Chapter 74
As the new season wrapped up, the football world shifted its focus to the World Cup. However, the club football drama was far from over.
Serie A was still reeling from the Calciopoli scandal, and England's Arsenal was also plunged into chaos.
The long-standing consequences of selling captains year after year finally erupted during the 2005/06 season.
Although Wenger's Arsenal secured fourth place in the Premier League, narrowly edging out Tottenham Hotspur by two points and qualifying for the next season's Champions League, this did little to appease the fans.
The club had fallen to competing with teams like Tottenham, Blackburn, and Newcastle for scraps.
Arsenal's 67 points were a far cry from Manchester United and Liverpool's 83 and 82, let alone Chelsea's 91 points, which secured them the league title.
This decline left Arsenal fans fuming.
Selling Thierry Henry had drained the team of its attacking edge, leaving them lackluster in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Wenger, as the architect of the team, bore the brunt of the blame.
The fans had watched helplessly as Arsenal descended from Premier League champions to this mediocre state.
Though many acknowledged the financial strain of building a new stadium, their patience had worn thin.
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The Summer Explosion
The breaking point came this summer.
With the Emirates Stadium set to open in 2006, fans had expected the club to step up its transfer efforts and strengthen the squad. Instead, they were greeted with disheartening news.
The club announced it would not renew the contracts of veterans Robert Pires and Sol Campbell. Meanwhile, Dutch legend Dennis Bergkamp was set to retire at the end of the season, and right-back Lauren was sold to Portsmouth for a mere €550,000.
As for signings? Arsenal expressed satisfaction with the current squad and made it clear that there would be no major investments—all in the name of the new stadium.
This infuriated fans.
"The new stadium, the new stadium!"
They had heard it all before. When the stadium was under construction, the excuse was a lack of funds. Now that it was complete, the excuse was still the same.
Meanwhile, across Europe, Atlético Madrid was building its own new stadium. Yet year after year, they won trophies, including a recent domestic and European double.
And Arsenal? Barely scraping into the top four.
The frustrations of Arsenal's supporters reached a boiling point when Wenger admitted in an interview with The Independent that he was in talks with Real Madrid.
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Wenger Drops a Bombshell
"Yes," Wenger confirmed. "Florentino Pérez, Emilio Butragueño, and José Ángel Sánchez came to London, and we had extensive discussions."
"This isn't the first time I've received an offer from Real Madrid. Over the years, every time they've changed managers, Florentino has called me. I always declined. But now, I think the time has come."
Wenger explained that he had fulfilled his mission at Arsenal. With the new stadium completed and ready for its debut, he felt it was time to move on. He wished Arsenal well for the future.
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Shockwaves in Spain
Spanish outlet AS quickly broke the news, reporting that Wenger was preparing to travel to Madrid to sign his contract.
The deal reportedly offered Wenger a three-year contract with an option to extend—testament to Florentino Pérez's faith in the Frenchman's managerial abilities.
AS revealed that Wenger's decision was driven by two factors: Florentino's persistent courtship and Wenger's growing frustration with Arsenal's board. He believed the management was incompetent and had failed to address the club's problems.
Arsenal's official response was immediate, offering their best wishes to Wenger. However, Vice-Chairman David Dein publicly criticized the board, declaring that someone within the management team needed to take responsibility for Wenger's departure.
"This marks the beginning of Arsenal's decline," Dein warned.
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A Shockwave Felt Worldwide
Wenger's move stunned the global football community. It was a seismic event that left everyone, including Atlético Madrid's manager Yang Hao, reeling.
Although Yang Hao didn't know Wenger well, he recalled Wenger stating that he had a contractual obligation to stay with Arsenal as part of the conditions for securing loans to fund the new stadium.
"How could that agreement suddenly disappear?"
Yang Hao had no doubt that Florentino Pérez had played a significant role.
"This man is devious," Yang Hao muttered to himself. Every time Atlético achieved success, Pérez seemed to counter with some disruptive move. Last season, it was audacious transfers. This time, it was luring Wenger away.
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Elsewhere in Spain
While Real Madrid celebrated their coup, French coach Didier Deschamps, who had temporarily managed Real Madrid, announced his appointment as the new manager of Deportivo La Coruña. Deschamps pledged to rejuvenate the once-mighty Super Depor into a competitive force in La Liga.
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Villarreal's Ambitious Summer
Fresh off their Champions League final appearance, Villarreal made significant moves in the transfer market.
Signed Turkish forward Nihat from Real Sociedad on a free transfer. Acquired French midfielder Robert Pires from Arsenal on a free transfer. Paid €11 million to Zaragoza for midfielder Cani.
Their biggest move was a record-breaking €25 million deal to sign Sergio Agüero from Argentina's Independiente, along with Lucas Biglia.
Agüero, a highly coveted talent who had shone at the 2005 U-20 World Cup, became the centerpiece of Villarreal's future ambitions.
They also spent €8.7 million on Chilean midfielder Matías Fernández, further strengthening their squad.
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Atlético's Countermoves
Not to be outdone, Atlético Madrid made strategic investments in emerging talent.
The collapse of Chilean football giants like Colo Colo and Universidad de Chile provided opportunities for Atlético. Following recommendations from former player Celso Ayala, Atlético signed two promising Chilean players:
Alexis Sánchez (€3 million). Arturo Vidal (€2 million).
Both players remained on loan at Colo Colo to continue developing.
These signings aligned perfectly with Atlético's philosophy of nurturing young talent, ensuring a strong pipeline for the future.
With the rise in broadcasting revenues for La Liga clubs this season—even the relegated teams earning significantly more than before—the purchasing power of Spanish clubs soared. Naturally, many turned their attention to South America, hunting for affordable and talented players.
Although there are limits on foreign players, many South American footballers hold dual nationality, making them prime targets.
Atlético Madrid's signings of Alexis Sánchez and Arturo Vidal went largely unnoticed, as the club refrained from making any official announcements.
Gabi's Departure to Zaragoza
Conversely, significant attention was drawn to the departure of Gabi, a homegrown Atlético player, who transferred to Zaragoza for €5 million after the season ended.
At 23, Gabi had shown promise under Yang Hao's guidance, especially during his time in the Segunda División. However, with the club's improvement in recent years, competition in midfield intensified. Not only were Iniesta and Kaká regular starters, but even veterans like Baraja, the 31-year-old captain, found themselves sidelined.
Gabi needed more playing time to develop. Under Yang Hao's policies, players of his age couldn't remain in the B team. Zaragoza, having sold Cani to Villarreal, offered Gabi a lifeline, and he seized the opportunity.
Though Yang Hao had a high regard for Gabi, the harsh reality was that even younger talents like Modrić and David Silva had surpassed him in skill. Leaving Atlético became a necessary step in Gabi's career, albeit a bittersweet one.
In an interview, Gabi expressed his hope to one day return to Atlético Madrid. Fans were nostalgic yet understanding, recognizing that stronger teams inevitably lead to fewer opportunities for academy graduates.
