Chapter 51
Yang Hao had claimed he wanted a good rest, but that was far from reality.
After spending just one lazy day at home in Madrid, playing around with his girlfriend, he was interrupted the next day by an unrelenting string of calls from Miguel Gil. Soon after, the unscrupulous club owner dragged Yang Hao out of his home.
"If I ever break up with my girlfriend, it'll definitely be because of you!" Yang Hao protested bitterly, seated in the car headed to Madrid's city center.
Miguel Gil, unfazed, grinned and replied, "With your status and looks, combined with your influence, you could have women lining up from the Calderón Stadium all the way to the Bernabéu with a single wave of your hand."
"Really? I didn't know I was that popular," Yang Hao chuckled, his male ego stroked.
"It's because you've been too busy. There hasn't even been much gossip about you lately. Some people are even speculating you're about to get married."
"Rubbish, that'll never happen," Yang Hao retorted firmly.
A successful man didn't need marriage to complete his life.
"Besides," he added, "if I'm this busy, it's only because you and the other club executives have been working me to the bone."
"Don't forget, you're also a shareholder," Miguel Gil quipped back.
The two bickered all the way to the Calderón Stadium.
The New Stadium Presentation
That day, Herzog & de Meuron, the world-renowned architectural firm, was presenting the design proposal for Atlético's new stadium and the surrounding redevelopment project. Miguel Gil insisted Yang Hao attend the session.
When Yang Hao arrived, the stadium's cramped conference room was already packed. High-level representatives from Atlético and MSM Group, along with the project's architects, were waiting.
As soon as Yang Hao entered, he was greeted warmly by everyone, including the architects.
Once all attendees had arrived, the presentation began. Herzog opened with a detailed plan for the redevelopment of the land, which included Atlético's new stadium, a residential complex, and two skyscrapers.
Although labeled as "skyscrapers," the buildings were only 144 meters tall. By 2023 standards, Yang Hao wouldn't have found them particularly impressive, but in Madrid, they would be the tallest structures at the time.
Inspired by the sails of a ship, the twin towers would be constructed from concrete, aluminum, and glass. The unique curves and exterior design drew from Spain's maritime history, specifically Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration.
"We aim for a futuristic design while honoring Spain's past," Herzog explained.
The surrounding complex symbolized three eras: the stadium represented tradition, the residential area represented the present, and the twin towers symbolized the future. These sections would be interconnected through walkways, gardens, and other transitional elements. Atlético's and MSM's new headquarters would occupy two base buildings beneath the twin towers.
The Jewel of the Project: The New Stadium
The centerpiece of the project was, without question, the new Atlético stadium.
Herzog revealed that his team had traveled across Spain, visiting world heritage sites and historic districts in Madrid to draw inspiration. They ultimately chose a Gothic architectural style to reflect Spain's rich cultural heritage.
"Gothic architecture represents faith," Herzog explained. "We were deeply inspired by the cloisters of Poblet Monastery in Catalonia, which left a profound impression on us."
The resulting design was a blend of Gothic solemnity and Spanish cultural elements.
Due to the shape of the land plot, the stadium would have an irregular structure. Its primary skeleton was made of poured concrete, with nearly 300 support pillars forming its exterior. These pillars curved upward to form an arch over the stadium, resembling a volcano with a rectangular "crater" at the center for the pitch.
Between the pillars and the main structure, there would be open spaces reminiscent of Gothic cloisters, a deliberate nod to the Poblet Monastery.
The stadium's facade would be clad in traditional Spanish red bricks, contrasted with white accents to echo Atlético's iconic red-and-white striped kit. Inside, the stadium featured open commercial areas, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood.
Details and Capacity
The stadium would seat over 75,000 spectators and feature 255 VIP boxes, along with a shopping center and retail spaces. However, due to land constraints, there was no room for future expansion, nor could the design accommodate a roof.
Despite these limitations, Yang Hao was blown away by the stadium's aesthetics. From certain angles, the structure resembled a "ring of fire" or even something out of The Wandering Earth.
More than just a stadium, it was an architectural marvel that merged history, modernity, and functionality.
However, there was one glaring downside: the cost.
The project's estimated budget had already ballooned to €600 million. And as everyone in construction knew, estimates often rose even further during execution.
"Once completed, this will be one of the most stunning stadiums in football history," Herzog concluded, earning a round of applause from the attendees.
Reactions
Miguel Gil turned to Yang Hao. "What do you think?"
Other club executives, including Enrique Cerezo and Carlos Leo, leaned in expectantly.
"Other than the price tag, I have no complaints," Yang Hao said with a wry smile.
The design was exceptional. After months of consultation, the final product was a masterpiece.
"You know," financial director Fernando Vázquez interjected, "€600 million might not be enough."
Cerezo and Miguel Gil nodded in agreement. Large construction projects like this rarely stayed within budget.
While cost-cutting measures were possible—cheaper materials or simplified designs—this would compromise the stadium's quality.
"You get what you pay for," Yang Hao said.
"Exactly," Miguel Gil replied.
The group discussed the financial implications, debating whether to seek additional investors or loans. Despite the daunting costs, everyone agreed that the stadium was a crucial step in solidifying Atlético's status as a global football powerhouse.
As the meeting concluded, Yang Hao couldn't help but marvel at how far Atlético had come. From a club struggling for relevance, they were now planning a world-class stadium—an enduring symbol of their rise.
"Let's just hope we can afford it," Yang Hao muttered to himself as the meeting ended.
Even premium wood floors, such as solid hardwood, differ significantly in quality and price compared to laminate, let alone wood-look tiles.
Yang Hao had a strong feeling that the €600 million budget would inevitably be exceeded.
