"That's amazing!"
In Manchester, at Manchester City's headquarters, Chairman Mubarak, advisor Marwood, CEO Soriano, technical director Begiristain, and several others sat together watching Leeds United's Champions League match.
Despite Manchester City leading the league, one slip could see them overtaken.
Their biggest rival? Leeds United, the two-time Premier League champions.
This White Rose team has been outstanding this season.
While fans might not feel it and the media is playing it low-key, everyone within the industry knows that Leeds United's achievements, especially tonight's 9-0 demolition of Barcelona at Camp Nou, are simply beyond belief.
Do you know how much money Leeds United made in the transfer market last summer?
At least one billion euros.
Even with installment payments from selling clubs, based on Leeds United's operating model, the maximum payment period is five years. Some are paid quarterly, others semi-annually, and annual payments aren't unheard of.
That's already quite frightening.
It's worth mentioning that Leeds United has been selling players every single year.
Just how much money have they accumulated over the years?
What's most intriguing is how Leeds United always presents themselves as a weak and harmless little rabbit in front of the media, fans, and peers, as if they are constantly being bullied.
Many within the Premier League's top brass believe Leeds United's PR and marketing are top class.
And their financial prowess is just as impressive.
Everyone has probably wondered what kinds of clever methods Gao Shen's team has used to move funds overseas. There are even rumors he's invested in mines across Latin America, Africa, and Australia, seemingly betting on new energy sectors.
Gao Shen is now a seasoned veteran in European football.
He even controls the first teams of three giants: Leeds United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
And when you look at Leeds United tonight, it's hard not to be impressed.
"The media storm from next door has been getting stronger lately," Mubarak said with a long sigh after expressing his admiration.
He was referring to the takeover bid for Manchester United.
"Judging by the current situation, the chances of the Qatari consortium are shrinking. We can't even rule out the possibility they might shift their focus," Soriano analyzed.
Mubarak nodded helplessly. Having lived in Britain for many years, he was sensitive to shifts in British public opinion.
It was like a powder keg. The slightest spark could ignite a full-blown crisis.
Even the Abu Dhabi consortium, which had run Manchester City for years, had begun increasing its investment in local communities, strengthening ties with fans, and introducing a range of fan-friendly measures.
This included reducing ticket prices.
At this point, Mubarak couldn't help but once again admire Gao Shen's wisdom.
Leeds United had a stellar reputation across the UK. A key reason was that their ticket prices remained among the lowest in the Premier League.
Some might scoff and say that's not true.
After all, Leeds United's mid-range and high-end seats were expensive, and their VIP boxes were even more luxurious and pricey.
Sure, but what does that have to do with the average fan?
Leeds United's lowest-priced ticket hadn't changed in over a decade. Despite inflation, they kept it the same. What other Premier League club could match that?
More importantly, from the AXA Centre to the Amazon Stadium, Leeds United had always aligned themselves closely with the Leeds City Council and the local community, maintaining a deep bond with their fan base.
For example, the municipal park provided direct access to the youth team's stadium at the AXA Centre, and watching youth matches there was free.
Leeds United was a one-of-a-kind club in Yorkshire.
This was the result of years of hard work by Gao Shen and the Leeds United team, who had firmly embedded themselves in the grassroots.
They actively integrated into British football culture to build this Leeds United team.
At the same time, they promoted globalization.
Leeds United was now one of the most profitable clubs in the world, contributing tens of millions of pounds in tax revenue to the city of Leeds every year.
This made them one of the biggest companies in Leeds.
Even more importantly, with the rise of Leeds United, the city of Leeds and Yorkshire as a whole had also grown in influence and reputation.
For example, in recent years, Leeds had rapidly completed its economic transformation. It was now the UK's second-largest economy, the fastest-growing city, and the third-most populous city after London and Birmingham.
Leeds was also the UK's fastest-growing city by population, the second-largest financial hub, and the second-largest legal center. It was showing signs of becoming the national core city of northern England.
All of this added up to Leeds United earning an excellent reputation across the UK, from the general public to the government.
Even Manchester City had to admire them.
Currently, while foreign investors were concerned about rising tensions in the UK, Leeds United, despite remaining vigilant, was in the best position.
"Sources say Ratcliffe has stated that if he successfully acquires Manchester United, he wants to build a Red Devils team based primarily on homegrown players. There's even a list that includes internationals like Vardy, Rashford, Foden, Grealish, Sancho, Declan Rice, and Calvin Phillips."
