Bartomeu's press conference was like a large rock thrown into a calm lake, shocking the entire European football world and even world football as a whole.
Many people's first reaction was, does Barcelona have money?
This is indeed a question.
After Rosell replaced Laporta as Barcelona president, the first thing he did was to clean up the accounts because the club was heavily in debt.
But then, Rosell himself did some questionable things, such as signing Neymar at a sky-high price.
Now, Rosell's successor Bartomeu still wants to invest a net 150 million euros in the transfer market to compete with Real Madrid.
The key is that he used raised funds.
Obviously, this means the money will not come from Barcelona itself.
So the question is, will this further increase Barcelona's debt?
Anyone with a bit of financial sense could think of this, but at this moment, no media outlet, no reporter, and not even any Barcelona executive in Catalonia would step forward to point it out.
Because Barcelona fans have lost their minds.
Even Messi has been called a mercenary, so who else dares confront the fans?
People in the industry do not care much about Barcelona's debt. As a membership club, no matter how much Barcelona owe, it will not affect the team's survival. At worst, there will be a crisis.
However, Bartomeu's net investment of 150 million euros is bound to trigger further frenzy in the European transfer market.
Especially since this is a World Cup year.
The Premier League began a new broadcast contract from the 13/14 season. According to current assessments, the broadcasting income of all Premier League clubs will skyrocket this season.
Last season, the team that earned the most was champions Manchester United with 61.4 million pounds.
Manchester City earned 60.2 million pounds last season. There is no doubt they will win the title this season, so they can receive a full 96.57 million pounds.
If Leeds United can maintain sixth place in the Premier League this season, their broadcasting income will be close to 90 million pounds, which is a huge increase.
Even the team at the bottom of the table can get at least 62 million pounds.
What does that mean?
Even relegated Premier League teams can generate over 100 million pounds in revenue each season.
Therefore, the Premier League's purchasing power this season will be very impressive.
This has already drawn strong attention across European football, and now Barcelona have joined the fray. Do not forget Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, who are also eager to strengthen.
This Ligue 1 club does not set a transfer budget for themselves every summer. They buy who they want and spend what they want.
PSG chairman Nasser has said before that even with two Brazilian center-backs, Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, plus a young player like Kimpembe, they still want to bring in another high-level central defender.
Targets are being scouted, but the fee will not be low.
Ancelotti also wants to bring in a top goalkeeper, which will undoubtedly intensify competition for keepers in the market.
Under such circumstances, Atlético Madrid were first to move, signing Oblak for 20 million euros. They were clearly worried about unexpected changes, so they chose to act early and let Benfica name their price rather than delay.
In this situation, whether it is Ter Stegen or other goalkeepers, the transfer fee will not be lower than Oblak's.
The reason is simple. There are too many buyers and too little supply, so you fight for what you can get.
…
"In this summer's transfer market, we are just watching the show. Everyone get ready, it will definitely be exciting."
After watching Bartomeu's press conference and hearing the news of Atlético signing Oblak, Gao Shen was not anxious at all. He was calm, because Real Madrid are strong now, so what is there to be afraid of?
If there is any position Real Madrid still need to reinforce, it is full-back.
But at the moment, there is no suitable candidate. Arbeloa, Nacho, and Marcos Alonso are all doing an acceptable job.
Therefore, Gao Shen had already told Florentino that Real Madrid would not recruit new players this summer.
"Van Gaal is going to Manchester United, so he will definitely spend big. If the Red Devils are to rebuild, there will be no effect at all without spending 100 or 200 million. As for Arsenal, Wenger has also made it clear he wants to spend." Hierro rubbed his hands, clearly excited.
No matter what position you are in, gossip is a must.
"From the current perspective, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool will definitely spend a lot, and other Premier League teams will not hold back either. Leeds United are going to make a fortune," Zidane said with a smile.
Gao Shen shook his head. "Leeds United will not sell many players this summer. They need to remain competitive."
For Leeds United, as long as they do not sell and keep the squad stable, the team's overall strength will improve steadily every year.
Because the White Rose are mainly composed of young players, and as these young players improve year by year, Leeds United's overall strength will rise accordingly, making the team more competitive.
