Chapter 9: Market Moves
June 18, 2017 – FC Barcelona Transfer Department, Executive Wing
The room was sleek and cold. Several sporting directors, financial officers, and technical staff sat in a half-circle, facing a large screen.
Noah Marlowe stood at the front, tablet in hand, flanked by a digital projection of the AI Tactical System's updated squad planner.
Behind him, the title read:
"Phase One: Functional Reinforcement – Maximum Impact, Minimum Cost."
He began without fanfare.
"I've already listed the players for sale. I won't repeat myself. What I need now are three names — tactical tools, not market bait. Players who fit my system and Barcelona's philosophy."
Transfer Out List – Finalized
Arda Turan
André Gomes
Lucas Digne
Rafinha
Aleix Vidal
Douglas
Thomas Vermaelen
Projected Recovery Budget: ~€47.5M
Goal: Spend less than €30M total. Leave margin for winter flexibility.
Target #1 – Rafa Silva
Age: 24
Club: Benfica
Role: Right-sided inverted forward / tactical dribbler
Traits: Low center of gravity, dual-footed, engine player
Value: €10M–12M
"He'll replace Aleix Vidal's position with more intelligence, more pressing intensity, and better final-third reading," Noah explained. "Not flashy. But fluid. Perfect for false-wing rotations."
Target #2 – Benjamin Henrichs
Age: 20
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Role: Defensive wide hybrid (can play RB, LB, or wide midfield)
Traits: High work rate, excellent in double-pivot systems, tactically mature
Value: €8–9M
"He allows us to rotate Roberto or Alba without fear. And he's versatile enough to play multiple systems. Future-proof depth."
Target #3 – Ángel Di María (Optional, Conditional)
Age: 29
Club: PSG
Role: Experienced inside forward
Traits: Vision, diagonal runs, veteran IQ
Value: €15M (if contract enters final year)
"This one depends on movement. If we can't finalize a cheaper attacking piece before the window closes, I'll take Di María for one season only — as a plug-in stabilizer. No glamour. No ego. Just structure."
Bartomeu raised a brow. "Di María? He played for Madrid."
"I don't care," Noah replied. "He won't stay long. He's a system bridge, nothing more."
Boardroom Response
Some advisors murmured.
"You're avoiding big names," one said. "Fans expect action."
"They'll get it," Noah replied. "Not with fireworks — but with football."
Later – Camp Nou Tunnel
Noah walked slowly under the arch toward the grass.
[AI TACTICAL SYSTEM – Phase One Status]
Tactical Clear-out: 88% complete
Recommended Signings: Rafa Silva, Henrichs
Optional: Di María (short-term cover only)
Budget Cap: €30M
Projected Spend: ~€21M
Remaining Buffer: ~€9M
The system whispered:
"Market moves approved. Efficiency maintained."
Noah exhaled.
The rebuild was real now.
Quiet. Calculated. Precise.
And about to shake Spain.