Football: Starting from the 05 World Youth Championship

Mendes was very efficient. The day after signing an agent contract with Lin Feng, he visited Inter Milan president Moratti as Lin Feng's agent.

Moratti was a little surprised, not expecting Mendes to be able to sign Lin Feng.

This guy already has Ronaldo, and now with Lin Feng added to the mix, Moratti has already foreseen the future scenario where the other side will have complete control over the football transfer market.

"Mr. Chairman, I'm sure you know the purpose of my visit, so I won't beat around the bush."

Mendes got straight to the point, asking the question that concerned him most during the trip:
"What is Inter Milan's asking price for Lin Feng?"

Before his arrival, Real Madrid raised their offer again, bringing it to a staggering €9000 million!
The news caused a stir throughout the football world.

The reason it has caused such a strong reaction from the outside world is, on the one hand, that the transfer price is extremely high, exceeding many people's expectations.

On the other hand, it is also related to Lin Feng's strength; he is a highly anticipated next-generation leader.

His transfer could very well change the future landscape of football.

If he really joins Real Madrid, the landscape of La Liga and Serie A will be completely transformed.

Therefore, compared to Lin Feng's transfer, all other transfer news this summer paled in comparison.

All the fans' attention was drawn to this transfer.

Moratti was silent for a moment, then sighed:

"If it weren't for some unforeseen circumstances, I would have actually hoped that Lin Feng could spend his remaining years at the Meazza. Even now, I'm hesitant, and I've even started to regret it."

"Actually, things haven't reached the point of no return. Lin Feng has a deep affection for Inter Milan. If Inter Milan can maintain the same lineup as last season and strengthen some weak positions, I believe he would be happy to stay and lead Inter Milan to continue fighting!"

Mendes said with a smile.

Moratti cleared his throat. "Let's talk about the transfer."

"You and I both know that Lin Feng's value is far more than 9000 million euros, but Lin Feng has made contributions to Inter Milan, so I will not ask for an exorbitant price, so as not to delay his reporting and training with his new team."

Mendes resisted the urge to roll his eyes and thought to himself:

If you're not even willing to try to keep the other person, why are you now saying you want to think about their feelings? Isn't that just nonsense?

This is a classic case of wanting to be a hypocrite while also trying to maintain a virtuous image!

Although he was thinking this in his heart, he outwardly showed a look of admiration and said:

"Many people say that President Moratti is a man of great loyalty and righteousness. I didn't believe it at first, but after meeting you today, I know that the rumors are true!"

Mendes exclaimed:

"If there were more humane chairmen like you in the football world, the transfer market wouldn't be so tainted by money!"

"Hehe, Mr. Mendes, you flatter me. I'm not much better than anyone else. I just invest in football purely out of personal interest!"

Seeing that the other party was about to start boasting again, Mendes quickly steered the conversation back to the main topic:
"So how much more do you want Real Madrid to add to their current offer?"

Moratti countered, "You have a good relationship with Manchester United, how much do you think Manchester United can offer at most?"

Mendes truthfully stated: "Manchester United's owners are very stingy. If they don't sell Ronaldo, Manchester United will sell everything they own and can only offer a maximum of 9000 million. They can't raise any more!"

Moratti's eyes lit up, and he pressed on, "What if Manchester United sells Ronaldo?"

Mendes shook his head: "Only Real Madrid can afford Ronaldo, but given the possibility of signing Lin Feng, Real Madrid will not consider buying Ronaldo."

Moratti nodded, indicating that Manchester United wouldn't be able to extract much profit from the situation.

In that case, there is only one buyer left for Lin Feng.

"How about this, I won't ask for too much, just let Real Madrid add another 500 million euros on top of what they already have!"

Without Manchester United driving up the price, Moratti didn't dare to ask for too much. If the price was too high and Real Madrid didn't buy it, wouldn't Inter Milan be in an awkward position?
The team's relationship with Lin Feng has already fractured due to the transfer issue, and Lin Feng's contract with the team only has two and a half years left.

Under these circumstances, the other party is unlikely to renew the contract with Inter Milan, so the longer the time goes on, the more disadvantageous it will be for Inter Milan.

If things drag on until the very end and Lin Feng leaves as a free agent, then Inter Milan will have truly come up empty-handed.

