Chapter 599: New Year Begins
After the match against Malaga, Real Madrid officially entered the Christmas and winter break period. The club gave everyone about two weeks off, gathering again on January 3rd to prepare for the first match of the new year.
Comparing to previous years, it's evident that the schedule is quite relaxed. Florentino doesn't want to put too much pressure on the players. Even though they are trailing behind Barcelona in the league and facing group leaders Manchester United in the Champions League knockout stage, numerous facts prove that a good atmosphere can become the team's winning weapon.
A mandatory gathering for a meal before everyone disperses is essential. The president of Real Madrid invited Wang Feng, Casillas, Ramos, and coach Ancelotti to take a Christmas photo with a few other top executives, which will later be posted on the official website.
During the Christmas dinner, Florentino thanked everyone for their outstanding contributions over the past year. They achieved six consecutive La Liga and Champions League titles, "Everyone's name will be forever engraved on the monument. As long as Real Madrid exists, as long as football exists, you will exist!"
In the first half of the new season, the team experienced many setbacks, especially with several key players suffering major injuries. However, the players did not give up but instead worked hard to keep up with the leading teams. This pleased the management greatly, so the president of Real Madrid immediately announced that a bonus would be awarded to encourage everyone to continue their efforts.
The cheers erupted instantly after the announcement, as for most people, playing football is mainly for earning money. As the wealthiest club in the world, aside from investing in infrastructure and expanding the youth academy, the Galacticos did not splurge on the transfer market but mainly fulfilled their promises of bonuses.
This year, Wang Feng plans to go on vacation to Madeira Island in Portugal with his family. It's a picturesque place, often referred to by European media as one of the best winter sun destinations. Even the youngest son who is not yet one year old can adapt to it.
It only takes forty minutes by private plane to reach the destination. Little Hao, popping his head out from his father's arms, curiously surveys the unfamiliar surroundings, while Suyao, sticking close to the adults, appears very obedient. However, her eager glances around also betray her excitement.
"It's definitely warmer than Madrid here," Lu Yao looks up at the bright sunshine. "So, what's the plan next, our great tour guide?"
"I guarantee you'll be satisfied!" Wang Feng pats his chest and quickly gathers his family to board a luxurious coach, heading to a villa by the seaside located on the most beautiful side of the island, surrounded by numerous resorts.
What's even more precious is that it comes with a private beach. Little Suyao quickly becomes completely captivated, her eyes constantly turning to Wang Feng and Lu Yao with a longing expression. Good upbringing dictates that she must seek her parents' permission before playing.
Wang Feng doesn't tease her and simply says with a smile, "Apply sunscreen and go ahead." His daughter excitedly picks up a complete set of beach toys and begins her own "construction" project.
In the following days, they enjoy the sunshine and seawater to the fullest. The unique air environment of the volcanic region greatly alleviates Mom's throat inflammation. On Christmas and New Year's Day, they work together to prepare a rich dinner. At other times, they order services from the five-star hotel.
Real Madrid's focus in the winter transfer window is on the midfield and defense. Their top priority target is Real Sociedad's Illarramendi, the 22-year-old who not only has great mobility but also has excellent passing and long-range shooting abilities. He has become a key figure in Real Sociedad's fourth-place ranking in the league this season.
Because of this, Real Sociedad scoffed at the �20 million offer from the Galacticos. Subsequently, after three consecutive revisions, the amount rose to �28 million, but the other party still did not budge.
For Illarramendi, Real Madrid is an irresistible team. Even before the Galacticos made an offer, Manchester City had already extended an olive branch to him, promising an annual salary of �3 million and willing to let him play for Real Sociedad on loan for the entire season. However, he personally only wanted to play for Real Madrid and decisively rejected the Sky Blues.
The player's buyout clause is only �30 million, so Real Sociedad couldn't prevent him from leaving. After several negotiations, they finally reached a verbal agreement on a �30 million transfer fee.
On the first day of the new year, as the transfer window opened, Real Sociedad President Aperribay suddenly claimed to regret it. Florentino wanted to get Illarramendi, and they would have to add another �10 million to make it happen.
This move thoroughly angered the president of Real Madrid. He instructed the acquisition manager to directly buy out Illarramendi's contract and poach him. The club would pay �30 million to Real Sociedad and also bear �8 million in taxes.
It's indeed cheaper than paying a transfer fee, but buying out contracts often means disrespecting the other club and poaching players at will. In recent years, only wealthy clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have done this.
The two Royal clubs usually have a good relationship, and many high-level executives have come forward to mediate, suggesting that there is no need to make things so tense. In the end, under the mediation of former president Lorenzo Sanz, a consensus was reached. The Galacticos would pay �32.1 million to take Illarramendi away.
Apart from him, there aren't many high-quality options in the transfer market. Real Madrid then turned their attention to South America and quickly found 20-year-old Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. This young midfielder has performed outstandingly in the Brazilian league, attracting the attention of many scouts. However, due to his young age, everyone wants to observe and train him for a while longer.
The Galacticos decisively moved to loan him back and obtained the priority to buy him. If he needs training, he can go to the Castilla B team.
In comparison, Barcelona remains calm, with their current achievements and financial pressure being the main reasons for their inactivity.
As early as a month or two ago, many media outlets continuously hyped up the winter transfer market this year, saying that it would be full of big fish. Overall, the market is indeed livelier than in previous years after it opened.
Balotelli joined AC Milan for �20 million plus additional funds, despite his good performance at Manchester City and seamless cooperation with Mourinho. However, as he grew older, his erratic behavior increased, and the Portuguese coach finally couldn't resist kicking him out.
Wang Feng's former teammate Sneijder also took action this winter. He transferred to Turkish club Galatasaray for �7.5 million, thus leaving the top five leagues.
But the Dutchman is only 29 years old, which is the peak age, so ultimately, it's all for money. Since his time at Real Madrid, Sneijder has sought a raise many times, so renewing his contract was very difficult. In the end, he had to leave for Inter Milan.
His salary at the Nerazzurri also soared, ranking second only to Ribery this season. But the Dutchman was still not satisfied, and the management finally couldn't bear it and sold him.
Of course, many players had transfer rumors but ultimately didn't move. For example, Villa and F��bregas confirmed that they would stay until the summer. Although Fernando Llorente completely fell out with Athletic Bilbao, the club would rather let his contract expire and leave for free than let him leave comfortably, so he still needs to sit on the bench for another 6 months.
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