“Mr.
Chen, frankly speaking, your plan is very attractive.
But Middlesbrough has treated me well, and I am currently the team captain.
So I am very sorry, I’m afraid I cannot accept your invitation.”
“Mr.
Southgate, don’t make your decision so quickly.
Don’t you want to hear the plan I have designed for you?”
“Uh…
alright.
I have to admit, I am a bit curious.”
“Mr.
Southgate, you are now 33 years old.
Undeniably, you have entered the latter stages of your career.
Have you envisioned plans for after retirement?”
“Uh…
maybe I’ll become a coach.”
“Bingo!
You and I think alike.
My proposal is that upon joining Crystal Palace, your role will be Team Captain and Assistant Manager.
You can play football while accumulating coaching experience, which will make your path to becoming a manager much smoother.
What do you think of this arrangement?”
“Mr.
Chen, I won’t hide it from you; this is exactly what I want.”
Southgate’s eyes lit up as he listened.
Chen Ran’s arrangement would allow a seamless transition from player to coach, perfectly striking a chord in his heart.
“If you join Crystal Palace, I can sign a three-year contract with you.
The salary will follow your current standard, no pay cuts.
That way, when you are 36, it will be up to you to decide whether to continue playing or retire to coach.
Are you satisfied with these terms?”
Hearing this, even Southgate couldn’t help but be moved.
The Chinese man in front of him was truly sincere.
For a 33-year-old veteran, few clubs would offer a three-year contract at once.
Usually, they signed year-by-year, and two years was considered generous.
Moreover, Chen Ran promised no pay cuts.
Southgate had to admit, he was tempted.
Although Middlesbrough was a Premier League club and Crystal Palace only in the Championship, Southgate knew very well that Middlesbrough couldn’t offer him the terms Chen Ran did.
And Middlesbrough was just a mid-to-lower-table team in the Premier League; it was unlikely he would win any championship honors there.
Comparing the two, the scales in Southgate’s heart began to tip towards Chen Ran.
“Mr.
Chen, thank you for valuing me.
However, I am currently Middlesbrough’s starting center-back and the team captain.
I’m afraid the club won’t agree to let me leave.”
“Mr.
Southgate, you don’t need to worry about that.
This is a matter between the two clubs, Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough.
As long as you agree to the transfer, leave the rest to us.”
“Well then, I am willing to return to Crystal Palace.”
“Looking forward to your joining us, Captain.”
After securing Southgate, Chen Ran went straight to Middlesbrough Club.
Naturally, Middlesbrough didn’t want to sell their captain and starting center-back.
Chen Ran didn’t waste words; he just smashed them with cash.
Two years ago, Middlesbrough spent 6.5 million pounds to buy Southgate from Aston Villa.
Now, Chen Ran offered 6 million euros.
Furthermore, facing the Middlesbrough chairman who received him personally, Chen Ran only said two sentences:
“Mr.
Chairman, Southgate is excellent, but he is already 33 years old.
If you miss this opportunity, I believe you will never be able to sell him for this price again.” “Also, to players, coaches, and even fans, football might mean many things.
But to you and me, football is just business.”
Cold, ruthless, but very real.
The Middlesbrough chairman was somewhat surprised, taking another careful look at Chen Ran.
The Crystal Palace owner standing before him was so young it induced jealousy.
“I didn’t expect Mr.
Chen to see things so clearly at such a young age.
It seems the people outside have underestimated you.”
Thus, Chen Ran acquired Southgate.
Old rules: installments over two years, 3 million euros per year.
After leaving Middlesbrough, Chen Ran visited Birmingham in central England and bought Peter Crouch, who was being peddled everywhere.
The guy had only scored 6 goals in two seasons at Aston Villa, no wonder he was being put on clearance sale.
1 million euros for a backup for Toni was a bargain.
By the time Chen Ran returned to London, Luis had sent news from Brazil.
Thiago Silva and Maicon had both been found, and the chubby guy patted his chest, promising to secure them within three days.
The Figer family truly was a big shot in Brazilian football; their efficiency was top-notch.
“Stephen, it’s time to meet our manager.
Notify Dowie and tell him to come to my office this afternoon.” “Chen, how do you plan to handle Dowie?
I heard from Luis that your original replacement didn’t work out, right?” “Yes, Klopp rejected me.
We’ll see how Dowie behaves later.
If he’s honest and obedient, we’ll keep him for now; if he shows any dissatisfaction, tell him to walk.” “And if we sack him, who do you plan to appoint as manager?
Chen, I must remind you, the 30 million euro loan has almost been entirely spent by you.”
This money really burns fast, Chen Ran thought.
Actually, he knew the numbers perfectly; the system kept a clear record of every expense.
“Stephen, don’t worry.
Once Luis buys those two players in Brazil, Crystal Palace’s signings for this transfer window will be over.” “That’s good.
But what about the manager?
The remaining money isn’t enough to hire a famous coach.” “Don’t we have three player-coaches?” “What do you mean?
You mean Guardiola, Simeone, and Southgate?
Managing a Championship team requires at least a UEFA A coaching license.
Do they have the qualifications?” “They don’t, but I do.” “I know that; you were taking exams continuously while in school.
Wait…
Chen, do you mean you’ll be the manager yourself?”
Stephen’s jaw dropped in shock.
He finally understood how Luis felt.
This guy Chen Ran really didn’t play by the rules!
“Exactly.
After taking so many exams, I used to only be able to lead youth teams.
Now I finally can try my hand at a professional team.
Plus, using this coaching opportunity, I can get my UEFA Pro License.
Perfect!” “Uh…
well…
okay.
You’re the boss, you call the shots.
As long as you aren’t afraid of ruining the team.” “Don’t worry, Stephen.
This is just a backup option.
Maybe Dowie will be very obedient, and I’ll keep using him as the manager.”
Actually, Chen Ran’s deep-down true thought was that he wanted to see if he had a talent for managing.
If he did, maybe one day in the future, he could command the Chinese players he cultivated to break into the World Cup.
You gotta have a dream; what if it comes true?
In the afternoon, Chen Ran made a rare appearance in the Crystal Palace Chairman’s office.
He had barely sat down for five minutes when Dowie arrived.
Chen Ran cast a meaningful look at Stephen next to him.
It seems this Dowie has quite a few informants in the club, brother.
Stephen understood Chen Ran’s meaning and nodded with a dark face.
“Mr.
Chairman, what did you think of the transfer target list I gave you last time?
How many does the club plan to bring in?” After exchanging pleasantries, Dowie impatiently asked about the transfers.
“Mr.
Dowie, I went to continental Europe this time and bought a lot of players back.”
“However, I regret to tell you that I didn’t buy a single player on your list.”
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends.