40 Milan

John was in the final phase of this journey encompassing 5 different countries. And his final stop was the fashion capital, Milan. Popular across the whole world for fashion and design, the second most populous city in Italy was also the only city in the Europe that is the host of two champions league winning clubs. John knew that it wouldn't change anytime soon, even if a whole lot of money is poured into a club in blue to win the most prestigious club trophy in Europe.

"So, who do you think will be our starting CB alongside Kisnorbo?" John asked Michael as they were waiting in a cafe.

"I think it's going to be Benatia. He has the experience of playing in Division 2 for a year. The new player you are trying to sign, on the other hand has only played for youth teams and is already 20. That's why we were able to get him for 10,000 pounds only." Michael analyzed calmly and told John after thinking for some time.

It was true. Bonucci, whose signing rights were divided equally at 50% between Treviso and Inter Milan, had been sold to Leicester for a measly sum of 10,000 pounds. Treviso would even think that they made a profit as Treviso brought 50% of Bonucci's signing rights on January 1, 2007 for an insignificant 500 euros.

'Inter Milan and Treviso will probably throw up blood when Bonucci blossoms.' John though while grinning.

"Well, you may be surprised by him." John said to Michael.

It wasn't really fair to Michael because John knew the future trajectory of the player but Michael's prediction may ultimately end up correct because the player they were going to sign was prone to errors and lack of concentration earlier in his career despite being undeniably talented. The Italian media even coined a term for that, 'Bonucciate'. But John knew that he would grow up to be one of the best CB in the world.

"He did play in the midfield before, so he is exactly the kind of ball playing defender we are looking for. That may work in his favor, but I still think Benatia is going to be better." Michael reaffirmed his stance as he looked at his black wristwatch.

"They're here." John said as he stood up to welcome Leonardo Bonucci and his agent Alessandro Lucci. Lucci was able to speak English so they had no need for a translator.

They exchanged their greetings before sitting down to discuss the future of the player who was struggling to succeed.

"Mr. Baker, Leo has agreed to join Leicester but he wants a guarantee regarding playing time. He is already 20, so he needs to play to improve his game." Lucci said to John.

"You can rest assured, Mr. Lucci. We regard Bonucci as a rotation player who we hope will compete for the starting position." John said to them, "We think that he has the ability to perform better than what we've seen from him until now and we will help him to unlock his potential."

John knew that Bonucci wasn't a starting caliber player right now. Simeone had regarded him as a backup to Medhi Benatia in his plans until now.

But John knew that Bonucci had the capability to improve dramatically in the correct situation. And his time with Simeone at Leicester will definitely improve his discipline on and off the field. John remembered that in his prime, Bonucci was a technically gifted defender known for his passing range and ability to start attacks from the back with long passes. Although he wasn't the quickest player but he was tall, mobile, strong and had all the other qualities of a top centre back.

So, John knew he would be the perfect fit for Leicester's counter attacking system if he was even able to achieve half of his potential in the next year.

"Then we agree to sign the contract." Lucci said after discussing for some time.

John wasn't worried about it as he had already negotiated the contract. Bonucci and his agent wanted to sign a five year contract with an annual salary of 80,000 pounds. John was too happy about that. He wouldn't even have to negotiate and he was getting such a sweet deal. John felt it was the fruit of the hard work he had been doing.

After that, Bonucci agreed to fly to Leicester on June 17, when Leicester players will be returning to the squad. There won't be as many players returning due to departures in the summer. Simeone had already provided the list of which players he wanted to stay. John had given Sean the go ahead to deal with the outgoing departures after listening about it on the phone.

"So, back to England?" Michael asked John.

"Yeah" John replied in a relieved voice.

There were still signings to be made but all the rest of the business will take place in England. John felt as relieved as he felt happy about the results of this trip. It had been a bigger success than John thought when reflecting on it. Everything had gone perfectly save for Reus' rejection, but for John who was prepared for worse, this trip had been a huge success. John's work in the transfer window wasn't over but he wouldn't have to travel overseas now.

"Michael, remember this trip. It will be regarded as a turning point in Leicester and probably in Premier League history." John said to Michael as they exited the cafe.

John knew that these players were still young and not the players John remembered from his memories yet. But John knew that all these players had enormous potential and they would probably fulfil their potential earlier than expected because John had a blueprint of success for them. It would prevent them from searching blindly and would create a path for them to follow.

John was looking forward to the day Leicester achieved promotion and he knew it would come sooner rather than later.