Football: I can see player entries.

Chapter 29 Vampire Raiola

In the final few weeks, Li Yanqing visited the youth academies of most Championship clubs.

We can't afford to poach the best young talents from the Premier League, and those teams might not even be willing to come, so we have to settle for second best.

What he didn't expect was that good prospects in the Championship were also hard to find.

The prices are all outrageously high.

This is mainly due to the recent questionable actions of Paris Saint-Germain.

After buying out the talented player Kylian Mbappé for a record-breaking 180 million euros, they then spent another 220 million euros to poach superstar Neymar from Barcelona by directly paying his release clause.

This has led to a renewed surge in player valuations, with academy players of Quinn's caliber now fetching over two million pounds.

Players like Murphy, who can directly become starters in second-tier competitions, can fetch prices as high as five million pounds.

This price could even sign some veteran players with considerable talent!

In the end, Li Yanqing returned empty-handed.

On the club's side, Robinson and Chris have cleared out all commercial contracts that could potentially drag the club down.

And it was officially announced that Li Yanqing would continue to serve as the head coach of Burton Albion.

However, due to the club's financial problems, both parties will continue to sign a one-year provisional contract.

Regarding the players, six players, including Choudhury, have left the team. Excluding Sun Yan and Li Yichuan, Burton's first team is left with only seventeen players.

If all the players are promoted from the youth academy, this season, let alone making it to the Premier League, it will be difficult enough if they can even stay in the league.

Just when Li Yanqing was at his wit's end, he received another call from Mourinho.

“I’ve heard about the Burtons situation. We can talk about it, Lee.”

"Perhaps I can introduce you to a friend!"

"He's very interested in you, and he's already in Burton..."

Without hesitation, Li Yanqing went to find them immediately.

Because the other person is a very famous fat man, Mino Raiola.

One of the most famous agents in football, nicknamed "The Vampire," a ruthless man who dared to walk away even from the once-dominant Sir Alex Ferguson.

The opposing team boasts numerous star players, such as Ibrahimovic, Pogba, Donnarumma, Haaland...

In terms of status, she would definitely be much higher than she is now.

If there's anyone who can help him solve his problems right now, this super agent is definitely one of the very few.

“Hey kid, I keep hearing José and Zlatan talk about you.”

“You are having some difficulties right now, and I think I can offer some help.”

"Of course, this is also about helping each other, you understand..."

“Of course I understand, sir.” Li Yanqing knew what the other party wanted to do even with his eyes closed.

It's simply a matter of recommending some players who aren't getting opportunities yet, letting them gain experience at Burton.

Once players prove their worth, they will most likely transfer to top clubs without hesitation.

In fact, Li Yanqing really disliked dealing with agents like them, but as a junior coach, he didn't have the leverage to offend them.

Not to mention that he now needs to rely on the other party.

"Okay, let me think about it. This is our first collaboration, so I'll let you take advantage of it first."

Raiola was very satisfied with Li Yanqing's performance and pushed a note towards him.

"I know Burton's finances aren't great right now, but don't worry, they won't go too far."

“There are five players here, four of whom are newcomers who can’t find opportunities and they need more playing time.”

"As for the last one, you'll be very interested..."

Li Yanqing glanced at the list and realized he had never heard of any of the four newcomers, all of whom were seventeen or eighteen years old.

It's hard to say about talent, because he has to see the player himself to see the attribute panel.

As for the last one, it did indeed pique his interest.

Stefan Jovetic, 28, plays as an attacking midfielder.

He played for clubs such as Manchester City, Inter Milan, and Sevilla, and even scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner against Real Madrid.

He is quite strong and is a midfielder that Burton is currently in dire need of.

But would a player of this caliber come to play in the Championship?

"Stephan's contract with Inter Milan has expired, and neither side wants to renew it."

"So he can now be transferred on a free transfer. With him on the team, you still have a chance to make it to the Premier League."

Raiola smiled and looked down, then suddenly stretched out his hand and made a "one" sign.

"The price is very reasonable. You can negotiate with Stefan yourselves. I'll only charge ten million pounds."

"Ten million?" Li Yanqing was taken aback upon hearing this.

Actually, this price isn't expensive these days, but since he dared to ask for ten million, Jovetic's signing fee probably won't be less than that.

Including salaries, the club would need to invest at least £20 million.

The question is, if he had a transfer fee of 20 million, why would he need Jovetic?

There are definitely better solutions.

"Sir, do you really know the current situation of Burton Albion?"

"This is a club that has only recently risen from League Two!"

Li Yanqing was a little annoyed, and stood up to leave.

This conversation has completely died out.

To dare to offer ten million for a club like this, the other party truly deserves the title of "vampire".

Even if Jovetic comes, it's unlikely they'll be allowed to include a penalty for breach of contract in the agreement, or they'll likely only sign a one-year contract at most.

This is just the Championship, and the environment doesn't match their price tag at all.

If they fail to gain promotion to the Premier League, they will lose everything.

Raiola clearly wasn't going to let it go so easily, and shouted from behind.

"Kid, don't worry. If you can't come up with the money, I can lend it to you."

"All you need to do is pledge a portion of the club's shares."

"As a newly promoted team to the Premier League, they can easily earn hundreds of millions in broadcasting fees alone..."

Pledged shares?

Upon hearing this, Li Yanqing suddenly understood the other party's purpose.

He's digging his own grave!

It looks very tempting, with high expected returns, but if you actually do it, you'll most likely fall into their trap.

Who knows if the players he brings in will suddenly be out of form in crucial games, causing the team to fail at the last minute?

Moreover, he should have gone directly to Robinson to discuss this matter. The reason he sought out himself, the newly appointed head coach, was probably because he thought most head coaches were unfamiliar with business matters.

Once you have the support of the head coach and other key members, it will be much easier to persuade the boss.

He had no intention of cooperating; instead, he set his sights on the club!

This is the true face of a "vampire"!

“I won’t be your weak point; you might try approaching someone else.”

"But you are no longer welcome here, sir, nor are your players."

"I can still lead the team to the Premier League even without Jovetic!"

Since the other party's intentions were impure, Li Yanqing no longer cared about saving face.

What he detests most are these ubiquitous businessmen!

On the other side, watching Li Yanqing's departing figure, Raiola smiled, showing no sign of disappointment.

"No wonder Kevin lost to you; he's someone I trained..."

"It's okay, that's what makes it interesting."

"I'll help Pamo get his revenge!"