(Stadium of Light, Monkwearmouth, City of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, Europe)
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(Bastian Martell POV)
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(Date: 4/7/2023)
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Bastian had arranged a friendly between the First Team and the Under-21s. He'd called up Mandanda, O'Shea, Reddington, and Ingram to play for the first team. Depending on their performances in this inner club-friendly, they may or may not feature for the club in either one or both of their training camp matches against Willem II and NAC Breda in the Netherlands. Aside from the four of them, there were two other lads to watch in the Under-21s. Ben Middlemas and Tommy Watson.
Although both lads were not as consistent or talented as Mandanda, O'Shea, Reddington, or Ingram, they were nonetheless talented or so Bastian had been informed. So if they proved to be adept enough, he might just consider the idea of throwing the two of them as well as the other four under the wings of certain Talents he was hoping to bring into Sunderland.
It was a long shot, bringing in who he wanted to bring to Sunderland. But if he was able to pull it off, their merchandise sales would skyrocket overnight as would their social media following. It was just the question of whether or not he'd be able to convince the owner to put in at least almost a hundred million in the transfer fund to be able to attempt to buy all of the lads he wanted or just one or two of the lads he wanted to get into the first team for Sunderland. If his top three targets didn't make the transition, which was a very real possibility given they were in the twilight years of their careers and one of them had won over a dozen trophies in his career as a One Club man, then he'd be able to buy at least four players realistically, and maybe bring in two or three loan signings.
He had made enquiries and knew he could make at least four bids that would be landslide deals on a free, and he had his eye on a young Goalkeeper and Central Defender who he could also sign on a free. He was looking at bringing in another Wingback for around thirty something million, and was looking to make a bid for his top target st around sixteen point five million. He was also eyeing another wingback for around forty seven million and a midfield player for two point five. It was his desire to bring in a striker on loan with a future buyout clause of around eighty six million. More than he'd like to have as a future fee, but if he could convince his board to increase their wage budget to accommodate his special signings, then it was certainly a possibility that Mr. Louis-Dreyfus would green light an end of season fee of eighty six million.
It was necessary considering the fact that several premier league clubs were sniffing around his top talents, including the four young forwards he'd brought up today.
For the moment though, he had a Senior Squad- Reserve Squad friendly to get through. The performance analyst department, scouts, and coaching staff would be working overtime to provide him a detailed summary of the players for both halves, the fact he was there to observe as well was an added benefit.
But first things first, addressing the club's lads directly.
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''My name is Bastian Martell, like some of you I have extensive experience playing at the top level of European Football on a Domestic, Continental, and International stage. However unlike various coaches you may be used to, I have experience outside of Europe as well. Which is part of why the Club decided to offer me the position. I'm sure many of you are used to a particular style or formation but before we get into that, further introductions. I've appointed former club Manager, Roy Keane as my Assistant Manager and Coach. Additionally I'm pleased to introduce you to Legends of both this club and the game. Welcome to Julio Arca, Jermaine DeFoe, Lee Cattermole, Ryan Giggs, and Robbie Fowler. Ryan Giggs will be in charge of Set Pieces, so make the most of that.'' Says Bastian.
''We're not here to waste our time. You want to muck around? Request to be released from your contract and bugger off elsewhere. Apply yourselves in training and give everything you have in the matches and you'll earn your wages here.'' Keane spoke up.
''A final note. I don't care who was promised what by my predecessors. Every place in the team is up for grabs. So go out there and prove you deserve a place in the starting eleven. Keane will manage the Reserves, I'll manage Senior Squad. match starts in fifteen.'' Says Bastian as the reserves filter out.
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