That said, it was clear that both MSM Group and Atlético's management were deeply satisfied with the project's overall design.
Judging by the current situation, receiving approval from the Madrid City Council seemed highly likely.
"Honestly, isn't this gamble a bit too big?"
After the meeting, the group went on-site for another inspection. Everyone was pleased with what they saw. They shared a meal together afterward before going their separate ways.
The Atlético team returned to the stadium offices for another meeting. The primary topics were the stadium budget and the summer transfer market.
Miguel Gil voiced concerns about the scale of the investment. With Atlético bearing the full responsibility for the new stadium, as well as the construction of the twin skyscrapers and residential complex, the financial commitment was staggering.
But Yang Hao felt optimistic.
No matter what, the new stadium had to be built.
From the data Herzog presented, it was clear that once the stadium was operational, matchday revenue would soar. Not just double—but skyrocket.
Atlético's current matchday revenue was abysmal, severely limiting the club's growth potential.
"Since we've decided, there's no need to hesitate. Worst case, we go all in," Yang Hao said, comforting Miguel Gil.
Miguel Gil's cautious nature contrasted sharply with his father, Jesús Gil. While the elder Gil was a bold risk-taker, the younger Gil was more rational but often indecisive during major decisions.
"Yang is right. If we've chosen this path, there's no looking back. Let's focus on getting the stadium built first!" added Enrique Cerezo, aligning with Yang Hao.
With the three main shareholders in agreement, no one else in the meeting had objections.
From Stadiums to Transfers
The discussion soon shifted from the stadium project to the summer transfer window.
At the moment, Europe's transfer market remained relatively quiet. Most clubs were waiting for the Copa América and European Championship to conclude.
This was a common strategy: a player's value often skyrocketed after a strong international performance, making clubs eager to buy post-tournament.
However, exceptions always existed.
For instance, as soon as the season ended, Barcelona faxed Atlético an inquiry about Deco's availability.
According to Catalan media, Johan Cruyff was a huge admirer of Deco, believing he was the missing piece for Barcelona's midfield. Cruyff had been lobbying Barcelona's management relentlessly.
Meanwhile, Arsenal expressed interest in Reyes.
Inter Milan was eyeing Deco, Joaquín, and Reyes, though Massimo Moratti hesitated to submit an offer, knowing Atlético was basking in their treble-winning glory. Approaching their players would require substantial resources and audacity.
Yang Hao, as always, managed the club's transfers. This summer, he was particularly focused.
Big Decisions Ahead
"As things stand, I can confirm that I plan to sell two to three players. Currently, only two are finalized: Deco and Carvalho," Yang Hao announced.
Deco had nearly been sold the previous summer, but Yang Hao had held onto him for another season.
After watching Kaká's development over the past year, Yang Hao was confident in his ability to replace Deco.
While the two players had different styles, Kaká's passing and ball distribution were on par with Deco's, and his ability to dribble at high speeds added an extra dimension Deco lacked.
Meanwhile, Iniesta, though still young, had been improving steadily.
Yang Hao believed a Kaká-Iniesta partnership could effectively fill the void Deco would leave behind.
As for Carvalho, the 26-year-old had recently switched agents to Jorge Mendes. Mendes had already hinted that Carvalho was evaluating his future at Atlético, subtly implying interest from other clubs.
Though Mendes didn't state specific demands, Yang Hao knew Atlético couldn't meet Carvalho's ambitions.
Currently, three clubs were interested in Carvalho: Barcelona, Manchester United, and Chelsea. All three were prepared to offer lucrative contracts.
Lucio, also 26, was non-negotiable. If both Carvalho and Lucio were sold, Atlético's defense would crumble. Forget the Champions League—even competing in La Liga would be impossible.
Despite his occasional recklessness, Lucio's talent was undeniable.
Thus, Carvalho would leave, while Lucio stayed.
The same applied to Atlético's wide players: unless a top replacement was secured, no one would leave.
In midfield, Xabi Alonso and Marcos Senna were untouchable. Javier Mascherano, though promising, wasn't ready to take over yet.
Up front, Drogba, Torres, and Villa were indispensable. Joaquín was irreplaceable on the right flank, so Yang Hao wanted to keep him.
On the left, however, Reyes had attracted multiple suitors. Yang Hao didn't rule out selling him, given that Robben was also on the roster.
The Market Awaits
"Let's leak the news that Barcelona has inquired about Deco," Yang Hao instructed.
Andrew Barrasco, the club's communications director, was surprised. "Are you sure?"
Deco was Atlético's midfield maestro and their biggest star. Many even considered him a contender for the 2004 Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. Selling him would be a seismic move.
Yang Hao nodded. "Spread the word."
Once the news broke, the transfer market would undoubtedly be set ablaze. Every club interested in Deco would realize he was no longer untouchable, prompting a bidding war.
Although Yang Hao had made up his mind, the decision wasn't easy.
Deco had played under Yang Hao for years. Their relationship was one of mutual respect and camaraderie.
But Atlético desperately needed funds for the new stadium.
Without selling players, where would the money come from?
"Brace yourselves—lean years are ahead," Yang Hao said with a bitter smile as he left the room.
The staff left behind exchanged solemn glances. They understood his feelings all too well.
Despite winning the treble, the club still needed to sell.
The harsh truth was that the treble itself wasn't particularly lucrative. Even with prize money, the Champions League win only brought in a little over €20 million.
Relying solely on matchday income and prize money would take decades to fund the stadium. By then, the dream would be irrelevant.
A Summer Market Frenzy
The 2004 summer transfer market erupted when news broke that Barcelona had formally inquired about Deco.
The story was first reported by Marca, but El País followed up with comments from Atlético's management.
