When Tang En woke up the next day, it was still only Shania and him in the gigantic house . Same as the previous morning, Shania only woke Tang En up after making breakfast . She then sat at the table and watched him eat breakfast on his own .
Just as he finished his meal, an unknown call came in . Since the time he had brought Shania for a vacation in Spain, he had learned his lesson . Regardless of what time it was, his phone would be switched on; the entire 24 hours . He was not the same guy as before, a poor football fan from China . He could afford the roaming fee now .
The number was unfamiliar to Tang En . After staring at it for a while, his mind racking for possibilities, he still could not figure out who the number belonged to .
He took the call . Thick, Latin-accented English drifted into his ears from the other side .
"Good morning, Mr . Tony . It should already be morning in Brazil, right?"
"Ah… You're right . It's morning now . Good morning, Sir . You are…?"
"My apologies . I forgot to introduce myself . I am Jorge Mendes, Pepe's agent," the voice said unhurriedly .
Tang En was stunned to hear the name . As a football fan, it would not be surprising for that name to be unheard of . However, as the manager of a team, it would be a grievous mistake . Even with Nottingham Forest's lack of interaction with Spaniard footballers, Tang En still knew of the man on the phone .
Almost all the managers of Europe's powerhouses and their directors would have this person's phone number somewhere among the numerous name cards on their tables; he was the most well-known professional agent in Spain . Furthermore, he was a football agent who held tremendous influence over Europe . He maintained good relationships with people such as Chelsea's owner, Abramovich, and had feelers in every corner within Europe .
Jorge Mendes could be considered the godfather of professional agents in Spain . He acted as the proxy for famous managers and players, such as Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, and others .
The man was a hot-shot among agents; naturally, his ability to scheme was among the best . He would need to be dealt with carefully . Tang En nodded at what was said, only realizing after that his actions were not visible to Mendes . He added, "I've heard of you, Mr . Mendes . I didn't expect Pepe to be one of the footballers you represented . "
A hearty laugh sounded from the other side . "I'm afraid there aren't that many managers who have yet to hear my name . I've also heard of you, Mr . Twain . In the last two years, Nottingham Forest has been on the rise, skyrocketing upwards . I think you're likely to be the youngest manager in next season's Champions League . You met up with my player yesterday?"
"Oh, we met by chance . I am taking a vacation in Brazil . Coincidentally, Pepe is too . I've always thought he was in Spain…"
Mendes fell silent for a moment . "Pepe, he… he has met with some trouble over here in Spain, so I suggested that he to return to Brazil to unwind a little . "
From his tone of voice and choice of words, it did not sound as if Pepe was a player under the current manager of FC Porto, Dutch Co Adriaanse . Rather, he sounded like one of the agent's subordinates . When his player got into trouble and needed help, his first thought was of him - the agent - and not the manager of the team he played for .
"Mr . Twain, what do you think of Pepe?"
"He's fantastic . Very good indeed . He has a style I can appreciate . "
"Pepe called me yesterday and told me about your discussion . He mentioned that you seemed to know him very well, even better than Adriaanse . "
Tang En knew that this was thanks to his pre-transmigration memory from 2007, but he could not possibly be honest . "Well… it's like this . I actually began noticing Pepe a long time ago . "
Mendes laughed again . "What a coincidence . There's another person who has been interested in Pepe for a long time . In fact, FC Porto's choice to bring Pepe from Maritimo to Estádio do Dragão was on the strong recommendation from this person . Unfortunately, before Pepe joined, he had already left . Do you know to whom I'm referring, Mr . Twain?"
"Of course, Mr . Mendes . That person must be Mourinho, former manager of FC Porto . "
"That's right! It's a pity . Currently, that man is unable to utilize Pepe well . Are you interested in hearing what Pepe said to me yesterday?"
"Certainly . "
"He said that his conversation with you yesterday left a deep impression on him . When he was in FC Porto, Adriaanse would never speak with him in the same manner, to try to understand his way of thinking or to help Pepe understand his . He felt very good about it… I'll be honest with you, Mr . Twain . I feel that letting Pepe play under a manager who understands him is a rather good idea . Pepe is my player . There isn't a manager out there who would wish for his players to be a substitute, to sit on the cold bench and gradually depreciate in value . He's still young . I believe there is a lot of space for his value to appreciate . However, the current FC Porto is unable to create the conditions for him to do so . "
Mendes had already made it out to be clear enough . He was evidently keen on letting Pepe join Forest . What now stood between them was the transaction between FC Porto and Forest .
