Starting With Real Madrid

Norman Foster, a national treasure-level architectural designer in the UK, is a leading figure in the high-tech school of architecture.

The so-called high-tech school is based on the theories of machine aesthetics and structural aesthetics. It advocates formal dynamic theory based on visual perception, has a strong technical orientation, and uses a rich design language in architectural work.

Simply put, it's an architectural design school that promotes the use of cutting-edge technology and materials, integrating them into architecture with a focus on energy conservation and environmental sustainability.

Norman Foster, Renzo Piano, and Richard Rogers are known as the three giants of high-tech architecture and are the founding figures of this school. Their most iconic work is the Pompidou Center in France, completed in 1977 by Rogers and Piano.

But the three have their differences.

Rogers prefers to use large-scale steel structures with strong visual impact in his designs, creating a complex and layered industrial aesthetic. Piano leans more toward an artisan style, with attention to detail and the use of natural light.

In comparison, Norman Foster is more balanced. His designs are elegant, grand, and seemingly effortless, showcasing a transparent, light, and technological architectural beauty.

Because of this, Foster's works are arguably the least controversial among the masters.

Each of his projects has represented the pinnacle of global architecture in its time.

Wembley Stadium was designed by Norman Foster. In 2007, he also participated in the design competition for Barcelona's new Camp Nou and won first prize. However, Barcelona later shelved the stadium project, so Foster's design never materialized.

But designing a training facility would probably be a first for him.

Both Gao Shen and Su Qing actually prefer Zaha Hadid, but her works are notoriously controversial.

The Bird's Nest designed by Herzog & de Meuron is also exceptional. Whether it's the Bird's Nest, the Allianz Arena, or the new stadium they later designed for Chelsea, which Gao Shen had seen in his past life, they all felt outstanding.

But after weighing the pros and cons, Gao Shen and Su Qing both leaned toward Norman Foster.

Gao Shen had met Foster at an event at Wembley Stadium before. Although they weren't close, they had chatted a few times and exchanged contact information.

Nowadays, the old man has gradually stepped away from the spotlight, but Gao Shen still hoped to personally invite him to take on the project.

He decided to take Su Qing and Lucas to London.

…

After being promoted to the Premier League, Leeds United's large-scale player sales stirred up considerable controversy.

The key issue was that many players were sold, but there were no targeted signings. Instead, the club focused on internal development.

During the month that Gao Shen was away, Leeds United made several signings.

Jose Fonte was signed just after the season ended. Mahrez, Kanté, Fabinho, and Marquinhos were also carefully scouted and brought in.

What surprised Gao Shen was that Leeds United's scouting team gave him several unexpected gifts.

The first was Martial.

This player from Lyon's youth academy in Ligue 1 was discovered by Leeds United's scouts and, after much effort, was signed for 2 million euros. Borrell insisted on training Martial himself.

"I hope he becomes a great striker like Henry!"

Benjamin Mendy also surprised Gao Shen.

If it had been up to Gao Shen, he actually wouldn't have wanted to sign Mendy, because the guy later committed a crime.

When Gao Shen transmigrated, the case hadn't yet reached a verdict, but it appeared to be true.

But that's a matter for the future.

Currently, Leeds United's scouting and technical teams are very optimistic about Benjamin Mendy, and Gao Shen had no reason to object.

Mendy is quite talented. If he really doesn't pan out, he can be developed and sold.

What Gao Shen didn't expect was that in the process of signing Mahrez, they also unearthed Benjamin Mendy.

Another surprise was Dele Alli.

When Gao Shen first heard the name, he froze for a moment before realizing—wasn't that the one who later played for Tottenham?

In just three years, Alli's form had fallen sharply. From being valued at £100 million to barely being able to play in the Premier League.

But in terms of current ability and potential, he's definitely one of England's brightest young stars.

The final surprise, and the one that shocked Gao Shen the most, was Ansu Fati.

Yes, that Ansu Fati—the super talent whom Barcelona later saw as Messi's successor.

When Gao Shen saw the name on the list, he couldn't believe it. He immediately logged into the data center to confirm the player's profile—and it was really him.

His first thought was, isn't this kid at Barcelona?

Actually, he wasn't.

Ansu Fati began his youth training at Sevilla. It was a discovery by Victor Orta, the director of the data center who came from Sevilla. He strongly recommended Fati, and Leeds United's technical team even crafted a very detailed training plan for him, convincing the player's parents.

In the end, Leeds United beat out their two biggest rivals, Barcelona and Sevilla, and brought Ansu Fati to Leeds.