"Yang Hao has made it clear: Deco remains central to his plans as the team's midfield core. He does not want Deco to leave the Calderón."
Catalan media quickly countered. Mundo Deportivo claimed Barcelona was prepared to offer €40 million for Deco.
This immediately sparked a firestorm.
A €40 million bid was a statement of intent—a blockbuster transfer by any measure.
But Marca insisted Atlético would never accept such an offer.
"Yang Hao refuses to sell Deco!" the paper reiterated.
The news reached England, igniting interest from British media and Premier League clubs.
And so, the summer transfer market began with a bang, setting the stage for a battle between Europe's top clubs for Atlético's prized assets.
Over the past year, Chelsea had maintained consistent contact regarding Deco, especially after Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes hinted that José Mourinho would take over as Chelsea's manager.
Portuguese media had also reported that Mourinho had provided Chelsea with a wishlist—and Deco was prominently featured.
Rooney Dominates Early Headlines
In early June, the hottest name in English football was Wayne Rooney.
The Everton prodigy was the most sought-after domestic talent in the summer transfer market. Both Manchester United and Chelsea were vying for his signature, with Sir Alex Ferguson even calling Everton manager David Moyes directly.
However, United's first signing of the summer was Leeds United striker Alan Smith for €9 million. This was followed by the acquisition of Argentine left-back Gabriel Heinze from Paris Saint-Germain for €10 million.
Both deals were targeted reinforcements aimed at bolstering weak positions and enhancing squad depth.
Chelsea Sparks Market Frenzy
The first truly shocking move in the transfer market, however, came from Chelsea. They splashed a staggering €20 million on Porto right-back Paulo Ferreira.
Shortly after, Chelsea secured Tiago Mendes from Benfica for €15 million.
These two signings immediately drew widespread attention across Europe.
While Ferreira had performed well for Porto the previous season, the €20 million price tag seemed excessive.
As The Sun questioned:
"If Paulo Ferreira is worth €20 million, then how much is Ricardo Carvalho worth? And what about Deco, a player with the talent to contend for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year?"
Chelsea soon provided an answer.
Their initial offer for Carvalho was €30 million, while Deco received a staggering €50 million bid. The combined €80 million stunned the football world.
As The Times described it:
"Chelsea is sending a clear message to all potential rivals—they are determined to land these two superstars!"
Atlético Stands Firm
Most observers believed Atlético Madrid would not refuse such lucrative offers, especially as the club grappled with financing its new stadium. Selling players seemed like the most practical solution.
However, Atlético boldly rejected both Chelsea bids.
This prompted Ricardo Carvalho's agent, Jorge Mendes, to break his silence. In an interview with British media, Mendes revealed that Carvalho, currently competing in the European Championship, was "very interested in a move to the Premier League for a fresh challenge."
While the player himself remained tight-lipped, Mendes' comments boosted Chelsea's confidence in securing Carvalho.
Chelsea quickly returned with a second offer, raising Carvalho's fee to €35 million. Once again, Atlético rejected it outright.
Frustrated, Chelsea pivoted to other targets and announced the signing of Alex from Santos for €11.5 million.
This development sparked heated debate in the media.
Spanish outlets speculated that Chelsea might have abandoned their pursuit of Carvalho. Mendes himself hinted that Chelsea was exploring alternative options.
However, Yang Hao remained unfazed.
He knew Alex was not eligible to play for Chelsea, as he couldn't secure a work permit.
Barcelona Enters the Race
Meanwhile, Barcelona made their move.
Encouraged by honorary president Johan Cruyff and vice president Sandro Rosell, president Joan Laporta decided to aggressively pursue Deco.
The rationale was twofold: signing Deco would simultaneously weaken Atlético and strengthen Barcelona's midfield.
Laporta scrambled to raise funds and presented a revised bid: €55 million for Deco or €45 million plus winger Ricardo Quaresma.
Once again, Atlético rejected the offer outright.
This refusal stunned European football.
Turning down €55 million for a single player?
The Copa América Changes Everything
The situation took an unexpected turn during the Copa América.
Brazil delivered a dazzling performance, winning all three group-stage matches before defeating Mexico 4–0, Uruguay 2–0, and Argentina in the final to claim the championship.
Adriano shone brightly, while Deco, Kaká, and Ronaldinho also showcased their immense talent.
Deco's stellar performances solidified his reputation, earning him a spot in the tournament's Best XI.
His rising stock further boosted his global standing.
It was at this moment that Chelsea finally made their decisive move.
Chelsea's de facto CEO, Peter Kenyon, flew to Madrid with a team of negotiators, staying at a luxury hotel near the Calderón.
Kenyon's presence underscored Chelsea's determination to secure Deco and Carvalho.
During the first day of negotiations, Chelsea presented an updated offer:
€40 million for Ricardo Carvalho.€60 million for Deco.
The combined €100 million proposal was staggering, though discussions remained confidential. Chelsea sought to avoid attracting additional suitors amid rumors of interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Inter Milan.
The Market Heats Up
Reports suggested Real Madrid had quietly secured a €100 million loan from Mediterranean Savings Bank to compete for Deco.
Barcelona's Laporta continued his fundraising efforts and publicly declared his intent to sign Deco.
Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport revealed that Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti had been persuaded by Héctor Cúper to pursue Deco as part of Inter's bid for another Champions League title.
In this competitive environment, Chelsea felt immense pressure to act quickly and decisively.
Kenyon's personal involvement and substantial offer highlighted Chelsea's seriousness.
Yang Hao's Response
When Miguel Gil informed Yang Hao of Chelsea's €100 million offer, Yang was enjoying a relaxing seaside vacation with his girlfriend.