Tang En felt jubilant on hearing that news . He had experience in this . He knew the backstory of what had transpired between Pepe and FC Porto .
In the next season of 05-06, due to the pressure of FC Porto's unseemly results, manager Adriaanse was forced to make changes to the formation of the team . He changed it to a 343 formation, which had greater offensive power . At that point, Pepe was able to become one of the main players . He became the best candidate for their third midfielder . However, that was something that had yet to take place . Even a godfather like Mendes could not predict the future . He did not know Adriaanse would have a change of attitude towards Pepe, nor did he know what level Pepe's future value would rise to . Even Tang En himself was unaware that Pepe would become the most expensive fullback in Europe's transfer market in the summer of 07; Tang En had already transmigrated before the opening of that summer transfer market .
But Tang En knew that Pepe was currently quite unhappy being in FC Porto . The club had designated him as the substitute for Pedro Emanuel, Jorge Costa, and Ricardo Costa . In the position of center back, he was only their fourth choice .
After meeting Pepe by chance yesterday, Tang En ran through, briefly in his mind, the experiences of this Brazilian defender in recent years . Although it was a chance meeting, the timing was perfect . Tang En did not wish to let go of this once-in-lifetime opportunity . He had an indelible impression of how capable Pepe was in the game . In real life, Pepe was not at all weak either . Didn't Forest Team lack a good center back? Give him a main position, trust, and freedom . Let him join Forest!
Piqué and Pepe were the two center backs with the most impressive physiques within the game . Just the thought of such a combination filled Tang En with excitement .
"Mr . Mendes, I believe Nottingham Forest would be able to create those conditions for your player . But I'm worried about FC Porto…"
"That, you don't have to worry about, Mr . Twain . If the player is willing, you're willing, and I'm willing, we can already begin discussing Pepe's transfer fee as well as his terms and conditions . "
His words made Tang En vividly aware of Mendes' level of influence in Spain . The poor Dutch man, Adriaanse…
"What do you think about a transfer fee of four million Euros?" Mendes asked .
A year before, FC Porto had bought Pepe for a million . A year after, they got to earn three million . This transaction should be able to satisfy FC Porto . But the enthusiasm showed by Mendes unsettled Tang En, so he held back from replying .
The other man evidently knew what Tang En was thinking . He said with a laugh, "Ah . Earlier, I mentioned my having noticed Nottingham Forest . That's because your team's rise to fame is too rapid . In the future, I believe that more and more people will begin paying attention to your team . As for me… I just have slightly better foresight than they do . I'm sure you know, Mr . Tony . As an agent, such foresight is crucial . "
It dawned on Tang En in an instant . By using Pepe, Mendes hoped to pull the relationship of Forest and Tang En closer to himself . All of it was because he looked well upon Forest's future . This was equivalent to making a risky investment . With how the European soccer scene was set, there was only that group of powerhouses and small-to-mid scale clubs . There would not be many changes . However, the rise of Forest heralded the potential of breaking that stalemate . Mendes had spotted exactly that potential, which led him to be so proactive in contacting Tang En . Despite his honeyed words earlier, the truth was that he held the cards to various football stars under his wing . What was a single Pepe worth? By going with the flow and doing Forest a favor, he could sweeten their relationship . Before making any future movements in the transfer market, wouldn't Forest still need to consult a financial shark such as him? Through this, he could gain control over the transfers of the Forest Team, reaping greater benefits for himself .
It was difficult to ascertain if that was right or wrong . Tang En knew that everyone hoped to benefit themselves . Perhaps he should even feel somewhat honored? After all, Spain's hot-shot agent had seen that Forest's potential would further develop . Regardless, Tang En's principle was not to look a gift horse in the mouth .
Regarding control over the club… If he has the ability, then let him try!
Tang En nodded his head . "I understand . Four million is a reasonable price . Mr . Mendes; regarding Pepe's terms, we could have a face-to-face discussion . "
He looked at Shania, who was clearing the cutlery . "My apologies . I'm still on vacation in Brazil . When my vacation ends, I'll call you as soon as possible . "
Mendes acknowledged his words, agreeing with a laugh . After saying their farewells, they put down their phones .
Tang En looked to Shania and asked with a smile, "Where are we going today, Shania?"
※※※
If Mendes had also transmigrated, he would not have chosen to take the same actions as he did today . If he had known that Pepe would be able to fetch a price of thirty million Euros in just two years, he would certainly wallow in regret over what he did .
