that Gu Ran is not for sale. If we continue to make an offer, they will regard it as a hostile act and reserve the possibility of taking retaliatory action."

The other senior executives immediately lost their patience and started shouting:

"What?"

"Isn't Southampton Football Club too arrogant?"

"The price we offer is already very high! 3.6 million pounds can buy a Premier League star!"

"Southampton Football Club is so ungrateful! They even dared to warn us!"

"Edwards, you should talk to Gu Ran again and let Gu Ran go and make trouble with Southampton Club himself!"

"Yes, as long as Gu Ran makes a big fuss, Southampton will have to let him go!"

Edwards smiled bitterly and shook his head. "I've been in contact with Gu Ran. He is a very moral player. I believe he would not do that. If we ask him to do that, I dare say he will distance himself from us."

Linda smiled slightly, "I like players like this. The tighter Southampton Club keeps a tight grip on Gu Ran, the more it can fully prove that Gu Ran is indeed a young player worthy of our efforts. Gentlemen, please tell me the bottom line, how much money can we put out at most to poach Gu Ran?"

After these words were spoken, all the senior executives present looked at each other in bewilderment.

Even Edwards, who wanted to poach Gu Ran, couldn't help but let out a breath of cold air.

This lady boss is really crazy! The offer is 3.6 million pounds, but the lady boss is not angry that Southampton is "ungrateful", but excited and wants to continue to offer more! A senior executive stood up and said, "Ms. Linda, although you are the lady boss - I'm sorry I don't want to refute you, but you have to know that Fenway Group has only given us a total of 13.5 million pounds in transfer funds for Liverpool this season. We have already spent 2 million pounds on the introduction of Sterling, and there is only 11.5 million pounds left in the transfer budget."

"We also need to strengthen the first-team's midfield and defense this season. We have plans to bring in Shelvey from Charlton Athletic for £1.5 million, Danny Wilson from Glasgow Rangers for £2 million, Konchesky from Fulham for £3.5 million, and Meireles from Porto for £10 million..."

"If we had more transfer funds, we would also like to buy Suarez and Carroll!"

"If we spend £4 million or more on Gu Ran, we won't be able to buy anyone for the first team."

Another senior executive also stood up and said, "Yes, Ms. Linda. If we spend most of the transfer funds and only buy two youth team players, the first-team coaching staff will be very dissatisfied. Even if the coaching staff can handle it, the club's small and medium shareholders can't handle it. Even if the small and medium shareholders can handle it, they can't handle the fans who were already furious last season."

Linda nodded slightly.

Even though she is the boss's wife, she cannot do whatever she wants on major decisions of the club.

Although it is possible to persuade Henry to add additional transfer budget to Liverpool, it is difficult to do so based on the highlights of a friendly match.

Linda thought about it, then smiled and said, "Gentlemen, you are right. Our recruitment budget is limited—"

Linda suddenly changed the subject, "Mr. Edwards, I am very interested in your data analysis model. I hope you can give me an analysis report of the first team in the next few days to see if we can sell one or several big-name players."

The office was in an uproar! The senior executives who had seen a lot of ups and downs exclaimed! It was obvious! This lady boss looked weak, but in fact she had a strong personality and her own opinions! Not enough transfer budget?

Isn't it enough to sell a few overpriced players? And it can also free up salary space!

Liverpool's attacking line is too luxurious, even a bit too big to be removed. Selling a few big names at this time may not be a bad thing for Liverpool as a whole!

But here’s the thing…

Many of Liverpool's current main players were bought at high prices by the previous owners, the "Dog Blood Duo". In the past few seasons, Liverpool's performance has been terrible. The stars bought at high prices have not been able to play data that matches their value. So selling them at this time will be a loss! Without waiting for these senior executives to express their opinions, Linda smiled and said, "Okay, this matter is settled. Gentlemen, please go back. The new season is about to begin. Liverpool's bright future still needs everyone's efforts!"

The senior executives had no choice but to say goodbye to Linda and leave the chairman's office.

"Mr. Edwards..." Linda suddenly called out to Edwards who had already walked to the door, "Please stay for a moment."

"Yes, Ms. Linda."

