Morley, a town southwest of Leeds.
Jonathan Howson sat at home flipping through a fresh copy of the Yorkshire Post.
This is a newspaper with a history of over 250 years. It aims to be the Times of Yorkshire and holds significant influence in the region. It publishes 24 pages each day, with the sports section occupying two pages.
Recently, Leeds United has become the main feature on the Yorkshire Post's sports page.
The paper is split in its opinion of Leeds United's summer transfers.
One group believes that although the signings seem low-end, the investment is minimal. As long as even one player turns out to be a success, the profit would be significant. This cost-effective strategy fits Leeds United's current financial state.
But another group argues that Leeds United lacks ambition and drive, which is completely at odds with the bold promises made at the previous fan meeting. Right now, Leeds United simply doesn't have the financial muscle to bring in high-caliber players.
To say nothing else, just look at the transfer fees—none exceed seven figures. How strong can these players be?
Then, another news story broke today.
Leeds United's official website and Twitter simultaneously announced the signing of a 19-year-old Egyptian youth player, Mohamed Salah, from a club called Mokaulun for €200,000.
This kid began playing for Mokaulun at 17. In his first season, he made five appearances and registered one assist. In his second season, he played 24 games, scored five goals, and provided two assists.
That stat line looks decent on paper, but what is the actual level of the Egyptian Premier League?
Even more amusing, the ever-digging media quickly uncovered more details.
Do you know why Leeds United was able to sign Salah?
Because Mokaulun were relegated from the Egyptian Premier League.
Yes, Leeds United picked up yet another bargain from a relegated team. Absolutely outrageous.
And if you think Leeds United is stopping here, you're clearly too naive.
Leeds United also announced the signing of a player named Marcelo Brozović from Croatian club Zagreb for €300,000.
He's a product of Croatian youth training and a first-team player, but the problem is that Zagreb finished dead last in the Croatian First Division last season—16th out of 16—and were eight points behind the next-worst team.
Yes, that's right. Leeds United picked up another player from a relegated team.
From the UK to Spain, Italy, Egypt, and now Croatia...
It's like they're making a tour of the European and African continents!
The Yorkshire Post wryly commented, "Should we praise Leeds United for their scouting? Or for being so stingy?"
It's genuinely awkward.
You can't exactly say Leeds United's new team is incompetent. At the very least, they're excellent at exploiting relegated teams for bargains.
But in terms of ability, just look at these players. Do they really look like future stars?
Not to mention the general public—even Jonathan Howson, soon-to-be Leeds United captain, found it hard to stomach.
They picked up Maguire from a relegated Championship side. Fine, at least he's a local lad. Then they grabbed a goalkeeper from a relegated Spanish second-division team. Fine, he's Costa Rica's national team keeper.
But now they're reaching into Egypt and Croatia for players from relegated teams. Isn't that taking it too far?
And it didn't stop there.
The Yorkshire Post also reported that Leeds United had selected a 19-year-old named Sadio Mané from a group of Senegalese youth players at a training camp called Génération Foot in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.
Mané's background is similar to that of Jorginho, who was brought in from Verona. Both players came up through youth training systems and thus cost very little.
In fact, the fee required to sign Mané is almost negligible.
But unlike Jorginho, who at least played in Italy, Mané only began formal training at age 15. He spent four years at the Génération Foot academy and has now been picked up by Leeds United.
Wow. Previously, at least they paid something for their bargains. Now they're getting players for free. Incredible!
Woodgate, Vardy, Jorginho, Navas, Maguire, Brozović, Mané, Salah, Icardi, Bellerín…
The Yorkshire Post listed the acquisitions: many players signed, but at what cost?
Just €1.87 million in total!
Totally absurd, right?
On average, that's less than €200,000 per player.
What's even funnier is that this group includes a washed-up veteran, a youth project with four years of training, two players from newly promoted teams in the lower leagues, and five from relegated teams. Of them all, only Bellerín—La Masia's rising star—could be considered top-tier talent, and he's only sixteen.
Even the Yorkshire Post couldn't help but ask a soul-searching question:
"Does Leeds United really intend to push for Premier League promotion with this squad?"
