Chapter 2: Building a Super Team
Manchester, 2002 – The Day After Signing Ronaldo
Tonmoy sat in his new office at Manchester City, a club that had never been considered a serious contender. That was about to change.
Yesterday, he had secured Cristiano Ronaldo, a move that would have shocked the football world—if they had seen it coming. But that was just the beginning.
A winning team wasn't built on one superstar. He needed world-class defenders and midfielders—players who would dominate for years.
With his unlimited funds and perfect tactical knowledge, he knew exactly who to sign.
Reinforcing the Defense – The Future Wall of Football
Football history had proven one thing: Attack wins you games, but defense wins you championships.
Manchester City's 2002 defense was weak—full of average players who would never be able to compete with the best.
Tonmoy picked up the phone and went after the best young defenders available.
1. Nemanja Vidić (Red Star Belgrade, £6 million)
Age: 20
Position: Center-back
Why? A fearless warrior, aggressive in tackles and dominant in the air. Manchester United would have signed him in 2006, but Tonmoy stole him four years early.
2. Sergio Ramos (Sevilla, £4 million)
Age: 16
Position: Right-back/Center-back
Why? A natural leader with a fiery personality. Fast, aggressive, and technically gifted, Ramos would go on to become one of the greatest defenders of all time.
3. Per Mertesacker (Hannover 96, £2 million)
Age: 18
Position: Center-back
Why? A 6'6" defensive giant, calm under pressure. His intelligence and aerial ability made him a perfect anchor for the defense.
4. Edwin van der Sar (Fulham, £5 million)
Age: 31
Position: Goalkeeper
Why? One of the best goalkeepers of all time. Manchester United would have signed him in 2005, but Tonmoy secured him three years earlier.
Total spent on defense: £17 million.
For just £17 million, Tonmoy had built a backline that would dominate European football for the next decade.
The Midfield Revolution – Creating a Perfect Engine
The midfield was the most important part of a football team. It controlled the game, dictated the tempo, and created chances.
Tonmoy wanted a perfect balance of experience and young talent. He needed a mix of world-class visionaries, hard workers, and future legends.
5. Pep Guardiola (AS Roma, £2 million)
Age: 31
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Why? A tactical genius. Even at 31, Guardiola's vision, intelligence, and leadership would be crucial in shaping the young team.
6. Xabi Alonso (Real Sociedad, £10 million)
Age: 20
Position: Deep-lying Playmaker
Why? A pass master with incredible long-range vision. Alonso would become the best midfield controller of his generation.
7. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich, £8 million)
Age: 18
Position: Central Midfielder
Why? Hard-working, aggressive, and versatile. A future World Cup winner who could dominate both defense and attack.
8. Wesley Sneijder (Ajax, £6 million)
Age: 18
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Why? A creative genius capable of splitting defenses with pinpoint passing and deadly long shots.
9. Luka Modrić (Dinamo Zagreb, £7 million)
Age: 16
Position: Central Midfielder
Why? One of the most technically gifted players of all time. Small, but with incredible intelligence and passing ability.
Total spent on midfield: £33 million.
For just £33 million, Tonmoy had built a midfield that would control games for over a decade.
The Final Piece – A Winger with Flair
Tonmoy needed a dangerous winger—someone who could terrorize defenders and bring creativity to the attack.
10. Franck Ribéry (Stade Brestois, £2 million)
Age: 19
Position: Winger
Why? Fast, technical, and aggressive. A future Champions League winner who would dominate the wings.
Total Spending: £52 Million
For just £52 million, Tonmoy had built a squad that would soon challenge Manchester United, Arsenal, and the biggest clubs in Europe.
Ferguson would be furious.