After the other senior executives left, Linda asked Edwards, "There's no one else here, so we don't need to beat around the bush. I want to sell some big names who won't be of much help to Liverpool in the future so that we can have a more adequate transfer budget. Please tell me, who is the most suitable person for us to sell?"

Edwards' heart tightened at first, but then he made up his mind and said in a deep voice: "...Fernando Torres."

Linda raised her eyebrows slightly, "Why?"

"Torres is very valuable and has won many honors. In the just-concluded World Cup, he won the World Cup for Spain. Just based on this, his transfer value can reach 50 million pounds. When Liverpool bought him in 2007, it cost 22 million pounds - he is also one of the few players in the current team who can double his value."

Edwards paused for a moment. "The most important thing is... according to big data analysis, his various indexes in the Premier League last season were declining. This is probably because he is always prone to injuries. According to the trend analyzed by the data model, to put it mildly... he has no room for improvement."

Linda frowned slightly, "50 million pounds, who would buy it?"

Edwards said calmly: "...Chelsea. According to our intelligence, Chelsea CEO Marina Granovskaia has been studying the feasibility of signing Torres."

"Haha," Linda said with a playful smile, "Marina Granovskaia..."

Linda then added: "Spread the word through the grapevine and let her know that we are going to sign a new contract with Torres."

Edwards said in astonishment: "Ah? Ms. Linda! You are not going to sell...Oh!"

Edwards suddenly realized what Linda was doing! If we were to say it in fishing terms, this is called a lure!

Linda is using the bait control technique, using the fake bait to lure Sister NO to bite the hook as soon as possible! Signing a new contract with Torres is fake, forcing Sister NO to increase the price to buy Torres as soon as possible is the real thing! This woman is so smart! No wonder she can fascinate the old man in his 60s and even buy Liverpool Club for her! Edwards couldn't help but admire her secretly! Then Linda continued to smile and said, "Don't be too anxious to sell Torres. It will be fine as long as it can be finalized during the winter window. In addition, you have to find out as soon as possible what Gu Ran's minimum termination fee is. Knowing the minimum termination fee, once our budget is in place, we can bypass those Southampton management who cannot communicate and directly negotiate with Gu Ran about weekly salary."

I did so much just to get Gu Ran! That's right! This idea is so correct! Gu Ran is the future! She is indeed a highly intelligent woman with a master's degree from MIT! Long live the boss lady! Liverpool will definitely rise!

——Edwards nodded excitedly: "I understand! Ms. Linda!"

Linda smiled and said, "Mr. Edwards...can I call you Michael? I think we are about the same age, and calling you Michael would be closer."

Edwards was flattered and said, "Of course! Ms. Linda!"

Linda smiled and said, "Michael, I have no roots in Liverpool. Those old senior executives must be dissatisfied with me. Take today's me wanting to spend more money to buy Gu Ran, for example, and I encountered such great resistance. But I know you are also a smart person. I hope you will not be like them. I hope we can work together to make Liverpool Club regain its glory in a more efficient way - are you willing to be my confidant?"

"Yes! I do!" Edwards couldn't help shaking!

Linda is a woman with such strong control!

A smile and a conversation of three to five minutes made Edwards want to die!

"Very good. Liverpool and I will depend on you from now on. Go get busy."

Linda stood up and shook hands with Edwards.

You’ll have to rely on me from now on…Edwards couldn’t even remember how he walked out of the chairman’s office.

After Edwards left, Linda took out her phone and posted a tweet: [In the new season, Liverpool will have big moves! ] As soon as she posted it, there were countless likes and comments below! Linda smiled with satisfaction, then opened the album on her phone and clicked on the handsome highlights of Gu Ran with his waist and abdomen straightened.

…

At the same time, in the general manager's office of Chelsea Football Club.

Emenalo knocked on the door hurriedly and came in, "Marina, there is an urgent news - Gu Ran's work permit has been approved!"

Without even looking up, Sister NO signed the documents handed to her by the secretary one by one with the fountain pen in her hand. "Michael, didn't I tell you that I would only consider buying that kid called Gu if he performs well in the first half of the season?"

Emenalo said anxiously, "Yes, I know Marina, I'm sorry to bother you, but the situation is different now. Gu Ran, the transfer value can be checked on the official website of the German transfer market!"

