As I disembarked from the plane and stepped into the crisp Munich air, feeling the weight of the moment as I prepared for a critical day ahead. A smartly dressed representative of Bayern Munich greeted me with a polite smile as I descended into the terminal.
"Good day, and welcome to Munich. My name is Frank, and I'm your guide as well as a representative of the club. Your meeting with Herr Sammer is scheduled for two hours from now, and I'm here to assist you with anything you might need." His tone was polished and professional, and I appreciated the club's attention to detail.
"Thank you for the warm welcome, Frank," I replied. "I appreciate your offer, but I don't think I'll need anything before the meeting. I'm content to wait until it's time."
Frank's polite smile didn't falter. "Of course, but if I may suggest, while we wait, you're welcome to join me for a tour of our facilities and grounds. It would give you a closer look at what makes FC Bayern one of Europe's elite clubs."
The proposal was intriguing. This was an opportunity to learn about one of the best-run football organizations in the world, and I wasn't about to let it pass. "That sounds excellent," I agreed, and Frank wasted no time in leading the way.
The tour was nothing short of impressive. Bayern's facilities were a testament to their professionalism and legacy. The training grounds were immaculate, the indoor complexes state-of-the-art, and the trophy cabinets overflowing with evidence of decades of dominance in German and European football. Frank spoke with pride as he described the club's operations, its commitment to excellence, and the vision that drove their success.
By the time we finished the tour, I had developed an even greater respect for Bayern. This was an organization that set the standard for football clubs globally.
Finally, the moment arrived. Frank escorted me to a sleek, glass-paneled conference room overlooking the lush greenery of the club's headquarters. Inside, Bayern Munich's sporting director, Mathias Sammer, was waiting. He stood as I entered, a figure exuding authority and calm confidence.
"Good afternoon," he greeted, extending his hand. "Welcome to Munich, and congratulations on your recent acquisition of a remarkable club like Manchester United. The news certainly took many of us by surprise."
"Thank you," I replied, taking a seat across from him. "I felt it was the right moment to step in. To be honest, I wasn't impressed with how the Glazers managed things, and I believed the club deserved better."
Sammer nodded thoughtfully. "I can understand that. Manchester United is a club with an incredible history. Now, if you don't mind, let's get to the heart of the matter. What brings you to Munich today, and more specifically, who brought you here?"
I decided there was no need for pretense. "We're here because we're interested in acquiring Toni Kroos. He's a player who fits our vision for rebuilding Manchester United."
Sammer's expression remained neutral, but I could sense the gears turning in his mind. After a moment of silence, he spoke. "While we could be open to discussions, I should tell you upfront that our new coach has specifically requested that Kroos remain with us for the season."
I expected resistance. "If your coach truly values Kroos, he wouldn't be pushing to sign Mario Götze for such a significant fee," I countered. "Both players are exceptional talents, but realistically, they can't coexist in the same midfield for long without one compromising the other."
Sammer raised an eyebrow, intrigued by my argument. "You make an interesting point," he said, though his tone was guarded.
It was time to make my first move. "We're prepared to offer £20 million as a one-time payment for Toni Kroos," I said, keeping my tone firm and confident.
Sammer didn't react immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in thought. "£20 million is not sufficient," he said after a moment. "We would require £30 million to even consider letting Kroos leave."
I wasn't surprised by the counteroffer. It was a standard negotiation tactic, designed to gauge how far I was willing to go. "While I believe £30 million is excessive," I began, "I am willing to compromise. In addition to the £20 million, we'll include an additional £5 million if Manchester United wins the Premier League within the next two seasons."
Sammer considered this carefully, his sharp eyes betraying the calculations running through his mind. After a pause that felt like an eternity, he extended his hand.
"The offer seems fair," he said. "We'll agree to your terms. You're now free to approach Kroos and discuss personal terms. It was a pleasure doing business with you."
We shook hands, and as I left the room, a wave of satisfaction washed over me. The first step in revitalizing Manchester United's squad had been completed, and the future looked brighter.
As I walked toward the car waiting to take me back to the airport, my phone buzzed with a notification. Another deal awaited—a striker whose signature I needed to secure. There was no time to rest. The journey to restore United to its rightful place at the top of football was only just beginning.