After saying goodbye to Gao Shen, Ancelotti quickly walked back towards the team gathering.
Along the way, he met many Real Madrid staff members. Everyone recognized him and greeted him warmly.
When he finally arrived, he saw Leonardo, the sporting director who had accompanied the team to Madrid. Ancelotti immediately called the Brazilian over and moved with him to an empty corner.
"I just met Gao Shen," Ancelotti said right away.
"What did he say?"
"He said he doesn't get involved and wants us to deal directly with Leeds United. Personally, I think it's just a matter of money."
Leonardo shook his head. "It won't be easy."
After a pause, the Brazilian frowned. "I contacted Leeds United's technical director, Rodolfo Borrell, before. He told me they won't discuss player transfers until the end of the season. But I've heard something."
"What is it?"
"Leeds United have several players going to this year's U20 World Cup in Türkiye. They'll likely delay transfers until after the tournament. If those players perform well, their price will skyrocket."
"Damn it," Ancelotti cursed angrily.
From a business standpoint, there was nothing wrong with this. But for anyone wanting to poach Leeds United players, it was a nightmare.
"I've also heard that Barcelona have signed Neymar. They spent heavily," Leonardo added.
Being Brazilian, he had excellent contacts in Brazil.
"How much?"
"I don't know."
"Even you don't know?" Ancelotti was surprised.
"This deal is complicated. Too many people and interests involved. It's messy. I doubt anyone except those directly involved can explain it clearly, not even Santos. But I guarantee it will be more than the number reported publicly."
"The speculation outside is 50 million euros."
"I can promise you it's more than that."
Ancelotti was stunned.
It was madness. A Brazilian player who had not yet proven himself at international level or even in Europe, commanding such an outrageous fee. Yes, Neymar had talent, but still.
"What about Thiago…" Ancelotti asked cautiously.
He had never revealed the full truth.
To the media, he let it be known he wanted Dortmund's Gündogan. To Gao Shen, he mentioned Jorginho.
But in reality, his first choice was Barcelona's Thiago Alcântara.
Thiago was the kind of midfield talent that made you believe at first sight.
"I contacted Barcelona, but they're not too keen."
Ancelotti frowned.
"We should prepare for both possibilities," Leonardo reminded him.
Ancelotti looked serious. Signing a playmaking midfielder was vital to the success of his tactical system.
"I also heard that Manchester United and Liverpool are tracking Jorginho. He's really in demand," Leonardo warned.
Liverpool's season had been poor compared to Leeds United, but their stature in English and European football was unquestionable. Moving from Leeds to Liverpool was perfectly logical.
Leonardo's words were meant as a reminder: Thiago was appealing, but could PSG realistically get him?
They had to be careful not to miss out on Thiago, only to also lose Jorginho in the process.
A defensive playmaker like Jorginho was valuable in any league or team.
Germany's Bild newspaper had already reported: if you wanted Dortmund's Gündogan, don't bother unless you had 40 million euros.
By comparison, Thiago's release clause was only 18 million.
For PSG or Bayern, the money itself wasn't the obstacle. The real question was whether the player would come.
Barcelona's handling of Thiago was amateurish.
Look at how AC Milan sold Thiago Silva. They made big promises, got him to sign a long-term deal, then sold him for a high price. That was smart business.
"I think Jorginho isn't as strong as Thiago in some aspects, but he has his own advantages. He's only 21, very moldable, and plays as a single pivot at Leeds United. We should open talks with them."
Leonardo could see Ancelotti still hadn't let go of Thiago.
If he truly wanted him, he should go all in now. Why hesitate?
…
After Ancelotti left, Gao Shen led his squad back to Valdebebas.
Once the players were dismissed and the day's tasks wrapped up, he returned home and immediately called Fernando Lucas in Leeds to get the latest updates.
"Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham have all asked about Pogba, and so have Paris Saint-Germain."
"How did you respond?"
"That we won't discuss transfers until the season ends."
"But the season is nearly over."
"You mean…"
"I've received word that Monaco have already reached an agreement with Atlético Madrid for Falcao."