The Spotlight on Italy
In addition to the financial struggles in the Chilean league, another competition was drawing the attention of La Liga and Premier League clubs—Serie A.
The Calciopoli scandal rocked Italian football, shocking fans worldwide. Even UEFA's Vice President overseeing refereeing was ousted, replaced by Spain's federation president, Ángel María Villar.
Juventus, at the center of the storm, became a prime target for Europe's top clubs.
Zambrotta, capable of playing both full-back positions, was pursued by Manchester United, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. Thuram, although aging, remained one of the best central defenders in the world. Zlatan Ibrahimović, the Swedish star, attracted interest from numerous elite clubs, including Inter Milan.
Even Buffon and other Juventus stalwarts were waiting for the final verdict. If Juventus were relegated, a mass exodus was inevitable.
While many clubs watched intently, only a handful of top-tier teams in La Liga and the Premier League had the financial resources to join the race.
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A Busy June
As June began, Yang Hao, serving as a consultant for the Spanish national team, received invitations from Luis Aragonés and Ángel María Villar to accompany the team during the World Cup.
Aragonés had boldly declared that if Spain didn't reach the semifinals, he would resign—a testament to his faith in the squad and the high expectations surrounding Spain.
The fiery excitement of the World Cup loomed, but during the league hiatus, Yang Hao took a brief vacation to focus on a monumental transaction.
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Yang Hao's Tech Investment
In collaboration with Sequoia Capital, Google successfully acquired YouTube. The purchase price exceeded what Yang Hao remembered from his previous life, but even after his shares were diluted, he pocketed $1.2 billion.
Yang Hao reinvested the entirety of this windfall into Apple stocks. At a stock price of approximately $50, he acquired 24 million shares, bringing his total holdings to 30 million shares. This move made him Apple's largest individual shareholder.
After last year's drama, few dared to ridicule Yang Hao's financial foresight. His stock investments had consistently yielded enormous returns.
Although Apple's stock price had stalled around $50 following a roller-coaster year, Yang Hao remained optimistic. He visited Apple to meet with Steve Jobs, where their conversation veered toward groundbreaking innovation.
"Apple should make a phone," Yang Hao suggested.
"A completely different, intelligent phone that defines the future."
He emphasized his belief, saying, "Of all the companies in America, only you, Steve, and your team at Apple, have the vision and capability to create such a revolutionary product."
Yang Hao, tired of the outdated dominance of Nokia, longed for the cutting-edge devices he once knew.
Jobs, struck by Yang Hao's words, seemed inspired. He even took Yang Hao on a tour of Apple's secretive R&D lab, offering a glimpse of the prototype for what would later become the iPhone.
Upon leaving Apple, Yang Hao made a bold prediction in a media interview:
"Within 5–6 years, Apple's stock price will increase tenfold!"
"I have absolute confidence in Jobs and Apple's future."
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A Media Firestorm
Yang Hao's statement stirred a media frenzy. Critics accused him of manipulating the market, claiming his remarks were designed to inflate Apple's stock price following his recent acquisition.
Yet the market remained indifferent, with Apple's stock showing no significant movement.
A renowned Wall Street Journal analyst penned a scathing article mocking Yang Hao:
"He should stick to coaching in Europe instead of making grandiose claims in the American stock market."
The article dissected Apple's struggles, noting its stock had dropped from a post-split high of $85 to $50—a far cry from Yang Hao's optimistic projections.
"Last year's speculative success has given Yang Hao delusions of grandeur. He's gambled his entire fortune this time, exemplifying the classic gambler's fallacy—a fatal mistake in the stock market."
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Personal Life in the Spotlight
As one of the world's most scrutinized figures, Yang Hao became a magnet for criticism. In the lead-up to the World Cup, The Los Angeles Times reported that Yang Hao had ended his relationship with Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson.
While the reasons behind their breakup weren't disclosed, speculation abounded, with some suggesting Yang Hao's financial strategies had played a role.
"Scarlett Johansson reportedly disapproved of Yang Hao's aggressive gambler-like investment approach, favoring more conservative strategies.
However, on the afternoon of June 14, during the World Cup group stage match between Spain and Ukraine at Leipzig's Central Stadium, Yang Hao once again became the center of attention in the stands. Seated next to him was a young woman, raising eyebrows over how quickly he had moved on from Scarlett.
Yang Hao's new companion openly accompanied him to Germany, sparking curiosity. Spain opted for a 4-3-3 formation for this match, leaving Raúl on the bench. The result? A 4-0 victory for Spain, with Villa scoring twice, Xabi Alonso, and Torres adding to the tally.
Yet, despite Spain's resounding win, media coverage was dominated by discussions about Yang Hao's new relationship.
A New Romance
Digging deeper, media quickly identified Yang Hao's new girlfriend as Blake Lively, an 18-year-old from California who had recently graduated high school. Coming from a family of actors, with both her parents and siblings in the entertainment industry, she had met Yang Hao at a business event where she initiated a conversation.
According to American reports, Blake accompanied Yang Hao throughout his stay in the U.S., solidifying their relationship.
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Spain's World Cup Journey
Spain's opening win against Ukraine made headlines and aligned with high expectations fueled by La Liga's dominance and the abundance of Spanish talent in recent years. However, the second group match against Tunisia exposed vulnerabilities.
Despite dominating possession, Spain conceded an early goal in the 8th minute and struggled to break down Tunisia's compact 4-3-2-1 Christmas Tree formation. Desperate for a breakthrough, Aragonés brought on Raúl during halftime, and the veteran striker immediately leveled the score. Two additional goals from Torres sealed a 3-1 comeback victory.
This performance reignited the debate over Raúl's role in the team. Fans and pundits called on Aragonés to reintegrate the veteran forward as a starting XI staple. "With Raúl on the field, Spain's spirit stabilized, and they achieved a dominant turnaround," they argued, putting Aragonés in a tight spot.
For the final group match, Spain rotated their squad, fielding backups like Reyes and Joaquín alongside Raúl in a 4-3-3 system. A narrow 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia secured top spot in the group.
A Devastating Loss
Advancing to the Round of 16, Spain faced France, led by Zinedine Zidane. Despite Villa opening the scoring, Ribéry, Vieira, and Zidane turned the tide, ending Spain's campaign in a 1-3 defeat.
Controversy erupted over Aragonés' decision to substitute Raúl in the 54th minute when the score was tied 1-1. Critics argued this tactical error destabilized the team and led to their collapse.
Fans and media alike expressed frustration. "With a team this strong and so many star players, how could Spain fail so miserably against France?" Raúl's substitution became the focal point of criticism. Many fans lamented, "If Raúl had stayed on the pitch, Spain wouldn't have lost!"
Calls for Aragonés' resignation escalated, with protesters greeting the team at Madrid's airport upon their return. Chants of "Luis, we don't need you!" echoed as fans demanded he honor his promise to step down if Spain didn't reach the semifinals.