Despite being away from Madrid, Yang remained up-to-date with the market and was aware of the current dynamics.
"Reject both offers," Yang instructed without hesitation.
"Reject them?" Miguel Gil was stunned.
"That's €100 million! Even if paid in installments, it's still a massive amount."
"Reject them," Yang reiterated. "Counter with €45 million for Carvalho and €65 million for Deco—both payable within a year. If they refuse, don't waste time negotiating further."
"Do you think they'll agree?" Miguel Gil sounded uncertain.
"It depends on how badly Roman Abramovich wants to win titles. My guess? He'll accept."
Yang Hao was confident. Both players were essential to Mourinho's tactical plans, and Chelsea had limited alternatives.
For example, Chelsea had already lost out on Walter Samuel, despite offering Roma and the player higher wages than Real Madrid.
With few quality defenders available, Chelsea faced a critical juncture.
Abramovich's ambitions to solidify Chelsea's position in English football and the elite social circles of Britain meant acquiring world-class talent was a priority.
Chelsea Bites the Bullet
Three days later, Yang Hao received another call from Miguel Gil.
Kenyon, with Abramovich's approval, accepted Atlético's terms:
€45 million for Ricardo Carvalho.€65 million for Deco.
The total €110 million deal set a new benchmark in European football.
However, Kenyon had one more request: Chelsea wanted Reyes too.
Their initial offer for the Spanish winger was €40 million—his market valuation at the time.
Yang Hao was left to ponder this new development.
Yang Hao soon received confirmation: Reyes was personally handpicked by Roman Abramovich.
The reason was simple—this Spanish prodigy had been outstanding throughout the past season, particularly during the two-legged clash against Chelsea, leaving a lasting impression on Abramovich. He was determined to bring Reyes to Stamford Bridge.
Yang Hao instructed Miguel Gil to respond with a €60 million asking price and wait for Chelsea's reaction.
To everyone's astonishment, Miguel Gil called the very next day to inform Yang Hao that Chelsea had agreed.
"This is insane! Does he print his money?"
Despite being on the receiving end of this windfall, Miguel Gil still found the deal hard to believe.
That was €170 million being spent in one swoop! A level of audacity not seen since Real Madrid in 2000, when Florentino Pérez splurged on multiple superstars, including Luis Figo and Claude Makélélé.
Now, Abramovich was recreating that same spectacular feat. The only difference was that Real Madrid drew their stars from various clubs, while Abramovich was primarily raiding Atlético Madrid and Portugal.
Of the three Atlético stars, Reyes, Deco, and Carvalho, their combined fees made them the costliest acquisitions on the market.
"Michel, you can't use a poor man's mindset to understand how the wealthy think," Yang Hao joked, feeling quite satisfied with the high fees.
"For Abramovich, €170 million is probably just the equivalent of pumping a few extra barrels of oil or extracting some more natural gas. You're toiling away running your farm—how can you compare?"
Miguel Gil sighed. "I wish I could go drill for oil and gas too!"
Shockwaves Across Europe
When Atlético Madrid and Chelsea officially announced the deal, the news triggered shockwaves across the football world.
Everyone knew Chelsea was rich, and Abramovich was a football mogul, but no one could have predicted this level of extravagance: splurging so much to secure three of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Deco, Carvalho, and Reyes were among the most coveted stars of the summer transfer market. Over the past few seasons, they had been central to Atlético Madrid's success in La Liga and the Champions League.
Chelsea didn't just sign them—they swept them all up in one go for a staggering €170 million.
The audacity left British media utterly stunned.
As The Times remarked:
"These are excellent players—undoubtedly some of the finest in Europe—and their transfer fees are not outrageous. At least, Deco's price hasn't broken Zidane's record."
"But for Chelsea to sign three superstars from Atlético Madrid in a single summer is simply unprecedented in European football history."
The last time a transfer window caused such an uproar was Florentino Pérez's Galáctico era in the summer of 2000, when Real Madrid signed Figo from Barcelona and Zidane from Juventus, alongside other stars like Makélélé.
While Real Madrid offset their spending by selling stars like Redondo, Chelsea wasn't doing the same.
As The Times observed:
"Chelsea's summer spending under Abramovich is almost entirely net expenditure—an astronomical €200 million! That's simply absurd!"
The Domino Effect
Chelsea's high-profile spending spree ignited a chain reaction across Europe.
Manchester United quickly followed suit, announcing the signing of Wayne Rooney from Everton for a staggering €40 million.
This fee exceeded the €37 million Yang Hao remembered from his previous life, likely influenced by the inflated market driven by Chelsea's spending spree.
When such a determined buyer emerges, sellers find it much easier to demand higher prices.
Spain Joins the Frenzy
Meanwhile, in Spain, the transfer market was heating up.
Real Madrid, having signed Walter Samuel earlier, announced the acquisition of English defender Jonathan Woodgate from Newcastle for €20 million and picked up Michael Owen from Liverpool for a bargain €12 million.
These three signings totaled €57 million in spending but seemed underwhelming compared to the ambitious promises of Real Madrid's management.
Even Owen, though still a recognizable name, no longer shone as brightly as before.
To balance their books, Real Madrid sold Fernando Morientes to Liverpool for €9.25 million, released Flávio Conceição on a free transfer, and loaned out young players like Portillo and Ruben.
The moves drew sharp criticism from fans and media alike.
Many were disappointed that Real Madrid's Galáctico tradition of signing a marquee superstar every summer seemed to have faded.
Barça's Countermove
After missing out on Deco, Barcelona pivoted and struck a deal with Sevilla to sign Julio Baptista for €35 million.
