Football: I can see player entries.

Chapter 174: A Chance in the Premier League?

Old Phil's departure did not attract much attention.

Even most of the club's staff didn't know they had such a colleague.

To be a scout at this level is actually quite impressive.

"Now we have to do these things ourselves."

"John, your team is just right."

Li Yanqing was explaining the work to John.

"Just pay more attention when you're working with the data."

"You know about tactics and positioning..."

“Okay.” John nodded; he had no other choice.

Are there any positions that need to be filled during this transfer window?

"No, not for now." Li Yanqing did not plan to add any more players.

The transfer fee isn't enough, and he's too weak and too old to buy now.

This transfer window can target only Lars Bender, provided no one else leaves.

Overall, they are doing well so far.

No one else has explicitly stated that they want to leave the team.

Compared to their high-profile large-scale signings just six months ago when they were promoted to the Premier League, they have been relatively quiet this time.

Miller's high-priced departure isn't exactly breaking news, because other clubs have made far bigger moves.

First, Manchester United announced immediately that club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would take over the team.

He was a super substitute on the field back then, and now he's a substitute head coach.

Then came the biggest news of the winter: Florentino Pérez and Cristiano Ronaldo failed to reach an agreement, and it is now clear that the latter will be transferring to another team!

This time, it's not just an industry rumor; it's been made public to everyone.

Which club will the 32-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo choose?

This is what fans care about most.

But that's not what the club is considering at all...

Chris called an emergency meeting.

"It's a confirmed news that Cristiano Ronaldo is going to transfer."

"There aren't many clubs that can accept him; they're just a few big clubs."

"I think he's most likely to return to Manchester United!"

"What does this mean?" Li Yanqing was somewhat confused about the purpose of the meeting.

It must be acknowledged that if he returns to Manchester United, the possibility of the Red Devils' revival is still very high.

At least Pogba will continue to be a subordinate without any problems.

But for them, this at most just means the game will become more difficult.

"Actually, it doesn't matter where he goes. What matters is that if he transfers, he definitely won't stay in La Liga."

Barker explained.

"His departure from La Liga would significantly change the current situation."

"You know, a lot of people are arguing about whether the Premier League or La Liga is the top league..."

"And what supports La Liga is Messi and Ronaldo."

"If any one of them leaves, that's our opportunity."

"These two players make up a large portion of football fans worldwide. If Barcelona and Real Madrid also have problems with their performance, then their popularity will plummet."

"We?" Li Yanqing understood the first part, but couldn't understand what "we" meant.

Are there any Premier League clubs this united?

Even if it exists, it's actually not an easy thing to do.

In his view, only if both of the two superstars leave La Liga and fail to win a single Champions League title for several years can the effect Chris described be achieved.

Besides, they're not the only ones who can find superstars.

Real Madrid and Barcelona will continue to be top-tier destinations for players.

“Every club is of one mind on this matter.”

"The higher the league's rating, the more money we can make."

"No one would turn down money."

Chris nodded; they were actually discussing the issue from a very commercial perspective.

Although the possibility is slim, we need to be prepared at any time.

"Just watch, in the next few years, the players here will definitely be overpriced again."

"Li, you need to know this. There will only be more and more poaching of people in the future."

"But the bad thing is, the club can't invest any more..."

He meant that players who made a name for themselves at Burton Albion would face more intense poaching than ever before.

The reason he was able to spend over 70 million last time was because the newly promoted team received a lot of money.

They will earn significantly less in broadcast revenue this season because they have lost their status as a newly promoted team.

In other words, if he wants to buy players like Anderson and Lars Bender in the future, he will have to do what he did this time: sell some players to raise funds.

"So, there are actually not two years left."

"Do you expect me to start living frugally right now?"

Li Yanqing was a little helpless; he hadn't expected it to happen so suddenly.

"No, there's no rush."

“The big clubs will be at the forefront; we will only do this if they make a move.”

Chris knew this was actually a difficult task.

When he was the interim head coach, the team was completely outplayed, not to mention the numerous demands the club has now made.

Simply put, they don't want to spend money, but they also want the team to maintain its performance.

"Actually, we don't ask for much, we just want to stay in the Premier League."

"It doesn't matter if we're at the bottom every season."

"There's plenty of time to take it slow..."

“That’s not realistic, Chris.” Li Yanqing stood up with a serious expression, interrupting him.

"Maybe other teams can do it, but we can't."

"How many more years can Ibrahimovic and the others play?"

"Actually, I can say with certainty that in two more seasons, none of these veterans will stay."

"Do you think we'll still have the strength to avoid relegation by then?"

"Impossible..."

Li Yanqing is having a bit of a headache right now.

He had just gone through the Felchar incident, and now he was told that the team would not invest much budget in the upcoming transfers.

Is this forcing him to open an illegal shop?

“I understand.” Chris was the one who understood him best.

"However, Li, we can't make that decision."

"I can't, and neither can Robinson Crusoe."

"Everything is in preparation for possible future scenarios..."