9500 million euros?
Mendes frowned. He didn't think the price was too high; on the contrary, he felt it was too low, which wouldn't be conducive to using the transfer fee to create hype and expand Lin Feng's influence.

95 million is only 5 million short of 100 million euros, but the difference in publicity effect is enormous.

The title of "Mr. 100 Million" and "The First Player in Football to Break the 100 Million Transfer Fee" is much more impressive than "Mr. 95 Million".

Thinking of this, he sincerely advised:

"Mr. Chairman, although my employer and I are very grateful for your noble character and integrity towards Inter Milan."

However, Inter Milan's development of Lin Feng wasn't easy, and with him gone, you'll need to spend money to buy new players to fill the void. Therefore, I suggest you add another 500 million, so Inter Milan can buy better players in the transfer market.

Moratti was originally prepared to ask for a transfer fee of 100 million euros, but after Mendes's previous high praise, he couldn't say it.

Now that the other party has offered to raise the price, he's overjoyed and wouldn't possibly refuse.

After securing Moratti's support and testing his limits,

Mendes immediately rushed to Madrid to meet with Real Madrid president Calderón.

Calderon was just as surprised as Moratti to learn that Mendes had become Lin Feng's agent.

But this may not be a bad thing for Real Madrid, because Real Madrid and Mendes have always had a good relationship.

With Mendes acting as a liaison, at least the contact between Real Madrid and Lin Feng will be much easier.

"So, what's Moratti's bottom line?"

Calderon asked eagerly before Mendes could sit down.

It's no wonder he's in such a hurry; the new La Liga season is less than ten days away from starting.

They haven't even secured the most important signing yet. And after signing the player, they still have to go through a series of procedures such as medical examination, registration, and licensing. If this drags on any longer, Lin Feng might miss the opening match of La Liga.

Calderón is under a lot of pressure right now. Real Madrid had a poor season last year, and he promised to bring in better stars and a better coach for the team.

But now, the promised star players haven't been secured, and the coach hasn't been secured either.

Although rumors are rife that Mourinho is about to take over at Real Madrid, and Real Madrid has reportedly sent representatives to contact and negotiate with him on several occasions, Mourinho is still observing the situation and awaiting the outcome of negotiations between Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

If Real Madrid can sign Lin Feng, then Mourinho has no intention of taking a break; he will be happy to take over the reins of Real Madrid.

But if Real Madrid fails to sign Lin Feng, the "Special One" thinks he should rest at home for a year before making any moves.

Real Madrid is a tough place to navigate. If he can't buy the players he wants and can't build his own core team, he won't be able to control the situation at Real Madrid and will likely be fired before he even lasts a year.

Mourinho has a sense of shame; being fired after only one year is too humiliating for him, and he can't afford to lose face like that.

Moreover, his coaching record over the past few years has been outstanding, and he has no shortage of suitors.

Therefore, the Special One was not particularly enthusiastic about the offer from Real Madrid.

Upon hearing Calderon's question, Mendes quickly gulped down a glass of water. Running back and forth without his feet touching the ground was indeed tiring, especially in the sweltering heat of August.

"Their bottom line is 100 million euros; they don't plan to sell for any price lower than that!"

"One hundred million euros? Why doesn't he just rob a bank?"

Calderon was anything but calm. Even for a club as wealthy as Real Madrid, it would be extremely difficult to come up with 100 million euros to buy a player.

What's more, they've already spent over 9000 million euros in the transfer market this summer, so they're really broke!
"I also told President Moratti that the price was too high and beyond Real Madrid's ability to afford it."

But President Moratti said he never wanted to sell Lin Feng; it was all just media hype. I heard Inter Milan is already looking for players to strengthen their current squad, ambitiously aiming to usher in a second era of "Great Inter Milan"!

After hearing Mendes's words, Calderon's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot, and he even started to break out in a cold sweat.

The atmosphere is already set, and the stage is all set up.

Fans, including those at Real Madrid and around the world, are paying close attention to this transfer.

If Lin Feng really stays at Inter Milan, then Calderon will be in a real predicament.

Angry Real Madrid members may well launch a vote of no confidence to overthrow him as president.

