I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 290: Chapter 3: End of the Transfer Window (Recommended Reading)

Real Madrid will not be a localized team; it must be an international, diverse team with strong inclusivity.

Florentino knows exactly how to steer the new ship. When Florentino appeared in the hotel, the nature of this meal completely changed.

”That is...”

”Florentino.”

”And Cristiano Ronaldo and his agent.”

The people present whispered among themselves, looking at the ”belated” group, including the new club president Florentino, the record-breaking transfer Cristiano Ronaldo, and the recently appointed club director and president’s assistant Valdano, sports director Padesa, and special advisor Zidane.

Everyone watched as Chen Zhong went up to greet them, Florentino affectionately patting Chen Zhong on the shoulder and engaging in a friendly conversation with him.

Chen Zhong led Florentino to the largest private room, where the team’s new coach Pellegrini and his assistant were present, a joyful little haven among the ”higher-ups” of Real Madrid.

”Chen.” Florentino called to Chen Zhong who was about to leave, smiling at him, ”You should dine here too!”

”I think Manuel definitely has something to discuss with you.”

Manuel-Luis-Pellegrini-Ripamonti, the new head coach of Real Madrid, was always seen with skepticism by Florentino regarding Pellegrini’s abilities. There were not many consultations with Pellegrini in the transfer market.

Pellegrini becoming the head coach of Real Madrid was mainly due to Valdano’s invitation, as Valdano believed Pellegrini did very well with Villarreal, achieving good results in both the league and the Champions League.

In the league, Pellegrini led the team to a historical best ranking of ”runner-up,” and in the Champions League, he led the team into the semifinals.

Valdano believed that with some support, Pellegrini could lead Real Madrid to make breakthroughs.

Pellegrini had never coached a team like Real Madrid. When notified, he could hardly believe his ears. However, not long after arriving, he realized it was a daunting task.

Real Madrid’s major signings came one after another, yet no one had discussed or asked him in detail which players he needed.

Not only that, but Florentino even suggested certain players should have enough playtime.

Of course, Pellegrini refused, which caused a disagreement between them to the point where Pellegrini considered resigning from his position as head coach of Real Madrid. However, he eventually cooled down and carefully researched the locker room dynamics of Real Madrid, finding the key figure.

That was Chen Zhong.

Pellegrini had a deep impression of Chen Zhong because Villarreal, under his leadership, was once ”sunk” by Chen Zhong, a memory that left a mark on him.

Feeling Florentino’s scrutinizing gaze, Pellegrini smiled and said, ”Of course, that’s exactly why I came here myself.”

”I wanted to discuss the new season with Chen.”

Florentino smiled at Pellegrini and then invited Mendes and C. Ronaldo to sit together, an action that also carried a hint of ”threat.”

After all, Mendes is Mourinho’s agent, and Mourinho is undoubtedly one of the top football coaches today.

At the dining table, everyone engaged in elegant conversations, while Chen Zhong’s mind began forming the framework for Real Madrid’s team roster for the new season.

After Florentino took over Real Madrid, the team’s transfer operations became very smooth and efficient.

The first-team squad now includes 17 confirmed players:

Forwards: 9 Alvaro Negredo, 7 Cristiano Ronaldo, 11 Karim Benzema, 20 Gonzalo Higuain, 21 Jose Callejon

Midfielders: 10 Chen Zhong, 8 Kaka, 23 Granero, 5 Dani Parejo, 15 Rafael van der Vaart

Defenders: 2 Torres, 3 Pepe, 4 Ramos, 12 Marcelo, 18 Albiol

Goalkeepers: 1 Casillas, 25 Dudek

In Florentino’s talks, two other transactions are underway: Liverpool’s midfielder Xabi Alonso and Liverpool’s right-back Alvaro Arbeloa.

Alvaro was once the captain of Castilla and with teammates Ruben de la Red, Javi Garcia, Roberto Soldado, and Juan Fran, led the team to promotion to the second division.

Negotiations are also underway for the transfer of Baptista, who was once Chen Zhong’s teammate. If successful, Baptista will join Real Madrid.

In addition to Baptista, negotiations are also underway for Andrea Pirlo’s transfer. In the 06-07 season, Real Madrid came close to completing this transaction, but the Milan Club was resolute.

This season, Ancelotti has gone to England to coach the Chelsea Club, offering $12 million plus Claudio Pizarro as a bid, attempting to bring Pirlo to the Chelsea Club.

In response, Real Madrid, under Florentino’s leadership, made an offer of 20 million Euros and is willing to help Milan negotiate with Guti and Diara (2).