Title: His Mom is Holding a Gun
Upon Levi's introduction, Magbu and Merlot looked at each other, surprise evident in their eyes.
Isn't it customary for the English to indulge in pleasantries and formalities before getting down to business? Why is this English club owner so direct?
Observing their silent exchange, Levi suddenly grasped something and smiled, saying, "I prefer to be straightforward in discussions. I find it saves time, don't you agree?"
Magbu immediately chuckled and nodded, "Yes, yes!"
Merlot also nodded in agreement, now favorably disposed towards Levi.
"Mr. Levi, we are eager to collaborate between our clubs, but we need specifics on what that entails," Magbu stated.
Adding to this, Merlot chimed in, "Beyond personnel, we're uncertain what else we could bring to the table for New Manchester United."
Initially unsure but waiting to counter with the blow, this tactic was something Levi had often encountered in novels and commercial negotiations.
Nevertheless, Levi was pleased to see them poised this way.
"Our club currently resides in England's fifth league, but our aspirations are grander. We aim to reach the Premier League swiftly and establish ourselves as a major European football powerhouse!" Levi proclaimed with surprising confidence, impressing not only Magbu and Merlot but also Old De Rossi and Cassell.
They sometimes wondered where Levi's unwavering confidence stemmed from!
Magbu wanted to respond to Levi's declaration but was momentarily at a loss, glancing at Merlot instead.
That's it, Levi knows quite a bit!
"Mr. Levi, if it were someone else, I might dismiss this as mere talk, but coming from you, we must admit it's ambitious yet not divorced from reality!" Merlot affirmed.
"Indeed, upon receiving the call from your club, we conducted thorough investigations. Given your establishment just a year ago, we had reservations, but upon scrutiny, we found them unwarranted. Besides, it's not like Mr. Levi will cease to support the US career even if he purchases a Premier League club."
"New Manchester United is like my son. I will never abandon my son!" Levi confidently reaffirmed.
"Of course, we admire Mr. Levi's bold move last year. That was the act of a true fan!" Merlot seized the moment to commend Levi.
Levi smiled modestly, "Let's get to the point. Our club wishes to collaborate with you. The freelancers will become our satellite club for New Manchester United in Africa. We'll have the right to acquire your players, organize annual youth team visits, and loan some of our surplus players to your club for match experience."
"And what would our club gain from this?" Magbu inquired eagerly.
The expression on his face was akin to that of a destitute man who had chanced upon a treasure trove. From this expression, one could discern the predicament faced by African clubs in their operations.
"Firstly, we're prepared to support your club's development with an annual funding of £50,000. We believe this financial injection will greatly assist in running your club, in addition to providing other forms of support such as sponsorships," Levi elaborated.
At Levi's words, both Magbu and Merlot lit up with enthusiasm. Money was precisely what the freelancers desperately needed.
Running a football club had always been a costly endeavor, and only a handful managed to turn a profit. Clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid were exceptions, not the rule. Levi had no intention of profiting from New Manchester United. Even if under his stewardship the club would eventually become a powerhouse and generate substantial revenue, he intended to reinvest those earnings back into the fans in various ways.
For Levi, his rebirth experience had taught him to value certain things above all else—chief among them, his beloved football!
Signing a satellite club for £50,000 per annum was indeed lavish for New Manchester United, but when the club eventually ascended to greatness, it would undoubtedly prove cost-effective. Levi still had another trick up his sleeve.
"Mr. Levi, your proposal is quite enticing to us, and the assurances you've given lead us to believe we can indeed fulfill them. However, I'm curious—why are you so interested in our freelance club?" Merlot, ever the cautious individual, voiced his query, despite his enthusiasm for Levi's proposal.
"Because our club admires two players from your team," Levi admitted openly.
"Who?" Magbu's eyes glittered with anticipation.
"Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari!" Levi replied with a smile.
"Both are future midfield stalwarts. Essien, a Chelsea star and key player for the club, while Muntari is an Inter Milan midfielder who played a crucial role in their resurgence."
"Essien is 17 years old, and Muntari is only 15. They're at a prime age for recruitment. Essien, in particular, will make a name for himself at the upcoming World Juniors in November. Muntari also holds great promise, with our club coach expressing high regard for him."
"For a club like ours in Ghana, faced with the choice between talented players and financial support, the latter is the more viable option. After all, good players can be cultivated, but financial stability is harder to come by," Magbu reasoned.
"Alright, Mr. Levi, £250,000 for both players. We have a deal!" Magbu declared enthusiastically.
Levi nodded to Cassell, who promptly retrieved a briefcase prepared beforehand in England and began negotiations with Magbu and Merlot.
Despite the £250,000 price tag, there were few details left to discuss. In the world of football, bureaucratic red tape and formalities are few and far between compared to other industries. If both parties agree, everything can proceed smoothly.
"Oh, by the way, Merlot, do Essien and Muntari reside nearby? I'd like to pay them a visit!" Levi eagerly inquired, eager to meet these future midfield maestros.
"Yes, they both live close by. I can take you there!"
With that settled, Merlot briefed Magbu and requested him to remain with Cassell while they awaited the arrival of a lawyer to finalize the contract.
Levi and Old De Rossi departed with Merlot.
Accra, despite being Ghana's capital, lacked prosperity. Sand was ubiquitous, and the windswept streets were lined with old wooden houses.
En route, they encountered numerous youths playing amid the sandy streets, reminiscent of scenes from Brazil.
Levi pondered how, despite chaos and poverty, Brazil had garnered a reputation as a football powerhouse. Such circumstances often forged exceptional talents.
In Levi's memory, few Brazilian superstars had emerged from the slums. Only Kaka, from a middle-class Brazilian family, exemplified professionalism and discipline—a player Levi greatly admired.
"We're here, it's the two-story building ahead. You go ahead, I'll park the car. Stopping here might provoke the kids," Merlot advised with a wry smile.
Levi and De Rossi exited the vehicle and proceeded towards the house Merlot had indicated.
It was a modest structure, adorned with green-painted wooden boards securely fastened. The spacious courtyard, devoid of vegetation, consisted entirely of sand.
Wooden posts were scattered across the yard, resembling training equipment often seen on football grounds, likely used by Essien for practice.
As they approached the front of the house to call out, a figure suddenly emerged from within, followed closely by a teenager brandishing what appeared to be a makeshift soil pistol, shouting at them.
"Halt! Stay away, or I'll shoot!"
Levi and Old De Rossi froze instantly, petrified, halting in their tracks!