Sister NO's pen paused slightly, but she still didn't raise her head.

If you can find the transfer value on the German transfer market, it means that a club has made an official offer.

It is the summer transfer window now, so it is normal to receive offers.

However, for a player who has not played a single professional game and has zero professional statistics, it is a surprising thing that a club is trying to poach him at this time.

Sister NO said calmly, "They must be some inconspicuous English League Two or Three clubs making random offers."

Emenalo said: "If it is really just an insignificant small club, how dare I bother you? In fact, it was Liverpool FC that made the transfer offer to Gu Ran!"

Sister NO raised her head suddenly and asked in shock, "What did you say? Liverpool? The Liverpool that ranked 7th last season?"

"Yes, Marina, you heard it right." Emenalo said solemnly: "Liverpool Club offered a price of 3.6 million pounds! Fortunately, this price was rejected by Southampton Club."

Sister NO simply put down the pen in her hand and waved to the secretary.

The secretary tactfully left the general manager's office with the documents.

"3.6 million pounds? Are Liverpool crazy or stupid?"

"For this price, you can buy a big-name Premier League star!"

Sister NO frowned and asked, "Is this Gu Ri really that attractive?"

Emenalo cleared his throat and corrected, "His name is Gu Ran."

Sister NO didn't care and continued to ask: "Who is the boss of Liverpool now?"

Emenalo replied: "Their big boss is John Henry of the Fenway Group in the United States, but according to reliable sources, the one who is really in charge now is the boss's wife Linda Pizzuri."

"Heh," Sister NO sneered, "Crazy woman."

Emenalo said: "Marina, I dare say that we are the first club to pay attention to Gu Ran, but we are now seriously behind in progress."

Sister NO looked at Emenalo calmly, "Michael, we have a Russian folk proverb that says: Хорошая еданебоится поздно."

Emenalo: ...

Sister NO said: "The translation means that good food is never too late."

"Liverpool are just making an offer, it's not time to sign a contract yet, why are you panicking?"

"When my help is really needed, I will go there myself and dig him out in one go."

Sister NO's face was filled with endless confidence. "That Linda wants to snatch it from me, but she's still far from it. Now, we have to wait and see how Gu Ri performs."

Emenalo said quickly: "He doesn't call..."

Sister NO smiled confidently. "Anyway, let's stick to what we agreed on before. As long as he can meet my requirements in the first half of the English League One season, I will personally go and get him. If Marina Granovskaia takes a fancy to him, no one else can snatch him away."

Emenalo said excitedly, "That's great, Marina! I feel relieved when you say that! Then you go ahead and get busy. I'm also going to continue to follow him. Forgive me for being a little excited. I'll be able to see Gu Ran's wonderful performance in the professional league soon!"

"…Goodbye, Michael."

After Emenalo left, Sister NO picked up the pen, but she didn't write for a long time.

Although she had acted very calm in front of Emenalo just now, her mind was completely shocked by the news that Liverpool's £3.6 million bid for Gu Ran was rejected.

Is that Chinese boy really that delicious?

…

On the other side, in the general manager's office of Manchester United.

"...Is the news confirmed?" CEO Ed Woodward looked at Jim Lawler in shock.

"Sure!" Jim Lawler said, "We have an informant in the Liverpool club, and they really offered 3.6 million pounds to buy Gu Ran. We obviously paid attention to Gu Ran earlier than Liverpool, but now we are seriously behind."

San Dezi thought for a while, then laughed and said, "Liverpool's new boss lady really knows nothing! 3.6 million pounds? I can buy Raphael Varane with that!"

Jim Lawlor did not laugh, but said with a serious expression: "Ed, Gu Ran is more attractive than Varane. In fact, not only Liverpool has taken the initiative, but Chelsea is also ready to make a move - Chelsea has not made an offer, but according to their habits, Sister NO is likely to kill her with one blow!"

San Dezi's eyes moved slightly, "Chelsea also wants Gu Ran? Haha, this is even more exciting! This is going to be a script of two women competing for favor! There hasn't been such exciting transfer news in English football for a long time. As Manchester United, we might as well get involved in this excitement."