The Brazilian midfielder, nicknamed "The Beast," had been a standout performer in La Liga the previous season, offering both attacking and defensive prowess. His physicality was exactly what Barça needed.
Baptista's price tag raised eyebrows. Just a year earlier, Sevilla had signed him from São Paulo for €3.5 million—a tenfold increase in value in just one season!
Barcelona's efforts to build a "Brazilian core," including players like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Belletti, gave their squad a distinctly Samba flavor.
While Catalan media celebrated the arrival of Baptista, Real Madrid fans were left unimpressed by their club's comparatively lackluster transfer window.
A Bombshell from Real Madrid
As July arrived, Yang Hao announced that Atlético Madrid's transfer business for the summer was officially closed.
But just when things seemed to be settling, Real Madrid dropped a bombshell.
AS reported that Real Madrid had made a formal bid for Joaquín, Atlético Madrid's star winger, offering a world-record €80 million.
If completed, the deal would surpass Zidane's transfer fee and set a new global benchmark.
The football world erupted in shock, and even Yang Hao was caught off guard.
"Has the transfer market gone mad?"
"We're in a situation where Real Madrid's offer is almost impossible to refuse. They're essentially offering to pay Joaquín's release clause through alternative means. We now have two options: accept it or convince the player to stay."
This was Fernando Bárcenas, Atlético Madrid's finance chief, summarizing the dilemma during a meeting at the Calderón Stadium.
Many people misunderstood the mechanics of Spain's release clause system. Even Yang Hao himself didn't fully grasp all its intricacies.
The release clause (cláusula de rescisión) is a unique feature of Spanish football rooted in royal decree. When a club signs a player, their contract must include a release clause tied to their salary and contract duration. If there's no release clause, a player could legally buy out their contract in court at a low price.
This explained why Joaquín's release clause was set at €80 million. His contract was still valid, and Atlético had been in discussions to renew it. Joaquín was a crucial piece in Yang Hao's plans, especially for the right wing.
It would take at least two more years for Lionel Messi to grow into a regular starter, and three years before he could fully take over the position. Even then, rotations would be necessary to avoid overburdening him.
If Atlético sold Joaquín now, they would only have David Villa available for the right side, which wasn't sustainable. According to Yang Hao's original plan, Joaquín and Villa would hold down the right wing while Messi continued to develop.
Over the summer, Atlético had already rejected multiple inquiries for Joaquín from Barcelona, Inter Milan, and even Chelsea.
At €80 million, Joaquín's valuation was incredibly high for a winger of his caliber. But then Real Madrid—with their signature audacity—came knocking.
A Costly Delay
"Honestly, our team did delay negotiations when we discussed Joaquín's renewal with his father. They were asking for a high salary, and we decided to wait, given that the contract still had time and the release clause was already so high..."
Fernando Bárcenas admitted his misstep.
Their mistake? Underestimating Real Madrid's madness.
"Dwelling on this won't help now. What's the current situation?" Yang Hao asked, visibly irritated.
Fernando Bárcenas nodded and explained.
Triggering a release clause in Spain can be complicated.
The player buys out their contract.
This allows them to sign as a free agent with a new club.The buying club pays the release clause directly.
This is equivalent to "buying out" the player's contract.
For international transfers, the process involves Spain's tax authorities, requiring hefty tax payments. However, domestic transfers—like Real Madrid's pursuit of Joaquín—are simpler.
Historically, clubs like Barcelona (Figo), Real Sociedad (Illarramendi), and Málaga (Isco) had players transferred this way without any significant legal or financial complications.
Real Madrid's Strategy
Real Madrid didn't directly trigger Joaquín's release clause but instead opted to submit a formal transfer offer for €80 million. This approach simplified the process and avoided the appearance of a hostile takeover.
If Atlético rejected the offer, Real Madrid could still trigger the release clause—leaving Atlético powerless.
In such cases, player intent becomes the deciding factor. If Joaquín wanted to leave, even the release clause couldn't protect Atlético from losing him.
"Where's Joaquín right now?" Yang Hao asked.
"In Seville, shooting a commercial," Carlos Leo replied. Joaquín's father, who doubled as his agent, had arranged the deal.
"Book me the next AVE to Seville," Yang Hao ordered, standing up. He dialed Joaquín's father, Aurelio.
"Hi, Aurelio, it's me," Yang Hao began. "Yes, I'm coming to Seville tonight. Let's meet. You pick the place."
"Alfonso XIII Hotel? Fine, see you there."
Ending the call, Yang Hao turned to his staff. "Book me a room at the Alfonso XIII Hotel as well."
As he walked out, the remaining executives exchanged glances, frustration evident.
David vs. Goliath
Is Atlético doing well? Of course.
The team had just secured Spain's first-ever treble and received worldwide acclaim. Some fans and media even considered Atlético a bona fide La Liga giant.
But compared to Real Madrid, Atlético was still the underdog.
Yang Hao couldn't help but compare his situation to elite middle schools in his previous life. Despite nurturing top students, they were often poached by the best high schools, leaving the original school powerless.
Ultimately, strength and prestige were what mattered.
A Silent Train Ride
Sitting on the high-speed AVE to Seville, Yang Hao stared out the window, lost in thought.
His assistant, Parrales, sat beside him, pretending to work on a laptop while sneaking glances at Yang Hao, not daring to speak.
Yang Hao needed time to think.
Part of him felt conflicted. On one hand, €80 million was an enormous sum, especially with Atlético needing funds for the new stadium. The money could ease the financial strain significantly.
Joaquín's fee was astronomical—higher than Deco's sale price. No other club would likely pay that much for him.
So why would Real Madrid offer such a high price?
Because they knew Atlético wouldn't sell willingly.