"Looks like they're trying to cripple Leeds United," Begiristain laughed.
"Who can argue with that?" Soriano nodded. "Right now, Leeds United are the biggest supplier of players to England's national team."
Even after selling players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dele Alli, Leeds United had practically built the entire England squad.
That's why some said the success of England's youth development reforms should be credited to Gao Shen and Leeds United.
Of course, there were some controversies, with critics accusing Leeds of poaching youth talent from other clubs.
But how could that be explained?
Every club did the same.
"What's this British billionaire's transfer budget?" Mubarak laughed.
To outsiders, it was entertainment. For industry insiders, it was just a joke.
Given the current market value of Leeds United's players, plus the inflated prices of English players, how many of them could really be poached?
"Still, we should keep a close watch on this. We're also dealing with the homegrown player rule, and we have to consider that starting next season, the number of substitutes allowed will increase from three to five."
After a pause, Mubarak sighed. "Last time I had dinner with Gao Shen, he mentioned this reform. He believes that if implemented properly, it will make strong teams even stronger, and weak teams even weaker."
"Leeds United were clearly prepared," Begiristain agreed.
"That's just how Gao Shen operates. He never makes a move unless he's sure of the outcome. It won't be easy to poach any of his players this summer," Mubarak said.
"Let's wait until the drama next door settles. Once we have a clearer picture, we'll make our move. For now, we observe!"
...
"Leeds United's player development is simply remarkable!"
At the Real Madrid headquarters in Valdebebas, a northwestern suburb of Madrid, Vice President Butragueño couldn't help but admire them.
"Their talent identification is extremely accurate, and their ability to develop players is outstanding. Naturally, the young players they produce are exceptional," Florentino chuckled.
Barcelona's 0-9 home defeat next door had served as a wake-up call for Real Madrid.
Just when the world thought Leeds United's frantic player sales were coming to an end, the White Roses once again stunned everyone. There were even signs that they could contend for the Champions League title.
That 9-0 thrashing of Barcelona certainly had an element of luck, but Leeds United's strength could not be underestimated.
"Look at this squad. Haaland goes without saying. Buu is a universally recognized genius. Sancho is nearly a superstar already."
"Declan Rice has been very consistent. And Alphonso Davies..." Florentino clicked his tongue. "Is it possible to bring him in to succeed Marcelo?"
Butragueño and José Sánchez exchanged glances and smiled wryly.
"That's difficult. Leeds United isn't selling anyone right now."
"I don't buy it," Florentino shook his head.
Gao Shen and Leeds United always say they won't sell every year, but has there been a single year when they didn't?
As long as the price is right, they'll sell.
The key is how much you're willing to offer.
"I think it's better if we wait and see," José Sánchez suggested.
"Why?"
"That British tycoon has been making headlines lately. He's promising to build a pure English team and revive the traditional Red Devils spirit."
"So…"
"This summer's transfer window will be very lively," José Sánchez said, clearly excited.
As a financial expert, he was looking forward to a chaotic transfer market.
Right now, there aren't many clubs in Europe capable of spending big on top-tier talent. Manchester United was one of the few, with revenue consistently among the highest in Europe.
But that depends on how things play out.
If Ratcliffe burns Manchester United down and turns them into another Barcelona, that would be the best news of all.
Why go after anyone else? Why target Leeds United?
Do you really want to wipe them out?
They're so wealthy, they can do whatever they want.
"Leeds United's players are all top-tier talents with great potential. We need to keep a close watch," Florentino reminded.
Truthfully, Real Madrid had also performed well this season, but Florentino genuinely loved this Leeds United team.
Young, energetic, and bold, playing fast and fluid football.
Their style exuded youthful vibrance. It was contagious.
Just like tonight's 9-0 win. It was destined to dominate global headlines from tonight through tomorrow.
That was the charm of Leeds United's football.
By contrast, Real Madrid could no longer play the same style of football Leeds did. Florentino could only watch with envy.
...
As expected, Leeds United's 9-0 victory at Camp Nou ignited global public opinion, propelling them to the top of trending charts on major social media platforms and sparking a massive wave of discussion.
Before the match, no one had expected Leeds United to launch such a fierce attack at Camp Nou.
And that's exactly why everyone was so stunned.
Public opinion had completely spiraled out of control.
(To be continued.)
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