The following day, Aragonés submitted his resignation. However, Yang Hao, familiar with the scenario from his past life, suspected this was just part of the script. He predicted Villar, president of the Spanish Football Federation, would convince Aragonés to stay, granting him greater control over the squad—a well-worn playbook.
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Ronaldo vs. Rooney
Yang Hao's focus soon shifted to another controversy brewing in the World Cup quarterfinals. During England's match against Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney had a dramatic falling-out.
Rooney, stepping on Carvalho, sparked a confrontation with Ronaldo, who pressured the referee for a red card. Rooney, incensed, shoved Ronaldo to the ground. The referee promptly sent Rooney off, and Ronaldo's sly wink, caught on camera, became an instant sensation.
Outrage swept through England, turning Ronaldo into public enemy number one.
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Wenger's Bold Recommendation
In the offices of the Santiago Bernabéu, Arsène Wenger sat before Florentino Pérez, flanked by Butragueño and José Ángel Sánchez, making an impassioned pitch:
"Sign him, Florentino!"
Wenger's conviction caught everyone off guard. The Arsenal manager had cut his vacation short and returned to Madrid specifically to advocate for Ronaldo's signing.
"Trust me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you don't act now, you'll regret it forever!"
Florentino was taken aback by Wenger's fervor. "Arsène, are you certain about this? You truly want him?"
"Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo! He has the potential to become the best player in the world," Wenger insisted.
"Better than Kaká or Messi?" Florentino asked skeptically.
"I can't guarantee that," Wenger admitted, "but if there's anyone who can rival them, or even surpass them, it's Ronaldo. He's the one with the greatest potential."
Florentino's interest grew. "We invited him for trials when he was at Sporting Lisbon, but he chose Manchester United instead. Even Yang Hao tried to sign him back then, and you know Yang's eye for talent never fails."
Florentino nodded thoughtfully. Yang Hao's knack for identifying generational talents was widely respected.
"After the World Cup, we'll make our move," Florentino declared.
Wenger shook his head. "No, Florentino, you don't understand Ferguson."
The room fell silent.
"Ferguson is a fox—shrewd and ruthless. He's already dealt with Beckham. He knows exactly what to do now. He won't give any team the chance to capitalize on this. He'll extinguish the fire before it spreads."
"So, what are you suggesting?" Florentino asked.
"Ferguson and his team are already working on damage control. He'll calm Rooney, reassure Ronaldo, and find a way to make Ronaldo shine. Then he'll have Rooney publicly forgive Ronaldo. Fans have short memories—they'll forget the incident soon enough."
"Understood, José," Florentino responded with composure. He wasn't new to the transfer game. On the contrary, the Real Madrid president was a battle-hardened veteran of the market, having weathered many high-stakes negotiations. He knew that when an opportunity as rare as this one presented itself, speed was essential—hitting fast before rivals could react.
"Contact Mendes immediately," Florentino instructed. "Get straight to the point and invite him to Madrid as soon as possible."
"Understood." José Ángel Sánchez wasted no time and began dialing.
Meanwhile, Wenger and Florentino continued discussing transfers, with Wenger emphasizing another name: Zlatan Ibrahimović.
From the moment Wenger decided to manage Real Madrid, he had mentally evaluated the team's roster. To him, Van Nistelrooy wasn't enough to meet his tactical demands. The Dutch striker still had exceptional finishing ability, but modern teams increasingly valued more versatile forwards, and Van Nistelrooy lacked that flexibility.
"Cristiano Ronaldo, Ibrahimović, Joaquín, and Robinho. I guarantee this combination will strike fear across Europe," Wenger declared confidently.
"As for central defenders, I want Giorgio Chiellini from Juventus. He'll address our height disadvantage. Vincent Kompany from Sevilla is another option worth exploring."
Wenger grew increasingly animated as he spoke, the excitement evident on his face.
So this is how exhilarating it feels to buy, buy, and buy, he thought.
During his Arsenal years, every penny had to be meticulously accounted for, every signing cautiously scrutinized. One wrong move could spell disaster.
But now?
He simply had to name who he wanted—the bigger the name, the better. The sheer indulgence of it was intoxicating.
Wenger felt regret wash over him. Why hadn't he made the move to Real Madrid sooner?
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Munich, Germany – Allianz Arena
In the World Cup semifinals, Portugal fell 0–1 to France, with Zidane scoring the decisive goal. Franck Ribéry, representing Atlético Madrid, outshone Cristiano Ronaldo in their head-to-head matchup.
In the other semifinal, Brazil defeated Germany 2–0, thanks to a goal and assist from Kaká.
Unlike Yang Hao's previous life, where Italy faced Australia in the Round of 16 and Ukraine in the quarterfinals, this World Cup saw Italy eliminated in the quarterfinals by Brazil. Kaká scored the only goal in that match.
With that, a stacked Brazilian squad advanced to the final, where they would face Zidane-led France.
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Mendes and Ronaldo
Following Portugal's semifinal loss, Cristiano Ronaldo met his agent Jorge Mendes at the team's hotel. Mendes wasted no time.
"Did Ferguson call you?" he asked, his tone serious.
"No. I changed my number—he probably can't reach me," Ronaldo replied calmly.
Mendes sighed in relief.
"Why did you change it?"
"Too many journalists and angry fans calling and texting me. It was unbearable."
Mendes shook his head, exasperated. "The situation outside is complicated. The fans in England are furious with you."
"I've been online. I know," Ronaldo replied coldly.
"They don't even want me back. Manchester United hasn't issued a single statement to support me—they're siding with Rooney, as always. You know that."
Mendes remained silent. From a neutral perspective, Manchester United's position was delicate. Both Ronaldo and Rooney were their players, but United was fundamentally an English club. Could they afford to alienate their local fanbase for Ronaldo's sake?
"I heard they trashed my house. Is that true?" Ronaldo asked, his voice laced with tension.
"I filed a police report, but they don't seem too eager to act on it," Mendes admitted.
"Figures," Ronaldo scoffed.
"Did you hear? Wenger has joined Real Madrid."
"I know. Looks like the Premier League's situation is only going to get worse," Ronaldo remarked with a hint of worry.
"They've called me—Real Madrid. They want to know if you're interested in joining."
"What did you say?"
"I didn't commit to anything. It's your decision. But I did visit Madrid to learn more about their plans. Their main targets for the attack are you, Ibrahimović, Joaquín, and Robinho."
Ronaldo seemed intrigued by the proposed lineup.
"But I'm a little wary of Ibrahimović," Mendes added. "He's unpredictable, a bit of a lone wolf."
"I've met him a few times. He's got an ego, sure, but that's fine. Let's see who outsmarts who," Ronaldo replied with a smirk.
"So, you're not opposed?" Mendes asked cautiously.
