Chapter 166: To the Premier League with an astronomical transfer fee to Manchester City!
"Their commercial development is excellent, and the team's performance is also outstanding.
Furthermore, Manchester United has a rich tradition as a big club. Going there would not only ensure you a high salary but also many honors.
The only concern is whether Manchester United's new manager will be able to continue Ferguson's era of success after his retirement."
At this moment, Manchester United was not yet the team without titles of recent years. They had just won their twentieth English league title, being the most successful club in the Premier League.
However, Manchester United's honors were a thing of the past. In the post-Ferguson era, the team became a mess, with many managers unable to solve internal problems.
For a decade, Manchester United did not win any Premier League titles.
Lin Quan didn't want to join such an unstable team.
"Joining Manchester United at this moment would be like joining a defeated army."
Seeing Lin Quan dismiss Manchester United, Pere became encouraged and began talking about Manchester City:
"Manchester City's owner is very wealthy and sincere. He contacted me a long time ago and is a big fan of yours.
But Manchester City is not a big club, just a nouveau riche.
They don't have the tradition of a big club, and their titles are very few. They only have one Premier League trophy and have participated in the Champions League twice, being eliminated in the group stage both times.
In summary, apart from the money, they don't have anything else."
Lin Quan nodded. At that moment, Manchester City was on the rise. The team spent large sums every year but continued to fail in competitions.
"However, isn't this ideal?
An almost honorless team is perfect for me to start from scratch.
If I join another big club, winning would be success on the shoulders of giants. But if I establish a golden era at Manchester City, then I will be the giant myself."
With this thought, Lin Quan made a decision:
"Reject the other offers. Let's go to Manchester City."
Manchester City's owner, Mansour, upon learning that Lin Quan might join his team, immediately flew in his private jet to Germany to personally bring Lin Quan to Manchester.
The speed and treatment surprised not only Lin Quan but also Pere and Guardiola.
"I'm sorry I didn't notify you in advance and bothered you."
Mansour apologized politely, worried that other offers might deter Lin Quan.
Manchester City was in an investment phase; they could only buy players but not attract top stars.
With the opportunity to sign Lin Quan, Mansour didn't want to let it slip away.
"Please, come in."
Pere invited Mansour and his assistant inside. After greetings, Mansour got straight to the point:
"Lin, I extend to you a formal invitation to join Manchester City."
Mansour pointed to his assistant, who presented the contract.
"Is this?"
Guardiola and Pere looked curiously, surprised by the long figure in the contract.
"It's just a small token of our sincerity."
What Mansour called "a small token" was a check with a 1 followed by eight zeros.
"What's this?"
Guardiola straightened up and asked, surprised by the amount.
"It's a signing fee, in pounds."
The assistant explained. A one million pounds signing fee. Guardiola and Pere looked at each other, amazed by the generosity.
"I'm sorry, we can't accept this, it's too much money."
Guardiola, puzzled, tried to reject the offer.
"Excuse me, I didn't explain it properly."
Mansour smiled at the reaction:
"I know Lin Quan is a free agent. Signing him will save us a hefty transfer fee, so this amount is what we would have offered Bayern in the winter.
If Lin accepts, the signing could be completed quickly.
Even if it's not completed this winter, we could do it next summer when his value will likely increase.
Since this amount will eventually be spent, it's better to give it now and save more in the future.
It's a win-win situation, don't you think?"
Guardiola, impressed by the explanation, understood the logic behind the offer.
"Very well, I have no objections."
Guardiola raised his hands in surrender, tempted by the generous offer.
Lin Quan continued to review the contract, which offered a weekly salary of 400,000 pounds for five years, equivalent to an annual salary of 21 million pounds, making him the highest-paid player in the world.
The Manchester City salary clearly reflected its nouveau riche status.
"In addition to the annual salary, goal bonuses, appearance fees, and other incentives also add up to a considerable amount.
Furthermore, there's a significant loyalty reward.
If Lin Quan plays at Manchester City for five years without being transferred, he will receive £50 million as a loyalty bonus at the end of the fifth year.
That translates to £10 million per year.
In total, the contract's value is approximately £250 million.
An average of £50 million per year.
This is definitely a very lucrative contract, even Guardiola couldn't find any fault with it.
The offer is simply too generous to deny.
To show our sincerity, we won't claim Lin's image rights."
Seeing Guardiola and the others not responding, Mansour thought they weren't satisfied with the contract.
"Furthermore, when Lin Quan moves to Manchester, we'll take care of his accommodation and transportation. This won't be included in the contract; it'll be a personal sponsorship from me."
Lin Quan felt like he was about to be overwhelmed by the generous money offer. He looked at Pere and Guardiola, who were equally surprised.
After speaking, Mansour nervously awaited the response.
Manchester City didn't have much more to offer, except money. If money didn't convince, there was no other strategy.
Lin Quan and Pere looked at Guardiola.
"With a contract like this, I find no reasons to reject it.
But, Lin, you must think carefully. By accepting the world's highest salary, you'll bear a great pressure.
If Manchester City's performance isn't good, you'll be the first to be criticized.
If you think you can handle this responsibility, then go to Manchester City."
Lin Quan nodded and said:
"I'll wait for you at Manchester City."
Mansour and Guardiola were surprised for a moment.
"Who said I'm going with you to Manchester City? It's not like I can't live without you!"
Mansour, on the other hand, brightened up. He came alone to sign Lin Quan, but if he could also sign Guardiola, it would be a great achievement.
"I promised to help Bayern win the championship and ensure a smooth transition. I don't want to break my promise."
Mansour felt somewhat disappointed, but the response wasn't a total rejection, leaving some hope.
Since Mansour had arrived on his private plane, Lin Quan wouldn't have to take a commercial flight.
With the help of Guardiola and Pere, Lin Quan quickly packed his things.
After packing, he boarded Mansour's private plane with the assistance of his assistant.
"The Premier League has a fast pace and a high level of physical contact. You need to take care of your health and avoid injuries."
Guardiola couldn't accompany Lin Quan to Manchester as he had to prepare Bayern for the new season. Before departing, he gave many pieces of advice, reflecting his concern.
"Manchester City will compete on three fronts next season. Although you're the main star, make sure to ask the coach for breaks in some less important games. Don't overburden yourself."
Guardiola didn't doubt that Lin Quan would adapt to the team, but he was concerned about potential injuries in the Premier League.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of myself. You also do a good job at Bayern, don't let them fire you!"
"Silly! If anyone's going to get fired, it'll be me at Bayern."
Lin Quan's transfer made Guardiola feel discontent with Bayern. He knew he and Lin Quan had a special relationship, but still, Bayern made this move. This made Guardiola feel like he wasn't getting the respect he deserved.
Although he had a three-year contract with Bayern, he didn't necessarily have to stay for three years.
Manchester City acted swiftly. While Lin Quan was still on Mansour's private plane, before landing, the club had already announced the signing on their official website.
"We're pleased to announce that, after friendly negotiations, we have reached an agreement with the Spanish international, winner of the Bundesliga Golden Boot and the Confederations Cup Golden Ball, Lin Quan.
Next season, Lin Quan will wear the number 10 shirt and play for the 'Citizens'."
In reality, the original plan was for Lin Quan to play one year at Bayern and then transfer to Manchester City, breaking the transfer record.
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