Yang Hao had always resisted selling top players to direct competitors. For example, Barcelona wanted Deco, but Yang Hao only used their interest to drive up Chelsea's bid.
Selling Joaquín to Real Madrid, however, was a different challenge.
Real Madrid's Problem
Real Madrid's squad was already full of superstars. Joaquín, primarily a right winger but capable of playing on the left, would likely replace Luis Figo.
But could Joaquín solve Real Madrid's deeper issues?
Yang Hao doubted it.
Real Madrid's problems were never about needing just one star, one superstar, or even one coach to fix them.
Both Yang Hao and Mourinho understood this perfectly.
That's why Mourinho preferred taking charge of Chelsea over risking his reputation with Real Madrid.
Now, the focus shifted to Atlético Madrid's internal issues.
Initially, Yang Hao's conservative plan was to sell Deco and Carvalho—and at most Reyes—to secure funds for the new stadium while preserving the team's core strength.
But now, with Joaquín potentially leaving, the right flank was left with only David Villa, whose style as a scorer was vastly different from Joaquín's role.
Franck Ribéry could cover the right wing, and based on his performances in the Segunda División, Yang Hao believed Ribéry could hold his own in La Liga. However, if both Reyes and Joaquín departed simultaneously, Atlético's tactical setup would be severely disrupted.
The squad's remaining wingers were Robben, Ribéry, and Villa, with Robben and Ribéry still relatively young. As for substitutes, there were emerging players like David Silva, Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and even Luka Modrić, who could provide depth.
"At worst," Yang Hao mused to himself, "we narrow our focus next season. No one ever died from pulling back their ambitions for a bit."
Last season, Héctor Cúper managed to guide Inter Milan to the Champions League final without Deco. Surely Yang Hao, with Atlético's current squad, could weather the storm as well.
If this talented group of youngsters was developed over the next one or two seasons, the team could once again soar to greater heights.
With this clarity, Yang Hao felt a weight lift off his shoulders. If Joaquín wanted to stay, great. If not, so be it.
As long as Yang Hao remained at Atlético, this ship would never veer off course.
The Meeting with Aurelio Sánchez
Yang Hao arrived at the private dining room of the Alfonso XIII Hotel at the agreed time. However, instead of seeing Joaquín, he was greeted by Joaquín's father and agent, Aurelio Sánchez.
The absence of Joaquín spoke volumes.
Aurelio offered an excuse: Joaquín was busy and unavailable in town. But Yang Hao knew better. Joaquín was avoiding him.
Regarding the Real Madrid offer, Aurelio could hardly feign ignorance.
He explained that Joaquín idolized Luis Figo and had always aspired to emulate him. Figo himself had praised Joaquín, once saying the young Spaniard was the player who most reminded him of his prime.
"They met at an event two years ago and became fast friends," Aurelio added.
He went on to share a glimpse into their family background. They weren't well off, but Aurelio had always prioritized investing in Joaquín's football career. Like many Spanish children, Joaquín grew up a die-hard Real Madrid fan.
"So, it's hard for him to resist the call of Real Madrid," Aurelio concluded.
Finally, he mentioned the Champions League final and how Joaquín felt slighted after being substituted.
"You know, he's a competitive kid. He always wants to be the star, but often, he has to sacrifice for the team. That's tough for him. He wants to play a bigger role—not just in the club, but on the national team and the world stage."
Yang Hao listened calmly, smiled faintly, and nodded. "I see."
Aurelio was taken aback.
That's it?
Yes. That was it.
Yang Hao refrained from discussing the transfer further during the meal. Instead, he casually complimented the restaurant's food and engaged in light-hearted conversation.
Afterward, Yang Hao left with his assistant Parrales, announcing he'd return to Madrid that evening.
Watching Yang Hao depart without a fuss, Aurelio was puzzled.
He had anticipated a heated confrontation, coming prepared with excuses and justifications.
He and Joaquín had even agreed that Aurelio would face Yang Hao alone, shielding Joaquín from potential awkwardness if the talks turned hostile.
But Yang Hao's reaction was completely unexpected.
When Aurelio relayed the events to Joaquín, the player was equally baffled. "Is Yang Hao plotting to sabotage the transfer somehow?"
Fearing this, Aurelio called Real Madrid's José Sánchez to share his concerns.
The next morning, however, they received surprising news: Atlético had accepted the €80 million offer for Joaquín.
A Shocking Transfer
Joaquín's €80 million transfer to Real Madrid sent shockwaves through Spanish football.
While AS lauded Real Madrid's bold spending, Marca criticized the deal as irrational.
"Joaquín is an excellent player, but not worth €80 million," Marca declared.
The newspaper argued that manager Camacho wanted a balanced squad, not more superstars crammed into an already contentious dressing room.
"With Ronaldo, Raúl, and Owen vying for two starting spots, and aging stars like Zidane and Figo showing signs of decline, the addition of Joaquín could worsen tensions," Marca continued.
They questioned whether Real Madrid's squad depth had been adequately addressed or if the team was simply hoarding marquee players.
"Where does this leave promising talents like Soldado, Jurado, De la Red, and Arbeloa?" the publication asked.
Marca concluded: "Florentino Pérez's Galáctico policy is leading Real Madrid down the same flawed path as before. The 'Zidanes y Pavones' approach has already proven unsuccessful, yet they persist."
The Bigger Picture
Behind the fanfare of Joaquín's transfer, UEFA quietly announced a significant regulatory change.
Starting in the 2004/05 season, UEFA would trial FIFA's new offside rule adjustments. The one-year trial period was meant to identify potential issues before full implementation in 2005.
This news was buried under the summer transfer drama and barely received media attention.