"Why would I be? Those English fans have threatened to assassinate me, smashed my house, and subjected me to constant abuse. Do you think I can safely return to the Premier League?" Ronaldo's indignation was palpable.
"And what has Manchester United done? Nothing. Not even a token gesture to support me. They've let the fans blame everything on me. Fine. If it's my fault, I'll leave. Problem solved."
His voice grew firmer as he continued, "When I joined United, Ferguson promised me the world. But as soon as Rooney arrived, everything changed. Rooney became their darling, their English superstar, the leader of the team. And me? What was I supposed to be? Just the Portuguese sidekick?"
Mendes nodded sympathetically, aware of the deep resentment Ronaldo harbored.
"Real Madrid's offer is solid—6.5 million euros per year," Mendes informed him.
Ronaldo frowned slightly, prompting Mendes to quickly clarify. "Spain's tax rate is much lower. You'd take home almost 80% of that."
Ronaldo mentally calculated. Though the offered salary wasn't astronomical by European standards, his net earnings would far exceed what he currently made at Manchester United.
"Tell Madrid I have just one condition," Ronaldo said decisively.
"Name it."
"I won't play on the same team as that guy. If they agree to that, I'm in. As for the transfer fee, that's their problem to negotiate with United."
Mendes immediately understood who Ronaldo was referring to—Van Nistelrooy. Their feud was no secret.
"I'll relay your terms," Mendes agreed, though he knew this would complicate matters.
As he prepared to leave, Mendes paused to offer one last piece of advice. "Ferguson will likely call you in the coming days. Be careful—don't let anything slip."
"I won't answer his calls or respond to his messages. Once the World Cup is over, I'll go on vacation. I'll only stay in touch with you."
"Understood!" Mendes left, satisfied.
This meant he had full authority to manage Cristiano Ronaldo's summer transfer. Just the thought of it filled Mendes with excitement. His player was finally about to break into the hallowed halls of the Santiago Bernabéu.
A player of his could finally join the ranks of the Galácticos!
This was something only José Veiga had accomplished before.
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The transfer market was unpredictable, a stormy sea of uncertainty.
No one could have foreseen how one World Cup match in Germany would throw Sir Alex Ferguson's plans into chaos.
The legendary manager never expected two of his prized players, representing their respective nations, to spark such a massive controversy.
It wasn't until Manchester United's board called him, citing a tidal wave of fan outrage that could potentially affect Old Trafford's attendance for the upcoming season, that Ferguson realized the gravity of the situation.
Many United fans were threatening to cancel their season tickets and boycott games if Cristiano Ronaldo stayed.
Ferguson had called Ronaldo several times, but none of his calls were answered. Text messages went unanswered too.
The situation escalated further when angry fans vandalized Ronaldo's house. Windows were smashed, the front door damaged, and even the yard and living room were wrecked. This incident made Ferguson realize just how serious the issue had become.
Rushing back to Carrington, Ferguson immediately dialed Jorge Mendes.
Mendes picked up, stating that Ronaldo was focused on preparing for his next match.
"He's very disappointed that neither the club nor you defended him," Mendes said curtly.
Ferguson was livid. "Defend him for what? How do you even defend something like this?"
Mendes remained calm. "He was simply fighting for his country. He doesn't see anything wrong with that. But the silence from Manchester United speaks volumes, and he feels the message is clear. He wants to leave. He hopes you won't stand in his way."
Ferguson, frustrated and fuming, demanded, "Tell him to answer my calls or at least reply to my messages."
"Apologies, Sir Alex, but he's really not in the mood. He doesn't want to be disturbed. You're aware his phone is flooded with threatening messages and calls from English fans, right?"
"Jorge, I won't let him leave Manchester United!" Ferguson declared firmly.
"He respects you, Sir Alex, but he can't return to England under these circumstances."
Ferguson dismissed the concerns. "Nonsense! Beckham went through something similar and survived."
"Beckham is English. Cristiano isn't," Mendes replied bluntly, cutting to the heart of the issue.
Ferguson knew this to be true. The controversy surrounding Ronaldo and Rooney had stirred deeper tensions: a clash between local loyalty and foreign talent.
At Manchester United, from the coaching staff to the fans, there was an inherent preference for British players. Rooney was seen as "one of their own," while Ronaldo remained an outsider.
Ferguson had been aware of this disparity for a long time. Carlos Queiroz had even warned him about Ronaldo's growing resentment, but Ferguson hadn't taken it seriously.
"I'll say it again, Jorge—he's not leaving Manchester United. I won't allow it!" Ferguson's voice grew louder.
"Sir Alex, Real Madrid has already submitted a bid and is in talks with the club. Didn't you know?"
Ferguson froze, a twinge of panic surfacing.
Ending the call abruptly, he dialed David Gill, Manchester United's CEO. It wasn't until the second attempt that Gill answered.
"Apologies, Sir Alex. I was tied up."
"Has Real Madrid made an offer for Ronaldo?" Ferguson demanded.
"What?"
"Don't play dumb with me, David. Did Real Madrid place a bid or not? Answer me—yes or no?" Ferguson roared. Ronaldo was critical to his ambitions for another Champions League title.
"Fifty million euros," Gill admitted.
"Are you joking? His market value is at least 45 million. Real Madrid wants him for just 50 million? Have they lost their minds—or have you?"
Gill sighed, choosing to remain silent.
The lack of response sent a chill down Ferguson's spine.
"Tell me you rejected it, David. You did, right?"
Still, silence.
"This makes no sense. There's no way you'd sell Ronaldo at such a price unless you've all gone mad!" Ferguson pressed.
"That's why we countered with a higher offer," Gill replied.
Ferguson's heart sank. A counteroffer meant the transfer was negotiable.
"How much?"
"Seventy million euros."
Ferguson exhaled in relief but couldn't shake the unease. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of his most prized assets. Ferguson knew better than anyone that while Rooney was talented, he lacked the extraordinary flair of players like Messi, Ronaldo, or Kaká.
Manchester United's path back to glory relied on players like Ronaldo.
"That scoundrel Wenger must've had his eye on Ronaldo for ages. He was unbearable in the Premier League, and now he's just as infuriating in La Liga!" Ferguson cursed angrily.
Before hanging up, he instructed Gill to reject any attempts by Real Madrid to negotiate further.
"I'll handle Ronaldo. Fan anger is temporary; it will blow over soon enough," Ferguson assured, confident he could smooth things over without jeopardizing the club's relationship with its supporters.
But as Ferguson ended the call with Gill, he suddenly realized he hadn't asked Mendes if Ronaldo had changed his phone number.
Moments later, Ferguson's phone rang.
The caller ID: David Gill.
"What now?" Ferguson answered impatiently, still seething.
Gill's next words left Ferguson utterly speechless.
"Seventy million euros. Real Madrid agreed to it."
They were insane.
Real Madrid had gone completely insane.
The entire transfer market was losing its mind.