…
Putting down the Yorkshire Post, Jonathan Howson pulled out his phone and searched for more news.
It turned out that not only the Yorkshire Post, but other major British outlets that had been closely following Leeds United were equally puzzled. Some were even calling the club a professional-level scavenger for relegated team leftovers.
Why?
Because it's cheap!
But that also raises another problem: what hope does such a team really have?
Based on Howson's understanding—and the general consensus—Leeds United should be relying on Gao Shen's connections to loan talented youngsters from Premier League, La Liga, or Serie A sides. That's how they should make a quick push back to the top flight.
Instead, they were going around the globe hunting for bargains.
It was outrageous.
What kind of quality players could those relegated teams or lower-tier clubs really have?
Did they seriously think this squad could earn promotion?
Howson smiled bitterly, shook his head, and opened his contacts to find his agent's number.
He had recently changed agents to Paul Stretford, a well-known name in British football.
Stretford was not only Wayne Rooney's agent, but also represented Schmeichel. He had extensive connections. In fact, the idea to demand a £25,000 weekly salary from Leeds came from Stretford.
"Hello, Paul, it's me. Any updates?" Howson asked with concern.
He had authorized his agent to handle all transfer negotiations, especially with Premier League clubs.
"I've spoken to quite a few teams, and they're all interested in you. The problem is, Leeds United isn't open to talks. Norwich, QPR, and Aston Villa have all submitted offers, but they were all rejected outright."
Howson frowned as he listened.
He desperately wanted to go to the Premier League.
If that desire was only an idea before, now it was a burning goal.
Because the media said Gao Shen believed he had the potential to become the next Lampard.
He had always seen himself as a unique talent, and now, Gao Shen's words had validated that belief.
Even a big-name agent like Paul Stretford had sought him out.
He didn't want to waste another season in the Championship, surrounded by players picked up from relegated teams.
He belonged in the Premier League, on a bigger stage, proving his worth, attracting more attention, and fighting for a spot in next year's London Olympics—and eventually, the national team.
That's the path he should take.
Not wasting time at Leeds United.
"Mike Rigg from QPR told me they offered £7 million, but Leeds turned it down flat. Now they're starting to hesitate," Stretford said.
"Why?" Howson asked, a little panicked.
Were they losing interest?
"Your market value is around £2 million, so £7 million is already a very high fee for a Championship player. Leeds rejecting that offer means one of two things: either they're waiting for a better bid, or they genuinely don't want to sell."
The former meant they were holding out for more money.
The latter meant Leeds genuinely wanted to keep their star player.
That was normal too—just like when United sold Cristiano Ronaldo, or when they renewed Rooney's contract. These things were rarely black and white. A price is offered, the player wants to leave, so a deal gets done.
"What can we do now?" Howson asked anxiously. "Is there anything I can do?"
"It's a bit tricky. Leeds holds all the leverage right now. But if you really want to leave, you can submit a written transfer request and publicly express your desire to move. That would put pressure on the club. Meanwhile, I'll stay in touch with teams like QPR and Norwich."
"Those two promoted teams are ambitious. I doubt they want this to drag on. But if a mid-table or top Premier League team jumps in, they'll miss their chance."
As a top Premier League agent, Stretford knew how the game worked.
A few million pounds is nothing if it buys the next Lampard. Mid-table Premier League sides would happily take the gamble.
There were already rumors that Liverpool, Spurs, Arsenal, and Chelsea were monitoring Howson. If one of them got involved, QPR and Norwich would be out of luck.
"What do you think?" Howson asked.
"At your age, starting at a top club would be tough. I think it's better to join a smaller club, play in the Premier League, and prove yourself. Next year is the London Olympics. If you perform well there, I'll help you secure your next move."
"You're only 22. Time is still on your side. Better to play it safe."
Hearing this, Howson agreed that this path seemed more practical.
"Alright. I'll prepare the transfer request and you handle the media."
"Okay. I'll call Mike Rigg now and see if QPR can raise their bid a little. Hopefully, we can get this deal done soon."
After hanging up, Jonathan Howson's eyes were full of determination.
He had to go to the Premier League!
(To be continued.)
***
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