And if Tang En could have transmigrated just two months later, he would be over the moon for what he had earned . Four million in exchange for thirty million; what a haul!
Chapter 318: Pepe Part 2. Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio When Tang En woke up the next day, it was still only Shania and him in the gigantic house . Same as the previous morning, Shania only woke Tang En up after making breakfast . She then sat at the table and watched him eat breakfast on his own . Just as he finished his meal, an unknown call came in . Since the time he had brought Shania for a vacation in Spain, he had learned his lesson . Regardless of what time it was, his phone would be switched on; the entire 24 hours . He was not the same guy as before, a poor football fan from China . He could afford the roaming fee now . The number was unfamiliar to Tang En . After staring at it for a while, his mind racking for possibilities, he still could not figure out who the number belonged to . He took the call . Thick, Latin-accented English drifted into his ears from the other side . Good morning, Mr . Tony . It should already be morning in Brazil, right? Ah… Youre right . Its morning now . Good morning, Sir . You are…? My apologies . I forgot to introduce myself . I am Jorge Mendes, Pepes agent, the voice said unhurriedly . Tang En was stunned to hear the name . As a football fan, it would not be surprising for that name to be unheard of . However, as the manager of a team, it would be a grievous mistake . Even with Nottingham Forests lack of interaction with Spaniard footballers, Tang En still knew of the man on the phone . Almost all the managers of Europes powerhouses and their directors would have this persons phone number somewhere among the numerous name cards on their tables; he was the most well-known professional agent in Spain . Furthermore, he was a football agent who held tremendous influence over Europe . He maintained good relationships with people such as Chelseas owner, Abramovich, and had feelers in every corner within Europe . Jorge Mendes could be considered the godfather of professional agents in Spain . He acted as the proxy for famous managers and players, such as Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, and others . The man was a hot-shot among agents; naturally, his ability to scheme was among the best . He would need to be dealt with carefully . Tang En nodded at what was said, only realizing after that his actions were not visible to Mendes . He added, Ive heard of you, Mr . Mendes . I didnt expect Pepe to be one of the footballers you represented . A hearty laugh sounded from the other side . Im afraid there arent that many managers who have yet to hear my name . Ive also heard of you, Mr . Twain . In the last two years, Nottingham Forest has been on the rise, skyrocketing upwards . I think youre likely to be the youngest manager in next seasons Champions League . You met up with my player yesterday? Oh, we met by chance . I am taking a vacation in Brazil . Coincidentally, Pepe is too . Ive always thought he was in Spain… Mendes fell silent for a moment . Pepe, he… he has met with some trouble over here in Spain, so I suggested that he to return to Brazil to unwind a little . From his tone of voice and choice of words, it did not sound as if Pepe was a player under the current manager of FC Porto, Dutch Co Adriaanse . Rather, he sounded like one of the agents subordinates . When his player got into trouble and needed help, his first thought was of him - the agent - and not the manager of the team he played for . Mr . Twain, what do you think of Pepe? Hes fantastic . Very good indeed . He has a style I can appreciate . Pepe called me yesterday and told me about your discussion . He mentioned that you seemed to know him very well, even better than Adriaanse . Tang En knew that this was thanks to his pre-transmigration memory from 2007, but he could not possibly be honest . Well… its like this . I actually began noticing Pepe a long time ago . Mendes laughed again . What a coincidence . Theres another person who has been interested in Pepe for a long time . In fact, FC Portos choice to bring Pepe from Maritimo to Estádio do Dragão was on the strong recommendation from this person . Unfortunately, before Pepe joined, he had already left . Do you know to whom Im referring, Mr . Twain? Of course, Mr . Mendes . That person must be Mourinho, former manager of FC Porto . Thats right! Its a pity . Currently, that man is unable to utilize Pepe well . Are you interested in hearing what Pepe said to me yesterday? Certainly . He said that his conversation with you yesterday left a deep impression on him . When he was in FC Porto, Adriaanse would never speak with him in the same manner, to try to understand his way of thinking or to help Pepe understand his . He felt very good about it… Ill be honest with you, Mr . Twain . I feel that letting Pepe play under a manager who understands him is a rather good idea . Pepe is my player . There isnt a manager out there who would wish for his players to be a substitute, to sit on the cold bench and gradually depreciate in value . Hes still young . I believe there is a lot of space for his value to appreciate . However, the current FC Porto is unable to create the conditions for him to do so . Mendes had already made it out to be clear enough . He was evidently keen on letting Pepe join Forest . What now stood between them was the transaction between FC