"Admit it—Real Madrid always knows how to play the game."
At the Calderón Stadium, Yang Hao heard the news that Real Madrid had signed Cristiano Ronaldo. Although the club hadn't officially announced it, it was already common knowledge: Ronaldo had no intention of returning to Manchester United.
Yang Hao suspected Arsène Wenger's involvement. Combined with Florentino Pérez's decisiveness—always swift and ruthless—it was no surprise Ronaldo ended up at Real Madrid.
In the previous timeline, Real Madrid also tried to intervene in Ronaldo's transfer, but Ronaldo never even considered the Calderón. By August, Ferguson personally flew to Portugal to meet Jorge Mendes and convinced him with these words: "As long as that guy is Real Madrid's president, they'll never be trustworthy." Mendes agreed, and Ronaldo stayed at United.
Many believed Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid in 2009 was a masterstroke by Ramón Calderón, but Yang Hao had always found that notion ridiculous. At that time, Calderón's leadership was so lackluster that even agents like Mendes disdained him.
Now, with Pérez at the helm, Manchester United had capitulated almost immediately.
Ronaldo's market value of €45 million? Pérez directly offered €70 million upfront. Such boldness was unmatched.
Yang Hao couldn't help but marvel. "This must be the highest transfer fee in history."
What about Joaquín's supposed €80 million? That was just a result of triggering a release clause under special circumstances.
Currently, Ronaldo wasn't even close to achieving what he would in 2009—he was still an unpolished gem. Yet he commanded a €70 million fee.
All Yang Hao could do was applaud.
"Real Madrid must be planning even more big moves this summer. I heard they're preparing bids for several Juventus players and even AC Milan's Pirlo," Miguel Gil mentioned casually.
"What?" Yang Hao blinked. "Do they run a money-printing factory or something?"
How else could they afford such extravagance?
Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil exchanged knowing smiles.
"Real Madrid is indeed flush with cash. Last year, their revenue surpassed €300 million, the highest in Europe. We only managed €250 million, and that's with an additional Champions League trophy. Imagine how much they're raking in."
Real Madrid had the Bernabéu, whose matchday revenue far outstripped Atlético's, and their Galáctico strategy gave them an unparalleled edge. It was akin to marketing with celebrity endorsements—efficient and immediately impactful.
Barcelona was catching up quickly by emulating this model, despite having fewer star players than Atlético.
Moreover, Camp Nou's annual matchday revenue was double that of the Calderón.
How could Atlético compete?
"This has always been Real Madrid's tradition," Cerezo said with a chuckle. "Back when Cruyff's Dream Team was dominating Europe, Real Madrid's president, Mendoza, went on a spending spree. He invested millions—an astronomical sum in the early 90s—bringing in players like Laudrup, Redondo, and Flores, all to counter Barcelona."
This was before the Bosman ruling, when player transfers were much less fluid. For a club to consistently spend millions annually back then was no small feat.
Yang Hao couldn't calculate the exact inflation-adjusted value, but it was undoubtedly staggering.
"Clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona aren't meant to turn a profit," Cerezo continued. "As long as their cash flow stays intact, high debt levels can actually work in their favor."
Yang Hao recalled articles from his previous life describing how Real Madrid avoided hefty taxes by ensuring their profits were reinvested or offset. Barcelona did the same—until poor management led to disaster.
"This year, Real Madrid is dead set on competing with us. If we win this season's La Liga, it'll be our fifth consecutive title. Only Real Madrid has ever achieved that in Spanish football history," Miguel Gil reminded him, his excitement palpable.
Such a streak would be a monumental achievement for any La Liga club.
While Atlético might not yet match Real Madrid's trophy count, a fifth consecutive title would cement their dominance. Combined with their three Champions League wins in five years, their legacy would be untouchable.
Even Real Madrid's famous five consecutive La Liga and European Cup wins happened in separate eras.
________________________________________
The World Cup finally concluded.
Zidane's infamous headbutt didn't happen this time, but Brazil, led by Kaká, triumphed over France with a 2-1 victory. Adriano and Ronaldinho scored, with Kaká providing both assists.
Kaká was named Man of the Match, showcasing his brilliance.
This Brazilian squad was even stronger than in Yang Hao's previous timeline. With Adriano as striker, Ronaldinho and Kaká orchestrating the attack, and a robust midfield featuring Gilberto Silva, Deco, and Emerson, they were a formidable force.
Defensively, Brazil had Maicon, Cicinho, Thiago Silva, Lúcio, and more.
Notably, Brazil's starting center-back duo, Lúcio and Thiago Silva, played together at Atlético. This sparked significant media attention worldwide, with many crediting Atlético for shaping a World Cup-winning core.
By contrast, Spain, despite its abundance of Atlético players, underperformed.
Aragonés hinted at stepping down, expressing frustration with managing the national team. Yang Hao understood his predicament—it all came down to Raúl.
Aragonés wanted to phase Raúl out but lacked the resolve. The tangled web of politics within the national team made such a decision fraught with risk. The backlash from even considering it had been immense; actually doing it would have been career suicide.
In Yang Hao's original timeline, Aragonés had ultimately made the bold decision to bench Raúl, risking his career to transform Spain. But in this timeline, he wasn't ready.
Yang Hao had no intention of meddling.
He hadn't wanted the "advisor" role to begin with. Only repeated pleas from Aragonés and Spanish FA President Ángel María Villar had convinced him.
"Not my circus, not my monkeys," Yang Hao muttered, shaking his head.
Yang Hao didn't receive any payment for his advisory role with the national team, only having his travel expenses reimbursed.
Moreover, Yang Hao had a hunch that Raúl's position at Real Madrid in the new season would still be awkward. He might only play a role similar to Bergkamp's in his later years.
It was rumored that Wenger wanted to sign Juventus's Zlatan Ibrahimović. Yang Hao was now curious: while Real Madrid signing Ibrahimović was achievable, the real question was whether Ibrahimović could spark chemistry with Ronaldo. Could Wenger somehow ignite passion between the towering Swede and the Portuguese star?
If successful, a lineup featuring Ronaldo, Ibrahimović, and Joaquín would be truly luxurious—perhaps only slightly inferior to Atlético and comparable to Barcelona.
As for the individual honors at the World Cup, Brazil's Kaká won the Golden Ball, Zinedine Zidane received the Silver Ball, and Adriano took the Bronze Ball. Adriano also won the Golden Boot, while Thiago Silva was named Best Young Player.
________________________________________
As the World Cup concluded, the Italian football "Calciopoli" scandal reached its verdict.
Juventus was stripped of two league titles and relegated to Serie B, starting the new season with a nine-point deduction. AC Milan retained their Serie A status but would begin the season with an eight-point penalty.
With the dust settling on the scandal, top clubs that had been watching and negotiating with Juventus players sprang into action.