However, for Yang Hao, the implications were monumental. He knew just how revolutionary this rule change would be.
The Players' Reactions
Back in Seville, at Lionel Messi's family home, Yang Hao was enjoying a casual moment with several of Atlético's rising stars: Messi, Sergio Ramos, David Silva, Ángel Di María, and Luka Modrić.
Sergio Ramos, ever direct, asked, "Boss, why is Joaquín leaving?"
The others turned to Yang Hao, equally puzzled. Joaquín hadn't been on the club's initial transfer list.
Yang Hao smiled knowingly. "Let me tell you a story..."
"Why do you ask?" Yang Hao calmly countered.
"People are saying that you and the club sold him off just for the money," Sergio Ramos said indignantly.
Yang Hao chuckled. "You could say that. After all, we did receive the highest transfer fee in history."
€80 million, all in one payment.
Absurd, wasn't it? Even Yang Hao found it hard to believe.
Maybe this was the problem with member-owned clubs like Real Madrid. The money didn't come out of Florentino Pérez's own pocket. Even if it was borrowed, as long as the club could manage the debt, it wasn't a big deal.
But if it had been Pérez's personal money? That would've been a different story altogether.
"But wasn't it his choice to leave?" Messi asked indignantly, clearly upset about the rumors circulating in the media.
"Does it make a difference?" Yang Hao smiled.
"You're all still young. One day, when you grow up, play professionally, and start earning big money, you'll become more complicated too. You'll set higher goals for yourselves, and you'll want more."
"When that time comes, if you find Atlético can't keep up with your ambitions, you might choose to leave—just like Joaquín did. Honestly, the fact that he brought in such a massive transfer fee is already a blessing for the club."
The teenagers, all around 17 or 18 years old, found Yang Hao's words a bit abstract, but they sensed he wasn't upset.
"So, what's the plan for next season?" Ramos asked, clearly concerned.
With both Reyes and Joaquín sold, the wings were noticeably thin—a legitimate worry.
"Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it. What you should be worrying about is improving your skills. Less gaming, more training," Yang Hao said sternly.
The players laughed heartily.
"Boss, why don't you let me play as a right winger? I'm fast enough!" Ramos suggested cheekily.
"Get out!" Yang Hao laughed, shaking his head at the audacious idea.
The room erupted in laughter, and it was clear Ramos had been joking to lighten the mood.
"For the new season, I'll try to give you more game time and opportunities. Make the most of them!" Yang Hao encouraged, looking at his young players.
The group lit up with excitement. At their age, they desperately needed match experience. Playing in Segunda División was helpful, but nothing could compare to getting minutes in the first team.
Letting Joaquín Go
Yang Hao had come to terms with Joaquín's transfer to Real Madrid.
As Marca had analyzed, when Joaquín arrived in Real Madrid's star-studded dressing room for €80 million, how would players like Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, and Beckham perceive him?
Even if Figo, his close friend, welcomed him, what about the others?
The potential tension could be a significant issue.
Moreover, carrying such a hefty price tag, Joaquín would have to prove his worth under immense pressure.
New Beginnings at the Training Ground
After chatting with the young players, Yang Hao headed to the Majadahonda training complex.
The new facility was nearing completion, with only the youth team's small stadium—complete with stands—remaining under construction. Plans were underway, and it was estimated to take about a year to finish.
As Yang Hao walked past the main gate, several security guards greeted him warmly.
In his four years at Atlético, Yang Hao had become the club's most influential and respected figure.
The new training ground was set to officially open that summer, but the coaching staff had already started using it to prepare for the new season.
Today, Yang Hao had called a meeting with coaches from both the first team and the youth academy. The agenda included outlining summer training plans, professional development, and a critical topic: analyzing UEFA's updated offside rule.
This rule was expected to have a profound impact on football tactics and training.
Atlético was no longer the cash-strapped club it had been. Thanks to Yang Hao's guidance, the scouting department, led by Mendiola, was actively hunting for talent across Spain, Europe, and beyond.
Youth development budgets had significantly increased. Last season alone, Atlético spent €15 million on its academy—higher than Real Madrid and Barcelona, who invested around €13 million each.
The results were evident. Teams across all age groups played more matches than ever before.
For example, Ángel Di María's U18 team participated in two international tournaments and UEFA's youth competitions that summer. Such exposure provided invaluable match experience for the players.
Messi and others had undergone similar development, sharpening their skills through consistent match play.
Ultimately, football was a game of practice and repetition. Young players needed matches to hone their craft, slowly refining their technique and raising their level.
Atlético's youth investment was no accident. Yang Hao had ensured that academy spending was a priority in the club's budget, pegged to a specific percentage of overall expenditure.
Both Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil supported this strategy. Without the youth academy, Atlético's resurgence wouldn't have been possible.
Take this summer as an example: Yang Hao directed all transfer revenue into funding the new stadium. He even told the management team outright: "We're not signing anyone this summer."
When the media got wind of this, they spun it as Yang Hao rebelling against the "superstar strategy."
While clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Inter Milan were buying stars left and right, Yang Hao's decision to promote homegrown talent was seen as a statement: Atlético didn't need to poach talent to succeed.
Yang Hao found the narrative amusing. He wasn't being defiant.
But what could he say? He couldn't go around proclaiming, "Our academy is producing future Ballon d'Or winners, including a seven-time winner!"
Instead, he quietly focused on building from within.
A Tactical Revolution
Yang Hao loved brainstorming sessions.
With the coaching staff growing larger and more diverse, he valued hearing different perspectives.
For over a year, he had repeatedly discussed the potential implications of FIFA's new offside rule on football tactics.