Seeing that Calderon's attitude had softened somewhat, but still lacked a way out, Mendes spoke up:

"Mr. Chairman, I don't think 100 million euros is expensive, especially for a player of Lin Feng's caliber. After all, when Zidane joined Real Madrid at the age of 29, the transfer fee was already over 60 million euros."

Lin Feng is only 19 years old now. Based on Zidane's retirement age, he can play for Real Madrid for at least 15 years.

Between paying over €6000 million for Zidane to play for Real Madrid for five years and €1 million for Lin Feng to play for Real Madrid for 15 years, which deal do you think was a better deal?

Calderon didn't say anything, but he was clearly moved.

"Moreover, Lin Feng's temperament and image are far better than Zidane's. He not only meets the requirements of Real Madrid fans better, but he also has the huge market of 13 billion people in China behind him. His commercial value far exceeds that of Zidane. After signing him, Real Madrid will attract more sponsors from Asia and billions of fans from Asia!"
Therefore, in the long run, Real Madrid will not only not lose money on this transfer, but will actually gain huge benefits!

Calderon's last bit of anger dissipated, and he had to admit that Mendes made a lot of sense.

No wonder this guy is the most sought-after agent in European football; his ability to persuade people is truly remarkable.

I'm afraid that all the players under his management were also fooled by him in the same way!
Well, it's not all nonsense; at least Calderon agrees with what Mendes said.

Young, good-looking, and strong – these are Lin Feng's greatest advantages.

Calderon was well aware that transfer fees in football were constantly rising.

While 100 million euros may seem outrageously expensive today, it could become commonplace in a few years.

At that time, Lin Feng will be in his prime, and even if he were sold, the price would be far more than 100 million euros.

Therefore, as long as Lin Feng doesn't suffer a devastating injury, Real Madrid will definitely make a profit from this deal.

Having thought this through, Calderon no longer hesitated and said to Mendes:

"Notify the players to prepare for signing!"

……

"Wasn't the transfer fee 9000 million? Why did it increase to 1 million?"

Mendes finalized the transfer in just a few days, which impressed Lin Feng and made him look at his business acumen in a new light.

Although it's unknown what methods Mendes used behind the scenes, the fact that he was able to finalize an unprecedentedly high-priced transfer in such a short time speaks volumes about his competence.

"Hehe, I asked for this price to be increased!"

After saying that, Mendes told Lin Feng in detail about his negotiations with Moratti and Calderon.

After listening, Lin Feng looked at the other person with a strange expression:

"Mr. Mendes, you wouldn't be encouraging President Moratti to raise the price just for your share of the transfer fee, would you?"

Mendes nodded and then shook his head, admitting it without the slightest embarrassment:
"I admit I do want to make more money, but pushing the transfer fee over 100 million won't do you any harm; on the contrary, it will bring you many benefits!"

"Oh? What's in it for me?"

"The advantages are obvious: Real Madrid is a place where star players gather."

The competition within these teams is extremely fierce. Only players with high market value are likely to receive attention from the club and be given preferential treatment in tactics.

And those players with lower market value, even those of Beckham's caliber, will lose their place and become mere supporting characters doing menial tasks!

"Moreover, as the first player in football history to have a market value of over 100 million, your influence will transcend the limitations of the traditional football circle, allowing billions of people around the world to remember your name."

This will greatly increase your commercial value and fan base, allowing your influence to break out of your circle and make you a household name and a top superstar!
Even in football, the longer you maintain this record, the more it reinforces the impression in the minds of fans that you are the best player in the world today.

Lin Feng felt that Mendes's words made some sense, although he still suspected that the other party was just trying to earn more commission.

But it doesn't matter, since he's not the one paying the transfer fee. Mendes' actions won't harm his interests. On the contrary, just as Mendes said, he can also get a share of the profits.

No wonder this guy became a football 'giant' agent; with his silver tongue, he managed to make all three parties satisfied with the transfer.

He himself has been quietly making a fortune!
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!

On August 17, a news story shocked the entire football world.

Real Madrid announced on their official website that they have reached an agreement with Inter Milan to sign Lin Feng, Inter Milan's midfield maestro and a 19-year-old attacking midfielder from China, for €1 million! (End of Chapter)