Porto and Forest . Tang En felt jubilant on hearing that news . He had experience in this . He knew the backstory of what had transpired between Pepe and FC Porto . In the next season of 05-06, due to the pressure of FC Portos unseemly results, manager Adriaanse was forced to make changes to the formation of the team . He changed it to a 343 formation, which had greater offensive power . At that point, Pepe was able to become one of the main players . He became the best candidate for their third midfielder . However, that was something that had yet to take place . Even a godfather like Mendes could not predict the future . He did not know Adriaanse would have a change of attitude towards Pepe, nor did he know what level Pepes future value would rise to . Even Tang En himself was unaware that Pepe would become the most expensive fullback in Europes transfer market in the summer of 07; Tang En had already transmigrated before the opening of that summer transfer market . But Tang En knew that Pepe was currently quite unhappy being in FC Porto . The club had designated him as the substitute for Pedro Emanuel, Jorge Costa, and Ricardo Costa . In the position of center back, he was only their fourth choice . After meeting Pepe by chance yesterday, Tang En ran through, briefly in his mind, the experiences of this Brazilian defender in recent years . Although it was a chance meeting, the timing was perfect . Tang En did not wish to let go of this once-in-lifetime opportunity . He had an indelible impression of how capable Pepe was in the game . In real life, Pepe was not at all weak either . Didnt Forest Team lack a good center back? Give him a main position, trust, and freedom . Let him join Forest! Piqué and Pepe were the two center backs with the most impressive physiques within the game . Just the thought of such a combination filled Tang En with excitement . Mr . Mendes, I believe Nottingham Forest would be able to create those conditions for your player . But Im worried about FC Porto… That, you dont have to worry about, Mr . Twain . If the player is willing, youre willing, and Im willing, we can already begin discussing Pepes transfer fee as well as his terms and conditions . His words made Tang En vividly aware of Mendes level of influence in Spain . The poor Dutch man, Adriaanse… What do you think about a transfer fee of four million Euros? Mendes asked . A year before, FC Porto had bought Pepe for a million . A year after, they got to earn three million . This transaction should be able to satisfy FC Porto . But the enthusiasm showed by Mendes unsettled Tang En, so he held back from replying . The other man evidently knew what Tang En was thinking . He said with a laugh, Ah . Earlier, I mentioned my having noticed Nottingham Forest . Thats because your teams rise to fame is too rapid . In the future, I believe that more and more people will begin paying attention to your team . As for me… I just have slightly better foresight than they do . Im sure you know, Mr . Tony . As an agent, such foresight is crucial . It dawned on Tang En in an instant . By using Pepe, Mendes hoped to pull the relationship of Forest and Tang En closer to himself . All of it was because he looked well upon Forests future . This was equivalent to making a risky investment . With how the European soccer scene was set, there was only that group of powerhouses and small-to-mid scale clubs . There would not be many changes . However, the rise of Forest heralded the potential of breaking that stalemate . Mendes had spotted exactly that potential, which led him to be so proactive in contacting Tang En . Despite his honeyed words earlier, the truth was that he held the cards to various football stars under his wing . What was a single Pepe worth? By going with the flow and doing Forest a favor, he could sweeten their relationship . Before making any future movements in the transfer market, wouldnt Forest still need to consult a financial shark such as him? Through this, he could gain control over the transfers of the Forest Team, reaping greater benefits for himself . It was difficult to ascertain if that was right or wrong . Tang En knew that everyone hoped to benefit themselves . Perhaps he should even feel somewhat honored? After all, Spains hot-shot agent had seen that Forests potential would further develop . Regardless, Tang Ens principle was not to look a gift horse in the mouth . Regarding control over the club… If he has the ability, then let him try! Tang En nodded his head . I understand . Four million is a reasonable price . Mr . Mendes; regarding Pepes terms, we could have a face-to-face discussion . He looked at Shania, who was clearing the cutlery . My apologies . Im still on vacation in Brazil . When my vacation ends, Ill call you as soon as possible . Mendes acknowledged his words, agreeing with a laugh . After saying their farewells, they put down their phones . Tang En looked to Shania and asked with a smile, Where are we going today, Shania? ※※※ If Mendes had also transmigrated, he would not have chosen to take the same actions as he did today . If he had known that Pepe would be able to fetch a price of thirty million Euros in just two years, he would certainly wallow in regret over what he did . And if Tang En could have transmigrated just two months later, he would be over the moon for what he had earned . Four million in exchange for thirty million; what a haul!
Chapter end
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