Chapter 262: Chapter 262

Hearing that Juventus made an offer for Tang Long, Ronaldo was also surprised.

He didn’t expect Juventus to move so quickly, considering it’s only mid-June, the transfer window hasn’t even opened yet, and moreover, Juventus’ management hasn’t privately contacted him to explore the client’s intentions.

It seems a bit hasty.

But Ronaldo thought about it, and Juventus’ haste is also understandable.

Although the Juventus Corps completed a four-year streak in Serie A, the Coppa Italia was snatched by Inter, and the Champions League fell short, watching their century-old domestic rival Inter win the UEFA Europa League. For a moment, they are at the peak of the hype, with Inter’s praise at home far surpassing that of Juventus.

At this critical moment, Juventus turning their attention to Tang Long, a key player in Inter’s double championship season, is quite reasonable.

Next season, Juventus is probably going to make a big push.

Securing the inside before defending against the outside, first scouting the edges of their domestic rivals, is the most effective way to maintain competitiveness.

Moreover, with Pirlo going to play in Major League Soccer in the United States, Juventus urgently needs a capable fresh player to fill the midfield gap left by Master Pi.

Tang Long has already gone through a year of Serie A experience and adapted to the pace of the Serie A league, which is also his own advantage.

On the way to the office with Ossilio, Ronaldo kept analyzing these things in his heart without saying a word.

Seeing Ronaldo silent, Ossilio thought he didn’t believe it, so he simply brought him to his office as the club’s sports director and walked to the computer.

He opened his official club email and clicked on the inquiry letter from Juventus.

"Some things, you shouldn’t be able to see because they’re confidential, but what’s our relationship, right? I can’t trick you, can I? Come, sit down, and take a look yourself. Isn’t this Juventus’ inquiry letter?"

Ossilio pressed Ronaldo into the swivel chair, his hands on Ronaldo’s broad shoulders.

[Subject: Inquiry about the Transfer of Your Club’s Player, Tang]

Dear Inter Milan management,

This letter is from Juventus Club to express interest in the transfer of your player Tang.

We recognize Tang Long’s value and are willing to begin negotiations based on respect and fairness.

Juventus promises to offer him a platform to showcase his talents and advance his career, hoping that this transfer can enhance friendly cooperation between the two clubs.

Our preliminary offer is 40 million euros, with a down payment of 20 million, and the remaining amount to be paid in installments over three years.

Please consider our inquiry and kindly respond soon for further discussions. We look forward to developing together with your club and creating brilliance.

General Manager of Juventus: Marotta

Ronaldo, with a calm demeanor, finished reading the email and looked up at Ossilio behind him.

"Only 40 million, and Juventus wants Tang, would you agree?"

Ossilio reached over Ronaldo’s head to the mouse on the table, and with a click, closed the email.

"I wouldn’t agree, and my boss Mr. Toshihiko wouldn’t agree either. This is a preliminary offer. Such an important transfer requires at least a month’s negotiations, right? Mr. Toshihiko said, Tang is an important asset of the club and needs to go to a club with sincerity to help his career develop."

Ronaldo found it amusing; sincerity or not, it still came down to money being in place.

In the evening, Ronaldo went to Tang Long’s house for dinner, and invited Bonazzoli as well.

Now it’s the off-season, which is also the busiest time for professional agents.

Ronaldo’s requirement for his clients Tang Long and Bonazzoli was to keep their phones on 24/7 and not to get too drunk, to prevent any emergencies from making them unreachable.

"Boss, any new updates today?" Bonazzoli asked.

He wants nothing more than to stay at Inter, hoping to gain a starting position in the team.

"Your contract, the progress is 99.9% complete. I’ve discussed it with Ossilio. Based on the original 5-year contract, your salary has increased from 500,000 euros to 1 million, and if Inter qualifies for the Champions League next season, you have a bonus of 200,000 euros."

Hearing this number, Bonazzoli jumped up in place, cheering with raised arms!

Basic salary plus bonus, a total of 1.2 million euros!

It’s more than doubled!

"Why is it 99.9%, what’s the 0.1%?" Bonazzoli asked anxiously.

