Munich

After John was done at Ahlen, he immediately left for Munich. Situated at the banks of river Isar, north of the Bavarian Alps, Munich was the 3rd largest city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg and the 11th largest city of European Union. Munich was also home to several professional football clubs, including the most decorated German football club: Fußball-Club Bayern München or more popularly known as Bayern Munich.

John knew that snatching top talents from clubs like Bayern was a tough task. They had a system in place to prevent their top talents from leaving the club. They had the best youth facilities to lure other clubs talents and top coaches to identify and keep their best young players at the club.

But every now and then, there comes a player that sifts through that established system because no one can recognise his uniqueness. Because no precedent like him existed. Because he didn't fit in the mold of a great player.

Sometimes it takes too long before they figure out his talents. John was here to take the advantage of one such opportunity. He was here to sign the first and potentially last Raumdeuter, Thomas Muller.

The player who will go on to be perhaps the most celebrated Bayern player of his generation wasn't recognised early on his career. Right now he wasn't even a regular fixture in the club's U-19 team. John knew that in the upcoming season, Muller was going to have a breakout season and star for U-19 side of Bayern. Then under Louis van Gaal in 2009-10 season, he was going to burst on the biggest stage of German football. John knew that after this summer, he will have no opportunity to sign him.

So, this was the last chance John had of signing him.

Bayern also had other talented players but they were out of reach of Leicester for now. Toni Kroos was already promoted to Bayern first team and Mats Hummels was starring for Bayern reserves. It was impossible for John to get them.

John had already negotiated with Bayern. They had agreed to let Muller go for 800,000 pounds. John felt that they would regret this very much if John was able to convince Muller to join Leicester.

Muller would grow up to be a great player praised for his maturity, tactical awareness, positioning, composure and his tremendous mental strength. He was known for finding gaps in the opposition defence and exploit them. Though not the most technically gifted player and not the strongest player, he had the unique ability to find space. He also possessed a great amount of stamina, and was famous for his team work and defensive work rate. His leadership qualities were excellent. He was even given the nickname 'Radio Muller' for his loud and frequent comments on the pitch and dressing room.

Muller was also a very versatile player, with being able to play as an attacking midfielders, as a winger on both flanks, as a second striker, as a centre forward and also as a central midfielder.

When John and Michael reached the meeting place, they saw that Muller was already there alongwith his agent, Ludwig Kogl.

John and Michael sat down after greeting them. Michael would be the one translating because neither Muller nor Muller's agent and former Bayern player, Ludwig Kogl couln't speak English. John was also unable to understand German. John felt that he should increase the languages he can speak. When there wasn't as much work, John felt like he should take language classes when the season began.

"We think that Muller is very talented, but his talent is very unique." John said to Muller and his agent as Michael translated for him.

"He needs freedom on the ground to take his game to next level." John continued.

"He needs the support of the team and coaching staff to succeed." John said to Ludwig Kogl.

"We are willing to create a team centred around Muller if he proves up to the task." John tried to entice them.

"We are looking to sign him as a starting winger on the right flank for our team." John said as he looked at them to gauge their reaction.

"But Mr. Baker, Thomas is a forward." Ludwig Kogl said to John.

"Yes, I know. Our coaching staff has studied Muller's game and we feel that he will be more effective when attacking from farther away from goal. He can find spaces and exploit them better when cutting inside from the wing rather than in forward position." John explained.

It was true. Even though Leicester was a small club, they had scouts outside England too. John had asked one of them to see and film Bayern's U-19 team's game. It wasn't anything unusual, clubs like Bayern always had other clubs scouting their teams.