Real Madrid led the charge, spending €25 million to sign Zlatan Ibrahimović and €10 million to secure 22-year-old defender Giorgio Chiellini. These two deals alone cost Real Madrid €35 million. Adding Ronaldo's €70 million fee, their summer spending exceeded €100 million once again.
After signing Ronaldo, Real Madrid sold Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to Deportivo La Coruña for €15 million.
In an interview after joining Deportivo, Van Nistelrooy expressed dissatisfaction with Real Madrid's decision to cast him aside after signing Ronaldo. He vowed to prove himself at the Bernabéu in the new season. To facilitate the move, Van Nistelrooy even accepted a pay cut to €4 million.
Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Emerson, fresh from his World Cup victory, joined Inter Milan for €16 million—a crucial addition to Inter's midfield. Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram moved to Barcelona for a combined fee of €20 million.
In the wake of the scandal, Juventus's star-studded squad was dismantled overnight. The once-proud "Little World Cup" league of Serie A was now in ruins.
For Yang Hao, the Calciopoli scandal had always seemed like the beginning of Serie A's decline in his past life. Now, experiencing it firsthand, he realized it was the final nail in the coffin.
From this moment on, European football would no longer have the "Little World Cup" of Serie A. The sport's future would be dominated by the rivalry between La Liga and the Premier League.
Manchester United had intervened early in Juventus's dismantling but came away empty-handed. Ferguson, in particular, was frustrated by Zambrotta and Thuram's moves to Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo's €70 million transfer to Real Madrid dealt a significant blow to Manchester United's upcoming season. Who in Europe could replace Ronaldo at Old Trafford?
The Sun reported that Ferguson issued an ultimatum to CEO David Gill: sign either Robben or Ribéry, or he would retire.
"This decision to sell Ronaldo has completely infuriated Ferguson," the paper wrote.
Manchester United prioritized Franck Ribéry, who had shone at the World Cup and was hailed as Zidane's successor in French football. However, Atlético quickly declared Ribéry non-transferable.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, expressed concern about Javier Zanetti's advancing age and wanted to sign Atlético's right-back Maicon. Atlético decisively rejected their offer.
"Massimo Moratti is determined to address Inter's final weakness by forming a devastating Brazilian full-back duo of Aurelio and Maicon!"
Inter also targeted Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, offering a whopping €35 million. However, both Juventus and Buffon rejected the offer.
Buffon similarly turned down Chelsea's advances. According to sources close to Buffon, the Italian goalkeeper would only consider staying at Juventus or joining AC Milan.
But AC Milan, having sold Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea for €45 million, had to address their forward line first. They spent €15 million to sign Ricardo Oliveira from Real Betis, €8 million for Ronaldo from Real Madrid, and €8 million more for Massimo Oddo from Lazio, while also signing Yoann Gourcuff for €5 million from Ligue 1.
After these acquisitions, AC Milan was out of money.
Buffon lamented: "This is driving me insane..."
________________________________________
"Ribéry told me he hopes we'll seriously consider Manchester United and Bayern's offers."
At the Calderón Stadium's boardroom, Yang Hao discussed recent developments in the transfer market with Enrique Cerezo, Miguel Gil, and department heads.
The new season was fast approaching, and everyone needed clarity on Yang Hao's plans.
The transfer market was as unpredictable as ever. Ferguson was lamenting the sudden loss of Ronaldo, but Yang Hao noted that many seemed to overlook a critical detail:
In modern European football, quality wingers were scarce.
Reyes was at Chelsea, Joaquín at Real Madrid, and Ribéry and Robben were both at Atlético.
Now, with Messi's rise, Ribéry and Robben's positions were under threat.
Either player could stay; Robben's left-wing prowess was undeniable, while Ribéry excelled at dribbling. However, David Silva could fill Ribéry's role seamlessly.
Let's not forget, Silva was a natural winger who had played wide during the U-20 World Cup. He wasn't lacking in pace, either.
With Ribéry's breakout performance at the World Cup, he was no longer content with a substitute role. He wanted to join a team where he could fully showcase his abilities.
"Tell Manchester United: Ribéry is no worse than Ronaldo!"
Yang Hao glanced at Bayern's €40 million offer for Ribéry and dismissed it with disdain.
"€40 million? For a World Cup star who's already proven himself here? Do they think Atlético is just another Bundesliga backyard for them to plunder?"
Miguel Gil nodded in agreement.
"Let's use Bayern to turn up the heat on United," suggested Andrea Velasco.
Everyone approved of the idea.
"Manchester United has gone two seasons without a league title. Losing Ronaldo now weakens them further. If Ferguson doesn't want Chelsea to win again or let Liverpool overtake them, he has no choice."
"What about our squad?" Miguel Gil asked, concerned.
The team's new stadium is expected to be completed in about a year. Currently, the bank's long-term low-interest loans can comfortably cover the funding gap, but selling one or two star players could greatly alleviate financial pressure.
"We still have Di María and Suárez, who can also play on the wings. It won't be an issue."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Also, let Inter Milan know not to come back with any offers below this price." Yang Hao held up four fingers.
He meant €40 million.
This was Yang Hao's valuation of Maicon. For a full-back, it was indeed a very high price.
Based on last season's performances, Yang Hao recognized Maicon's ability. He was undoubtedly strong. However, in terms of style and synergy, Alves would fit the team better, especially alongside Messi.
The primary advantage was that Alves' technical skills aligned more seamlessly with the team's style.
In pure ability, the two were roughly equal.
________________________________________
After the department heads left one by one, Yang Hao began calculating how to fit in a quick vacation before the new season kicked off and left no time to rest.
But where should he go?
Preferably a destination for two people.
Reflecting on how he met Blake Lively, Yang Hao found it amusing.
She had walked over to greet him, and Yang Hao immediately recognized her.
In his previous life, he hadn't watched her movies or shows but had seen a certain iconic "take a step closer" photo. Her figure was indeed striking.
And just like that, they started talking.
When he saw her in person, Yang Hao thought she had a charming smile. At 18, she still carried an air of innocence.
How could he describe it?
A mix of seductive looks and a stunning figure, yet with a girl-next-door purity...
________________________________________
"Yang, while we all hope you'll secure the La Liga five-peat, we also know Real Madrid's squad is incredibly strong this season. The pressure is immense, so…"
Miguel Gil abruptly threw out a comment with no context.
"What do you mean?" Yang Hao asked, puzzled.
"Don't feel too much pressure."
"I'm not under pressure."
Now it was Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil's turn to be confused.
"But earlier, you were frowning and deep in thought…"
Everyone assumed he was stressed, given how formidable Real Madrid's current lineup was.
With Wenger, a world-class coach, leading an all-star squad, it was natural to feel immense pressure.
"I was thinking about taking a short vacation before the season starts."
Cerezo and Miguel Gil couldn't help but laugh.
They had been ready to console Yang Hao, but instead...he was planning a holiday?
"I can't take this anymore, Yang. I must say it—she's only 18, still a kid…" Miguel Gil exclaimed in mock indignation.
