Reborn in Football to Build Top Clubs from English League Two

186: The ”Crown Jewel” and the Art of NegotiationIn the conference room of the Phoenix Training Center, Lin Feng was carefully studying the documents spread out on the table.

The celebration for fifteen consecutive wins had just ended, but his attention had already completely shifted to the winter transfer window.

Richard Arnold sat opposite him, holding a detailed transfer plan.

”Boss, I’ve already figured out the situation with Southampton.”

Richard pushed a financial report in front of Lin Feng.

”Their debt problem is even more serious than outsiders imagine, but precisely because of this, their asking price for Lallana is also outrageously high.”

Lin Feng’s fingers tapped lightly on the table, his eyes scanning the numbers on the report with intense focus.

The [Market Analysis] module silently activated in his mind, and Southampton Club’s financial status was precisely broken down into data models by the system.

Total debt, cash flow deficit, and critical time nodes for urgently needed funds—every key piece of information was clearly displayed in his consciousness.

”How much are they asking?”

”Eight million pounds, and they demand a one-time payment.”

Richard shook his head.

”This price is completely beyond Lallana’s current market value; they’re clearly trying to scare us off.”

Lin Feng’s lips curved slightly upward.

Southampton’s management thought they were negotiating with an ordinary League One club, unaware that they were sitting opposite a ”prophet” with future information.

”Richard, prepare a new offer.”

Lin Feng stood up and walked to the window.

”A total of six million pounds, with a two-million-pound down payment, and the remaining amount paid over three years. Additionally, if Lallana transfers to a bigger club in the future, we are willing to give Southampton twenty percent of the sell-on clause.”

Richard’s eyes lit up instantly.

This plan not only solved Southampton’s cash flow problems but also provided them with a guarantee of future income.

”Boss, this plan is indeed very attractive, but I’m worried they will still stick to their asking price.”

”Then let them stick to it.”

Lin Feng turned around, his eyes sparkling with confidence.

”At the same time, I want you to arrange for me to speak with Lallana himself. The player’s attitude is often more important than the club’s stance.”

Richard nodded and immediately began contacting intermediaries.

As an experienced sporting director, he knew the weight of a player’s own wishes in transfer negotiations.

Two evenings later, Lin Feng sat in his office, an encrypted phone in front of him.

Adam Lallana’s slightly nervous voice came from the other end of the line.

”Hello, Mr. Lin. It’s an honor to speak with you.”

”Lallana, just call me Lin Feng.”

Lin Feng’s voice was calm and gentle.

”I think we can be direct. I know your current situation, and I know your concerns about the future.”

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the line.

Lallana obviously hadn’t expected this mysterious Chinese boss to be so direct.

”I’ve heard about Hartlepool United’s recent performance; fifteen consecutive wins are indeed impressive. But honestly, I’m still a bit hesitant about joining a League One team.”

Lin Feng had long anticipated such a response.

He opened the detailed report on Lallana in the system, which recorded all of the player’s technical characteristics, development trajectory, and potential issues.

”Lallana, I know your position at Southampton is a bit awkward. Your skill and creativity are confined within a relatively fixed tactical system, and you crave more freedom, don’t you?”

A slight breath was heard on the other end of the line.

Lallana was clearly hit where it hurt by these words.

”In our 4-3-3 system, you will play the role of a free attacker in the final third.”

Lin Feng continued.

”You can roam freely between attacking midfield and winger, using your dribbling and passing abilities to create chances. The core of our tactics is to unleash the creativity of every skilled player.”

”You understand my technical characteristics in such detail?”

Lallana’s voice held surprise.

”I’ve studied your match footage from your youth team days and analyzed every appearance you’ve made for the first team.”

Lin Feng’s tone became more professional.