Jim Lawlor's eyes lit up. "You mean, we will also bid? Ed, believe me, spending 4 million pounds will not buy you any loss, and you will not be cheated! 4 million is not too high for us at Manchester United! If you don't buy it now, you may not be able to buy it even for 40 million in the future! It will be too late to regret it then! If you can't make the decision, I can go directly to Sir Alex Ferguson!"

There was a flash of displeasure in San Dezi's eyes, but he smiled and said, "No, no, I mean, why bother Alex with such a small matter? Leave it to me! I will take care of it. Jim, go ahead and continue to go to the Asian region to find young players suitable for Manchester United."

"But... Gu Ran's matter..."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of everything." San Dezi said with a fake smile: "Why? Do you still doubt my ability?"

Jim Lawler sighed helplessly, "Okay... But I'm going to take a break for a while, and I won't leave until I watch Gu Ran's debut."

San Dezi spread his hands, "Of course, why not?"

After sending Jim Lawlor away, Sander picked up the phone and called his trusted subordinates, "Leak a tip to the media, saying that Manchester United is very interested in Southampton's new star and plans to buy him for 4 million pounds... Idiot! Of course I won't pay 4 million! I'm not crazy! I just want to stir up trouble for those two women, haha!"

After hanging up the phone, Sandezi rubbed his hands happily and said happily: "The English football world is going to be lively!"

…

At the same time, in the head coach's office of Arsenal Football Club.

Although the new season has not yet begun, the silver-gray-haired coach Arsene Wenger is already doing precise analysis and calculations at his desk.

Coach Wenger's nickname is "Professor". This is not only because Wenger has a gentle and elegant image and has the demeanor of a professor, but the more important reason is that Wenger is the first coach among the older generation of coaches to use data analysis.

Wenger's data analysis is different from the data analysis that Liverpool has just started.

Liverpool's data analysis is more model-based and AI-based, and is dominated by underlying formulas. Liverpool's data analysis model can quickly identify players with good performance and players with inflated prices, but it is also prone to misjudgment of potential.

Wenger's data analysis is based entirely on his experience and expertise, coupled with his keen insight. The data calculation may not be as wide-ranging, accurate and fast as Liverpool's data model, but it will never misjudge potential.

For example, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Bale, Suarez, Ibrahimovic, Buffon, Kompany, Alonso, Hazard, Pogba, Pique, Varane, Kante, and Yaya Toure, the younger brother of former Arsenal captain Kolo Toure...

These players were noticed by coach Wenger and almost signed before they shined.

This is the legendary...temperature difference signature.

In fact, it is not a temperature difference signature, but a temperature difference money.

I really don’t have any money…

Therefore, before the start of the new season, Coach Wenger worked overtime and buried his head in his desk to calculate and analyze the bills for the new season - the loan for the newly built Emirates Stadium, the loan for the Highbury apartments and other loans would cost 33.9 million pounds each year. Fortunately, the team finished fourth in the league last year and sold captains one after another, so this year the loan hole can finally be filled.

Not only can it be filled, but there will also be about several million pounds left.

Adding the transfer fees given by the club this season, the financial ceiling is about 15 million pounds!

hiss……

Coach Wenger counted it twice, and after confirming that it was correct, he couldn't help but smile.

If they grit their teeth and don't sign new players this season, or get a few new players for free, they won't have to sell the newly appointed captain: the loyal Fabregas.

Fabregas is the youngest captain of our Arsenal! All the older captains have been sold.

But Fabregas will never, ever, ever leave! Put the 15 million pounds in the bank, earn some interest, manage your finances, and see who dares to say that Arsenal is selling its captain!

Coach Wenger is very satisfied with his plans for the new season.

While I was filling out the bank's time deposit form, the phone on my desk rang.

"Coach Wenger, it's me."

The other party spoke in a low voice and did not announce his identity, but Coach Wenger immediately knew who the other party was.

"Oh, it's you. What's the information?"

"There is a new player in Southampton recently. Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are all interested in him. Do you want to know more about him?"

"Same as always, send me the data, and I'll check it and transfer the money to you based on the data."

The other party said: "He has no data."

Coach Wenger was shocked! …

(End of this chapter)