"And you're already in your thirties."
"Just barely past thirty," Yang Hao corrected.
"That's still over thirty."
"Say it again, and I'll punch you!" Yang Hao "threatened" with a clenched fist.
After some laughter and teasing, they returned to business.
________________________________________
"Real Madrid's current squad is indeed strong, but not so strong as to make us afraid," Yang Hao said confidently.
He then began analyzing.
"Wenger signing Chiellini and reportedly targeting Sevilla's Kompany shows his long-standing habit of nurturing young players. It's almost an addiction for him by now."
"The difference is that, in the past, he worked with €3-5 million mid-tier players. Now, he's eyeing €10 million or even €20 million talents."
Young players clearly came in tiers.
For instance, when comparing Ramos and Pavón, it was obvious who held more value.
________________________________________
"In defense and attack, Real Madrid has little to worry about. Wenger will likely promote some young players from within the club. This is beneficial for the long-term development of Los Blancos. However, they have one issue."
Without waiting for questions, Yang Hao answered himself:
"Their midfield lacks organization and creativity. If they sign Pirlo, this problem could be solved. But then Vieira's role becomes complicated."
Currently, AC Milan seemed reluctant to sell Pirlo.
Thus, the issue was clear: in the new season, Real Madrid's midfield would be strong but less refined, with weak organization and creativity.
This would likely force them to rely more on their wingers.
With Wenger's coaching prowess, Real Madrid's overall performance would undoubtedly be solid. However, their effectiveness in high-stakes matches against top teams like Atlético remained uncertain.
For the rest of La Liga, though, except perhaps Barcelona, Real Madrid's squad would likely dominate.
________________________________________
As for Barcelona, their acquisitions of Zambrotta and Thuram seemed like solid moves.
However, Yang Hao believed these additions would dilute Barcelona's tiki-taka style.
This created an inherent contradiction.
Barcelona's defense had obvious weaknesses, which everyone knew.
But where in modern football could they find defenders who were both adept in possession and solid in defense?
There was Dani Alves at Atlético, but he wasn't going anywhere.
Maicon, while excellent, leaned more towards direct attacking than playmaking.
With Zambrotta and Thuram arriving, Barça's defense would undoubtedly stabilize, but their signature passing game would take a hit.
Was this good or bad? It was hard to say.
________________________________________
"Now that Serie A has declined, the Premier League is La Liga's only real competitor. From this summer's activities, it's clear that we, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are carrying the torch for La Liga. The more intense the competition, the better."
"And as for the La Liga five-peat, I'll give it my all," Yang Hao concluded with a confident smile.
________________________________________
"Oh, by the way, yesterday, RFEF President Villar called me," Enrique Cerezo suddenly remembered.
"What about?" Yang Hao asked curiously.
"He asked if you'd consider taking on the role of Spain's national team coach. What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Yang Hao nearly jumped out of his seat. "Who said that? Let him come out and face me!"
Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil were taken aback by Yang Hao's strong reaction.
"We don't know. He was just asking," Cerezo explained.
"It must be that old man, Aragonés," Yang Hao grumbled, cursing under his breath.
Cerezo and Miguel Gil exchanged confused glances, unsure of the underlying story.
Yang Hao quickly gave them a brief explanation.
In short, both he and Aragonés believed that Spain could only achieve success by sidelining Raúl.
However, the problem was that Raúl's contributions to Spain over the years had been so significant that no one dared to make such a decision—not even RFEF President Villar.
Anyone bold enough to bench Raúl would instantly become the villain of Spanish football.
Unless, of course, they could lead the national team to a championship.
But the issue was that neither Aragonés nor Yang Hao, despite his foreknowledge from another timeline, felt entirely confident about that.
Yang Hao had a comfortable situation at Atlético Madrid. Why would he take on the added risk of managing Spain?
"It's definitely Aragonés. That old fox doesn't dare make this controversial move himself, so he's trying to push it onto me."
In truth, Yang Hao knew Spain had a great chance to succeed, but it would require controversial decisions that would offend many. The team's overall strength was undeniable.
Still, he wasn't about to accept the job so casually—it would feel beneath him. Let the Spanish FA think whatever they wanted. He didn't care.
Yang Hao had the clout and reputation to make such dismissive remarks.
He was also certain that in his previous life, Aragonés had been pushed into a corner before he finally made the tough call. Benching Raúl had turned him into a national pariah.
Had Spain not won a title later, Aragonés' career would've been ruined.
Now that Yang Hao was around, Aragonés clearly preferred to pass the responsibility on to him, which Yang Hao found incredibly disloyal.
"Don't stop me. I'm going to deal with him!"
With that, Yang Hao stormed out in anger.
Cerezo and Miguel Gil were left speechless.
"Miguel, follow him. That old man is sly. If Yang Hao so much as touches him, he might fake an injury and create a scandal. Yang Hao would be in trouble," Cerezo cautioned.
Miguel Gil found the advice reasonable and quickly followed.
________________________________________
An hour later, at a barbecue restaurant near Real Madrid's old Ciudad Deportiva—one favored by the Spanish royal family—Yang Hao was furiously devouring grilled meat as if it were Aragonés himself.
Nearby, Real Madrid's old training ground had been reduced to rubble, with construction underway for four skyscrapers, the permits for which had recently been approved.
"I'm planning to coach Real Mallorca," Aragonés revealed, breaking the silence.
"What?" Yang Hao looked at him incredulously, his expression asking, Are you serious?
"Honestly, you're not Spanish, so you don't understand how hard this decision is."
Aragonés sighed heavily before continuing.
"For years, Spain has relied on Raúl. He's been the team's symbol, its core, and its spiritual leader since 1998. His importance to us cannot be overstated."
The elder coach sighed again.
"You've seen it. I merely benched him, and the backlash has been overwhelming. They're practically ready to tear me apart. Do you think I dare go further?" Aragonés asked.
Yang Hao wanted to say, Come on, old man. Be brave. You've got the guts!
"You said it yourself before—foreigners always have it easier. What I can't do, you can," Aragonés added.
"That's nonsense!" Yang Hao retorted. "I'm Atlético's coach. If I bench Real Madrid's captain, do you think I'll survive?"
Aragonés burst into laughter. "I'm a Atlético legend too, remember? If I do this, it's just as risky. Plus, I'm getting old."
"That's not my problem."
"Come on, stop pretending with me. You're the one who told me this team has the potential to win a title. Don't tell me you're not tempted."
"Having the potential to win and actually winning are two different things. Besides, it's way too early for me to coach a national team," Yang Hao said firmly.
At his current age, taking over a national team was premature.
Aragonés nodded in acknowledgment. "I'm 68. I've worked hard for so many years, and now you want me to gamble it all on one decision? To be honest, I'm hesitant."
Anyone in his position would feel the same way.
"But you're different. You're a foreigner, which makes certain things easier for you. Plus, your team is already in place, and you're familiar with many of the players—you even developed some of them."