"Falcao?"
"Yes."
"When he moved from Porto to Atlético, the fee was 40 million euros."
"That's right, though not all came from Atlético. From the start, Falcao's rights were split between third-party ownership groups, like Jorge Mendes."
It was the same kind of mess as Neymar's transfer to Barcelona.
"So this transfer will be huge?"
"At least 60 million, maybe more."
Gao Shen wasn't sure, because the storm in European football had arrived earlier than in his previous life.
Russian billionaire Rybolovlev was still intent on making Monaco another PSG, throwing money around recklessly. He would soon realize it was pointless.
Monaco would then change approach, working with agents like Mendes, developing young talent, and producing players like Mbappé and Martial.
They would transform from a rich man's plaything into a talent hub.
But right now, Monaco's transition wasn't easy.
Because Leeds United had already taken the lead.
Still, Leeds United also faced problems.
Sarri had officially informed the club, and had already called Gao Shen, to say he would return to Italy to coach Napoli after this season.
De Laurentiis and Marino had swooped in, stealing Gao Shen's trusted man.
At least both had called Gao Shen directly, offered to take him to dinner, and said plenty of nice words.
Gao Shen said little and let Sarri go.
Pochettino had been in Madrid for six months, shadowing Gao Shen. If Sarri left, Gao Shen would let Pochettino take over.
But what concerned him most was how many Leeds players could be kept this summer.
With their success, too many clubs were circling.
Koulibaly, Jorginho, Pogba, Icardi…
Gao Shen had given clear instructions. Next season's target was still survival.
If they wanted to stay in the Premier League, the backbone couldn't be stripped out.
Koulibaly could be sold, but José Fonte had to stay. The goalkeeper too.
Icardi could be sold, but the rest of the front line had to remain. Coutinho, Salah, and others were untouchable.
Only that way could competitiveness be guaranteed.
If everyone was sold, how could Leeds survive in the Premier League?
"How are things with Manchester City?" Gao Shen asked.
The plan to raid City's academy had been his idea.
And why not?
Those players were all originally scouted by Gao Shen and Borrell. With Borrell now Leeds' technical director, of course they would try to lure them.
Besides, did City even have the environment to nurture young players?
Would Rabiot or Sterling ever get real chances there?
Better to bring them to Leeds.
For City, it wasn't a big deal.
Just like when Real Madrid loaned young players like Sarabia to Getafe. If they did well, Madrid would buy them back, like De la Red and Negredo before.
That was how elite clubs operated.
Even Barcelona's Dream Team III wasn't all homegrown.
Fabregas and Piqué were developed by Arsenal and Manchester United.
And how many years did it take for Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi to become who they were?
Messi was a prodigy, yes, but Xavi and Iniesta nearly left Barcelona several times.
It proved big clubs could never rely solely on their academies.
"It's done. We'll pay the transfer fees and buy them."
"Who?"
"Rodolfo picked Rabiot, Sterling, and Alexander-Arnold. Cost us £4 million in total."
Three teenagers, 15 to 18 years old, already showing great potential. With proper development at Leeds, they could become crucial assets.
This kind of deal was essentially risk-free.
"Did City demand clauses?"
"Yes, but we refused to give them a sell-on percentage. We only granted them first refusal."
Sell-on clauses were common in youth transfers.
But in that case, Leeds' £4 million offer was already high. If they'd agreed to a sell-on, the fee would have been lower.
That would mean Leeds developing players for City's benefit. Why would they accept?
"Where's Rodolfo? What's he busy with these days?" Gao Shen asked.
"Him?" Fernando Lucas chuckled. "He's gone to France again. I'm starting to think he's using this job for free vacations."
The last part was a joke.
"Mbappé again?"
"Yes. Fifth trip, no agreement yet. But he's stubborn. You told him Mbappé had the potential to be a star, and now he won't stop chasing him."
Gao Shen nodded and said no more.
Borrell was reliable.
That was why Gao Shen had entrusted Leeds United to him and Lucas in the first place.
(To be continued.)