Chapter 13: Top Brokers

On January 2, 2003, the transfer window opened, and Manchester City shocked the football world.

The club officially announced the signing of Brazilian superstar Kaka for 12 million euros. However, Kaka would remain in São Paulo until June 30, 2003, before joining City on July 1.

Miller, the mastermind behind this transfer, knew the Premier League was about to introduce special talent clauses, making it easier to secure a work permit for Kaka. He had planned everything.

On the very same day, Manchester City dropped another bombshell by appointing Woodward as their new CEO. Woodward, fresh from JPMorgan Chase, had no prior experience in football. This move left the media and fans dumbfounded.

"Who is this guy?" they wondered. "How did Miller find him?"

Soon, the media dug up Woodward's professional history, revealing he had never worked in football. David Jones of The Guardian quickly published an article:

"Manchester City has a new CEO. But Woodward has no football experience or any formal qualifications in sports management. It seems his only connection to the sport was helping Mr. Miller acquire the club. Is Miller a visionary, or has he made a reckless gamble? Time will tell."

A journalist cornered Miller at a restaurant: "Mr. Miller, why did you appoint someone so inexperienced as CEO?"

Miller grinned. "Woodward is a genius. I believe he'll bring significant commercial growth to the club."

"But don't you think hiring someone without experience is risky?" the reporter pressed.

Miller's expression shifted, and with a smirk, he said, "Manchester City is my club. If there's a gamble to be made, it's my money, not yours."

The reporter was left speechless.

Despite securing Kaka, Manchester City's transfer budget still had 115 million pounds remaining. Miller had plans to spend it wisely. With Bernstein in tow, he flew to Portugal, targeting a rising star.

Their target was playing for Sporting CP, a club notorious for demanding high fees. And to make matters trickier, the player's agent was none other than Mendes, a name that could give any negotiator a headache.

But Miller had his heart set on this player. There was no way he'd let the "red-nosed old man" across town snatch him.

Miller's initial offer of 15 million euros was rejected outright. So, without hesitation, he bumped it up to 20 million euros.

Bernstein was baffled, frowning as he discreetly tried to signal Miller to reconsider. But Miller wasn't swayed.

In Miller's eyes, 20 million euros for this young Portuguese talent was an absolute steal.

Sure enough, the Sporting CP chairman was dazzled by the offer, and after some negotiations, the deal was closed at 23 million euros.

As the chairman stepped out to make a call, Bernstein could no longer contain his concern: "Boss, I've seen the tapes on this Cristiano Ronaldo. He's flashy, sure, but is he really worth this price?"

Miller smiled confidently. "In my view, he's a future Ballon d'Or winner. He's worth every penny."

Bernstein was left stunned.

Moments later, the door opened, and in walked Mendes with a young man at his side—Cristiano Ronaldo. At this stage in his career, Ronaldo was far from the polished superstar he'd become. He was young, raw, and somewhat awkward.

Mendes greeted them warmly, and Miller was impressed. This agent had clearly done his homework—he was the first foreigner to pronounce Miller's name correctly on their first meeting.

As the group sat down, Mendes smoothly steered the conversation. "Mr. Miller, since taking over Manchester City, you've been making bold moves. I assume you're aiming to reshape the club?"

Miller didn't miss a beat. "The current squad doesn't align with my vision. Some fresh blood is essential."

Mendes nodded thoughtfully. "What role do you envision for my Cristiano in this project?"

Miller's response was swift. "He'll be the cornerstone of my team."

Beside him, Ronaldo shifted, clearly moved by the confidence being placed in him.

Mendes, ever the strategist, probed further. "But Manchester City's facilities and coaching staff aren't yet on par with Europe's elite clubs. That could hamper Cristiano's development."

Miller leaned back, unfazed. "I'm aware of the gap. That's my next challenge to tackle."

Mendes, intrigued, asked, "Do you have someone in mind to lead this effort?"

Miller chuckled. "How about your old friend Mourinho?"

Mendes blinked, momentarily stunned. Many of his players had worked under Mourinho, and the thought was appealing. But Miller quickly added, "Just kidding. Mourinho is a winner, but I need someone who can develop young talent."

Mendes raised an eyebrow. "Who, then?"

Miller's smile broadened. "That's for our next phase. All I can say for now is that we've got big plans."

Mendes nodded, impressed. "Well, Mr. Miller, it seems we have a lot to discuss."

With that, Miller looked straight at Ronaldo. "So, what do you say? Will you join my team?"