"I know what you're worried about. But I truly believe you have a better chance than I do because I have no confidence in myself."
Aragonés let out a self-deprecating laugh.
"Over the past few years, Atlético has been so successful. Yet the national team, built around their players, has performed poorly. Honestly, even I can't stand it anymore."
Yang Hao fell silent.
He couldn't deny that Atlético's success indirectly put pressure on Aragonés.
The same players who excelled at the club level struggled with the national team.
And benching Raúl would require Aragonés to stake his entire reputation on the gamble. Naturally, he was cautious.
In Yang Hao's previous life, Aragonés had forged ahead out of sheer necessity, with no alternative but to persevere.
Now, with Yang Hao available as a potential successor, Aragonés saw him as a better candidate to take the gamble.
"Believe me, Yang—you can do it!"
After a brief pause, Aragonés added, "For years, people have called us a strong team. But the last time we won a major tournament was in 1964—that was our only trophy, the European Championship!"
"More than forty years have passed. Back then, I was still playing. And now?"
Aragonés sighed deeply once more. Time had flown by far too quickly.
"Yang, I truly believe that if anyone can lead this team to a championship, it's you—not me," Aragonés said with complete honesty.
Yang Hao remained silent.
He decided to keep eating.
________________________________________
As the new season approached, the peak of the transfer market frenzy began to subside.
This summer, the most significant story in European football was the dismantling of Juventus and the decline of Italy's "little World Cup." Simultaneously, La Liga's rise became increasingly apparent.
Last season, La Liga had already demonstrated remarkable purchasing power, and this summer, it took another leap forward.
Take Villarreal, for instance.
After finishing as Champions League runners-up last season, the club invested €50 million in the transfer market—a record-breaking expenditure in Villarreal's history.
This included a shocking transfer fee exceeding €20 million for Sergio Agüero. Additionally, they exercised the release clause to sign Cani from Zaragoza.
After losing Cani, Zaragoza immediately reinvested €11 million to sign Argentine talent Pablo Aimar from Valencia. They also acquired Gabi from Atlético Madrid for €5 million.
With further additions like Juanfran, D'Alessandro, and Sergio, Zaragoza's spending was equally bold.
Deportivo La Coruña, which had already spent over €20 million during the winter transfer window, invested again this summer, signing Ruud van Nistelrooy for €15 million.
This summer's European transfer market was generally subdued.
Despite being a World Cup year, often considered a "boom" for transfers, there was little to celebrate in terms of major deals.
For instance, Pablo Aimar's €11 million move placed him among the top 20 transfers of the window.
After selling Aimar, Valencia reinvested by paying €13 million to Porto for young star Anderson and €12 million to Sporting Lisbon for Nani.
Both signings were aimed at securing youthful talent.
Anderson, dubbed the "new Ronaldinho," and Nani, labeled the "new Cristiano Ronaldo," were both highly gifted but came with hefty price tags. Valencia had clearly decided to go all in, stretching their finances to secure these signings.
They also added Del Horno for €7.5 million and Morientes for €5 million.
Valencia spent over €40 million in total during the transfer window. Even after deducting Aimar's transfer income, their net spending exceeded €30 million.
Beyond the title challengers, lower-ranked La Liga teams also invested significantly to bolster their squads.
Real Betis, after selling Ricardo Oliveira for €15 million, spent €11 million on Rafael Sobis and €6.5 million to sign Otto Addo from Borussia Dortmund. Their net spending this summer surpassed €10 million.
Racing Santander, which narrowly avoided relegation last season, also increased its spending, paying €4.5 million for Serbian forward Nikola Žigić and bringing in Munitis on a free transfer. These additions significantly strengthened their squad.
Overall, the purchasing power of La Liga's lower-tier teams still lagged behind the Premier League.
A major reason was their weaker financial foundations.
Many La Liga clubs remained heavily in debt, forcing them to economize. Yet, in the fight for survival, even relegation-threatened teams managed to allocate around €5 million for transfers.
While this trailed the Premier League, La Liga's top teams demonstrated formidable financial strength.
Last season's UEFA Cup final, where Sevilla demolished Middlesbrough 4-0, highlighted the superior quality of La Liga teams compared to similarly ranked Premier League sides.
Beyond the "big three" of La Liga—Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, and Barcelona—teams like Valencia, Villarreal, Deportivo, Sevilla, and Zaragoza also boasted competitive squads. These developments set the stage for an even more intense La Liga season.
From a power ranking perspective, Atlético, Real Madrid, and Barcelona were undoubtedly in a tier of their own. But the next group of teams, while slightly behind, could compete strongly in Europe.
For instance, Villarreal had battled multiple giants last season and had clearly improved their squad this year. Unfortunately, they would only compete in the UEFA Cup this season.
Deportivo, meanwhile, had spent heavily during the winter window and added van Nistelrooy this summer. With Didier Deschamps at the helm, they were poised to elevate their competitiveness further, adding to the congestion at the top of La Liga.
Almost everyone predicted that the upcoming La Liga season would be even more fiercely contested.
________________________________________
Atlético Madrid was preparing to head to the United States for preseason training and would participate in the La Liga preseason tournament, followed by the Spanish Super Cup.
Just as Atlético's training camp was about to begin, Real Madrid announced another transfer.
The club signed Belgian center-back Vincent Kompany from Sevilla for €15 million.
Reportedly, Arsène Wenger had originally wanted either Kompany or Giorgio Chiellini, but Florentino Pérez decided to take both.
On the same day, Jonathan Woodgate announced his return to the Premier League, joining Middlesbrough.
Meanwhile, under pressure, Inter Milan finally agreed to Atlético's €40 million asking price for Brazilian right-back Maicon.
Manchester United sent David Gill to Madrid twice for negotiations, but both attempts ended in failure.
Atlético remained firm on their €70 million valuation.
Even though Franck Ribéry publicly expressed his desire to join United, Yang Hao was unmoved.
He even told Gill, "If I keep him, I can manage him. If not, I'll bench him for a season and sell him for less next year.
"But this summer, the price is non-negotiable."
Sir Alex Ferguson was left with no choice.
With the limited number of elite wingers available, Arjen Robben would cost even more.
After some thought, Ferguson left the final decision to Gill.
Ultimately, on the eve of Atlético's training camp, Manchester United relented, paying €70 million for Franck Ribéry.
The Frenchman, who had shone at the World Cup and helped France reach the final, became one of the summer's most expensive transfers, tied with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Following Maicon's departure, Atlético swiftly signed Argentine right-back Pablo Zabaleta from Espanyol for €5 million.
Yang Hao acknowledged that Zabaleta wasn't as strong as Maicon, but with Dani Alves as the primary choice, Zabaleta was a reliable backup.
With this, Atlético officially closed their transfer window.
The "Colchoneros" ended the summer with a net profit of €100 million in transfer fees.
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