He even assigned his team "homework," asking them to prepare insights for a post-summer brainstorming session.
As the meeting began, Yang Hao took the lead in explaining the rule changes.
The amendment was straightforward: Previously, if Player A received a pass while teammates were in an offside position, the play was ruled offside.
Under the new rule, even if Player A's teammates were in offside positions, as long as they didn't interfere with play or affect the opponent's defense, the play would not be flagged as offside.
Additional clarifications would refine how the rule was applied, but this was the core change.
Currently in its trial phase, the rule was set to officially take effect in 2005. FIFA also added another stipulation: hand or arm offside wouldn't count as offside.
Experts claimed the changes were designed to encourage attacking football.
Yang Hao wholeheartedly agreed.
Yang Hao prepared a detailed PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate the difference between the pre- and post-rule change scenarios using match footage.
"The simplest way to put it is this: the new rule encourages us to have as many players as possible close to the opponent's defensive line at the moment of a pass, even attempting to break the offside trap."
The reasoning was straightforward. Under the old rules, if even one player was offside, the entire attacking play was nullified. Now, as long as the offside player doesn't interfere with the play, it's not considered offside.
Previously, teams limited the number of players attempting to break the offside trap, often relying on just one runner to avoid risks. A single offside call could nullify the entire attack.
Yang Hao recalled how Atlético used Xabi Alonso's long passes, relying on the pace of their wingers to stay slightly behind the defenders to avoid being caught offside.
But with the new rule?
There was no need for such caution. All attackers could push forward aggressively.
However, this increased responsibility on the passer. They now needed to identify in a split second who was offside and who wasn't.
"I believe the new rule will emphasize passing combinations and ball control in future tactics. That's the only way to position more attacking players near the opponent's defensive line at the moment of a pass."
Under the old rule, perhaps one or two players would be near the line. But with the new rule, it could easily be three, four, or even five players.
What does this mean for defensive tactics?
Yang Hao believed that the change would make offside traps much harder to execute. In La Liga, the prevalent 4-2-3-1 system and high-pressing strategies would likely lose their effectiveness.
"Think about it," he explained, "whether it's Javier Irureta's Super Depor, Benítez's Valencia, or teams like Celta Vigo or Real Sociedad, many of these squads didn't rely on star players. Instead, they excelled due to well-drilled tactics, disciplined execution, and relentless stamina."
Their main weapon? High-pressing systems that suffocated opponents and limited space. Defenders could focus on a single point, controlling the play with precision.
"But with the rule change," Yang Hao continued, "this single-point focus becomes insufficient. Opponents could have two, three, or even more players ready to exploit the offside line simultaneously."
Previously, if one player was offside, the entire attack was nullified. Now, as long as the receiving player is onside, the rest don't matter—even if nine others are in an offside position.
"Can high pressing still work in this environment?"
Yang Hao believed this would herald the decline of traditional high-pressing systems as we knew them.
The Tactical Shift and the Rise of Passing Football
Looking back from 2023, Yang Hao noted that Benítez's tactical peak was between 2001 and 2007. After that, high-pressing systems began to evolve, giving way to all-encompassing pressing strategies like those of Guardiola's Barcelona, Simeone's Atlético, and Klopp's Dortmund.
These modern systems incorporated pressing across the entire pitch rather than focusing solely on high positions.
So why the shift to passing and ball control?
"To exploit the new rule," Yang Hao explained, "teams need midfield control to bring more players closer to the defensive line at the right moment."
Passing players also needed time and space to decide where to pass. This necessitated intricate passing combinations and ball retention to create opportunities.
From 2023's perspective, almost every successful team prioritized passing and ball control.
While many attributed this trend to Guardiola's treble-winning Barcelona in 2009, Yang Hao argued that the real catalyst was the offside rule change.
"If the 1990s offside reform ended the German libero system," Yang Hao stated, "this reform will elevate passing football and midfield dominance to unprecedented levels."
He then made a bold prediction: the 4-4-2 formation would become obsolete in the coming years.
Three Predictions for Tactical Evolution
Yang Hao outlined three key consequences of the rule change:
Offside traps will become less effective
High pressing would decline as teams exploited increased attacking opportunities near the defensive line. Teams without robust offside systems would be forced to adapt, offering more time and space for ball retention and control.Defensive depth will gain importance
With more attacking players able to pressure defensive lines, teams needed layered and elastic defensive systems. Without proper structure, defenses could collapse under multidirectional threats.Small-space play will become critical
As individual players can control only so much space, close-range passing and positional interplay would become essential. Both offense and defense would revolve around quick, localized tactical exchanges.
Yang Hao extended this idea further:
"In the future, teams will demand well-rounded players capable of passing and initiating attacks—even from defensive positions. We'll see center-backs and even goalkeepers expected to contribute to ball control and distribution."
For example, if a defender or goalkeeper lacked these skills, opponents would relentlessly press them, creating dangerous situations.
Though speculative, Yang Hao believed the evolution was inevitable.
Revolutionary Thinking
Yang Hao's presentation left Atlético's coaches stunned.
Even someone as cerebral as Juanma Lillo, a renowned tactical theorist, admitted that Yang Hao's vision was exceptionally forward-thinking—almost revolutionary.
Yang Hao didn't just predict tactical shifts; he outlined how Atlético could preemptively adapt. His objective was to integrate these ideas into the club's training sessions, reshaping their philosophy and preparing players for the future.
Even Atlético's youth academy would have to adjust, aligning with these changes to produce players who fit this new era.
For the first team, the upcoming season would witness significant tactical changes.
Atlético's coaching staff, now set to expand further, eagerly anticipated implementing Yang Hao's ideas. They couldn't wait to see how his vision would transform the team.
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