However, since his brother plays in Seville and the family lives there, Leeds United agreed to cover monthly round-trip travel for his parents to visit Leeds or for him to visit Seville.

…

Gao Shen had to admit, the collaboration between the scouting department, the technical team, and the data center had brought him huge surprises in the first summer transfer window. In fact, he saw many familiar names on the scouting list.

But for various reasons, they couldn't bring all those players in just yet.

It made him wonder—could some of those unfamiliar names on the list turn out to be hidden gems?

After all, there are still many overlooked talents in the world.

With such strong results in just the first season, if this momentum continues, Leeds United's youth development system has a very promising future.

From how Borrell and others handled Mendy's situation, Gao Shen also had a new idea: could this become a model for signing players?

For example, Van Dijk is still playing for Groningen in the Eredivisie. His market value is low, just over 1 million euros. What if they buy him and then loan him back to Groningen to continue his development? Would that work?

Same with Luke Shaw. After Southampton failed to get promoted to the Premier League, many players left, and the squad was depleted. Could Leeds buy Luke Shaw now and then loan him back to Southampton?

Gao Shen didn't think further about it. He planned to sit down and discuss it with Lucas, Borrell, and the others.

However, the most pressing matter for Leeds United now was Coutinho.

After sending Adam Lallana away, the most important target was Coutinho.

Inter Milan had gone through several coaching changes in recent years—from Gasperini to Ranieri to Stramaccioni, who was promoted from the B team. The team had undergone many changes, and morale was unstable.

Coutinho had performed well on loan at Espanyol, and after returning to Inter, the Nerazzurri were looking to give him a chance. But the squad was bloated.

Especially this summer, they spent 9.5 million euros to bring in Palacio from Genoa and signed Cassano from AC Milan. Balotelli was also still with Inter, and all of them overlapped with Coutinho's position.

This made it hard for Coutinho to get playing time.

When Leeds United made an offer, they started with 10 million euros. Inter weren't foolish—they leaked the news, and soon other clubs joined the race.

Premier League sides like Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers, and Fulham—who narrowly avoided relegation last season—entered the picture.

The highest offer came from QPR: 12 million euros, 2 million more than Leeds.

When Gao Shen heard this, he frowned. "Is this club trying to challenge us?"

Everyone burst out laughing.

"I guess you beat them too badly last season," Su Qing joked.

Exactly.

It's rare that he wanted to splash some cash to buy a star player for his system, and now he was caught in a bidding war.

This put Lucas, Borrell, and the others in a tough spot.

The offer had already hit 10 million euros—should they go higher?

This was already the biggest transfer deal since Gao Shen acquired Leeds United.

Ten million euros, that's a serious investment.

After some thought, Gao Shen made the call.

"Raise the offer. Match QPR's bid—12 million euros."

That was about 8.5 million pounds. Quite a lot.

But they'd try to arrange installment payments. After all, Leeds was a small club and would need at least two years to spread out the payments.

"Fernando, Rodolfo, you two go with Sarri to Milan and talk to Inter in person. Try to meet with Coutinho too."

That likely meant a trip from Milan to Brazil as well.

But what can you do? That's how transfers work—time is money, my friend!

"I'll call Pochettino and have him send a message to Coutinho. We need to show him that we're serious and make him believe we can provide the best environment and conditions for his development."

Gao Shen made a quick decision.

In discussions with Sarri, the two had unexpectedly crafted a blueprint for a left-sided attack. Coutinho, Pogba, and Kurzawa—if utilized properly—could become Leeds United's deadliest weapon in the Premier League next season.

On the right flank, Salah, Mahrez, Zaha, and Mane were all options.

Icardi was the first-choice striker, but Mane and Harry Kane could also play there.

After Klein unexpectedly left, Trippier became the starting right-back.

New signing Fabinho could also play there, but Gao Shen knew his best position was still defensive midfield.

So the team still needed to sign a new right-back.

Whether it was Bellerín or Alexander-Arnold in Manchester City's youth academy, both were still too young.

As Gao Shen sat in deep thought, a name suddenly came to mind.

João Cancelo from Sporting Lisbon, just turned eighteen.

Had he signed a professional contract with Benfica yet?

If he remembered correctly, in the Portuguese league, players signed pro contracts at 18. If he hadn't yet, then the cost would be very low.

With that thought, Gao Shen immediately instructed Borrell to make contact as soon as possible.

(To be continued.)

Junkdog's Note: Next Messi 😅? Yeah, about that Gao Shen...

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