Ronaldo spread his hands, "The remaining 0.1% is the variable that Ossilio needs to present to your chairman Toshihiko for signing and confirmation."

"But as far as I know, Toshihiko has been very busy, spending the past few months in the United States watching his other NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers. He trusts Ossilio greatly, fully entrusting him with contract renewals and club transfer affairs."

Bonazzoli nodded, thinking that this deal seemed solid.

"This 1 million euros is after tax, right?" Bonazzoli asked again.

"Nonsense, don’t you know? The Italian Football Federation stipulates clubs pay taxes on players’ salaries. This 1 million euros is exactly what will be credited to your account, and as for the 200,000 euro bonus, once you get it, you’ll have to pay taxes."

Ronaldo frowned, scratching his head.

"How is this tax calculated again? Uh... never mind, the commission rate is 7%, just give me 7,000 euros from the bonus, and you’ll keep the rest!"

Bonazzoli felt exhilarated, as if he could already see the balance of 1.2 million euros lying quietly in his account.

"What my deceased father said was true, that in Italy, playing football can really change the fate of a person and a family. Playing football truly is profitable, no wonder so many people want to be professional players! Haha, I made the right choice!"

Bonazzoli seemed a little manic, fixated on the money, and even asked Ronaldo:

"Isn’t there any other bonus?"

Ronaldo was stunned, asking him what other bonus he wanted.

From Ronaldo’s experience, there’s a high probability that this 200,000 bonus could be obtained.

Due to the outstanding performances of Inter and Juventus in European competitions, based on UEFA’s latest league points assessment, next season, Serie A will have four Champions League slots again.

"For example, a bonus for winning the Serie A top scorer, and also for Inter winning the Serie A title, the Champions League title, all these should be listed!" Bonazzoli spoke more and more excitedly, even standing up.

Tang Long laughed and added, "And there should also be a bonus for winning the European Golden Boot."

Ronaldo pretended to have an epiphany, "Makes sense, should I add a clause for winning the Golden Ball Award, otherwise you won’t have a deal, huh?"

Bonazzoli then realized he was thinking too far ahead due to excitement, blushing slightly.

"Don’t overthink it, take it one step at a time," Ronaldo patted Bonazzoli on the shoulder, "Next season, aim to become a starter, since Icardi is leaving, making space for you. Whether you can seize this opportunity, kid, depends entirely on your luck."

He understood why Bonazzoli had such a thirst for money; his mother needed medical treatment, and a higher salary could provide this young player with enough security.

"As for you, Tang, please forgive my action without consultation," Ronaldo gave a sly smile, "Juventus had sent an inquiry, Inter agreed to let you go, but I refused."

Tang Long hadn’t spoken, but Bonazzoli exclaimed in surprise.

"Are you crazy? It’s Juventus, and they’re offering a salary way higher than Inter!"

This season, Juventus’ wage expenditure is 124 million euros, the highest among all Serie A teams.

Pogba’s annual salary at the Juventus Corps is 5.5 million euros.

In contrast, the highest salary at Inter this season was Argentine veteran Palacio, who left mid-season in the winter transfer, with only 3.2 million euros.

Tang Long’s salary is 2 million, and going to Juventus, doubling it to about 4 million isn’t difficult.

"Well done, Mr. Ronaldo, I would never go to Juventus; it’s a matter of principle."

"Haha, it’s good that you have this awareness. I can’t even remember the last time an Inter player transferred directly to Juventus. You’re still a core of Inter. If you transfer to Juventus, you’ll never have peace. Italy is not the UK; the fanatics on the North Stand of Inter would probably even burn your house down."

Ronaldo continued analyzing:

"If you want to advance further in your career, you have to play abroad, and you must play as a starter."

"La Liga, if you can’t go to Real Madrid or Barça, it doesn’t make sense."

"Ligue 1 makes even less sense. I can’t even name all the teams in Ligue 1."

"Bundesliga, only Bayern has the means to acquire you, and they have the strength to compete for the Champions League, which meets your needs."

"As for the Premier League, there are more options, but it’s an intense and fiercely competitive league..."

Tang Long didn’t hesitate, "I want to go to the Premier League!"