Of course, the specifics are hard to predict. Just because Leeds United are unwilling to sell does not mean other teams will not try to poach.
The key problem is that Leeds United strictly control wages, and all players earn much less than at other Premier League clubs.
It is inevitable that some will chase higher salaries and ask to leave.
Leeds United are ready for this.
"To be honest, with Leeds United's current wage bill and revenue, plus the increase in Premier League broadcasting, they can make at least 100 million this season, right?" Hierro calculated.
"If we sell more players in the market, we can probably make a lot and add bricks and tiles to the new stadium."
Leeds United's new stadium is truly an amazing, grand project.
Previously, Norman Foster and Leeds United held a press conference together to announce this massive project with a total investment of up to one billion pounds. It is the most ambitious new stadium project in football history and caused a global stir.
Many people were shocked by Leeds United's funding source, but now it seems that is not a problem.
Who would have thought that after selling over 300 million last season, they would still be ranked sixth or eighth this season?
Judging from Leeds United's current situation, Gao Shen's new stadium plan is not radical at all.
"It is hard to say now. Let's wait and see during the World Cup," Gao Shen said mysteriously.
If his memory serves him, both De Vrij and Navas performed brilliantly in this World Cup. Moreover, goalkeepers and center-backs are very popular in the transfer market.
Gao Shen had quietly reminded Su Qing and Lucas to keep a close eye on every development at the World Cup. The club's publicity must keep up to generate results.
The European transfer market is already heating up, and you cannot make a fortune by staying quiet.
Just like the black shops Porto and Benfica, do they not always say someone is interested, with several rich clubs scrambling for a certain player?
Take Mangala as an example. A player like him can be sold for 50 million euros. Then how much is De Vrij worth, after being named the best center-back at the World Cup and having a strong season in the Premier League and Europa League?
"To be honest, I never realized you had the potential to be such a black-hearted boss," Carlo said jokingly.
Everyone could not help but laugh.
But it must be said that Gao Shen's management of Leeds United is indeed on point.
Some media had compiled figures before, and Gao Shen's current value is striking. Leeds United alone is already terrifying.
You know, Leeds United invested in that new training base without any debt.
Some outlets have estimated Florentino's net worth at about 1.7 billion euros, but it is obvious that Gao Shen has surpassed the Real Madrid president. However, it is hard to estimate the exact amount now because Gao Shen's net worth continues to soar.
The key lies in how far Leeds United can develop.
Of course, these are purely financial games, and Gao Shen would not take them seriously.
Florentino's net worth is 1.7 billion euros, but so what?
Is his biggest bargaining chip his net worth?
Wrong. It is the Real Madrid presidency and the power and influence that come with the throne. That is Florentino's greatest strength. To a certain extent, even if his net worth were zero, his status in his construction group would still be highly respected, and he would not be affected even if he were hands-off.
Because he is the president of Real Madrid.
By the same logic, Gao Shen's status in European football is constantly rising, not only because of his coaching achievements, but largely thanks to Leeds United.
Of course, no one would boast about this, because it would be embarrassing.
Gao Shen's priority now is not the summer window or Leeds United, but the next opponent, Guardiola's Bayern Munich.
…
"Alright, enough small talk, let's have a meeting."
At Gao Shen's command, everyone calmed down and sat up straight.
The main topic was the first leg of the semi-final against Bayern Munich. Real Madrid would be at home, so they had to come up with a strategy quickly.
La Liga is basically secured, and the Copa del Rey is already in the bag. Now the most important target is the Champions League.
Gao Shen made it clear the team would go all out in the Champions League, but the league could not be neglected either.
"I'm a Virgo. You all know me. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so…"
Gao Shen did not finish, but everyone knew what he meant.
The league requires rotation, even a full second-string lineup, but the team still tries to win.
Everyone glanced at each other and smiled wryly.
This is the advantage of being the boss. You can have this, and that, and even more.
"Carlos." Gao Shen looked at analyst Carlos Vargas.
He had previously asked Vargas to prepare a detailed analysis of Bayern, so this time he would take the lead.
Gao Shen knew without doubt that Guardiola would target Real Madrid's weak spot, and Gao Shen intended to target Bayern's as well.
Who can pose the greater threat and defeat the other will be revealed on the pitch.
(To be continued.)