Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 237: Confusion and Uncertainty

For top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, this revenue might seem insignificant, but for Udinese, it set a record for the club. From the Pozzo family, who owns Udinese, to the club's management, everyone knew who was the key figure behind this success.

Without Bruno, Udinese could not have won the Serie A and Champions League last season! However, even if Bruno stayed with the team, it didn't guarantee that Udinese could win the Serie A and Champions League again next season. But as long as Udinese could compete in the Champions League and make it to the knockout stages, the club's annual revenue would stabilize at around 150 million euros.

Before Bruno joined Udinese, the club's single-season revenue never exceeded 100 million euros! This means Bruno could add at least 50 million euros to Udinese's revenue each season! Selling Bruno would bring a one-time huge income, but keeping him would ensure a steady and continuous revenue stream.

Of course, Udinese couldn't keep Bruno forever. Likewise, without significant investment, the team couldn't consistently qualify for the Champions League or make it to the knockout stages. But every extra season with Bruno would bring in an additional 50 million euros!

Mendes observed Bruno's expression, pondering before he tentatively asked, "If Real Madrid's offer is accepted by Udinese, do you really want to transfer to Real Madrid?"

Bruno frowned and responded with a question, "What do you think?"

"It's not a good choice," Mendes stated bluntly.

Bruno was surprised and asked, "Tell me why."

"From a competitive standpoint, as a midfield organizer, you could coexist with Cristiano Ronaldo, just as you could with Messi at Barcelona. But theory is just theory. Internal competition is still competition. When it comes down to it, who do you think will be at a disadvantage?"

Bruno understood Mendes' point. His current influence couldn't compare to Ronaldo or Messi. Whether he went to Real Madrid or Barcelona, he would have to play a secondary role to Ronaldo or Messi.

Bruno knew this too well. "But you know, I want to develop further. Leaving Udinese is a must, and currently, only a few clubs in Europe can afford me. Considering their current situations, Real Madrid and Barcelona are already the best options," Bruno said, feeling helpless.

At his level, there were only a few top clubs he could transfer to. From the current European football environment, the clubs that could afford him and wanted him were Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Manchester City and Chelsea lacked heritage, and Paris Saint-Germain, due to the overall competitiveness of Ligue 1, was not in Bruno's consideration.

While Bruno favored Manchester United, the club was in chaos, and Van Gaal's transformation of the Red Devils was unsuccessful.

Mendes also understood the difficulties. Even top players like Bruno sometimes had no control over their destiny.

Mendes informed Bruno that besides the two Spanish giants, Chelsea and Manchester City had also submitted bids to Udinese, each exceeding 100 million euros.

Mourinho's second season back at Stamford Bridge was relatively successful, winning the Premier League with an 8-point lead and securing the League Cup. However, their Champions League performance was poor, exiting in the Round of 16, which greatly displeased Abramovich.

Given Bruno's outstanding performances in European competitions over the past two seasons, Mourinho suggested to Abramovich that they sign Bruno. This made Abramovich very interested, leading him to seriously consider this transfer, with their initial offer to Udinese reaching 105 million euros.

Manchester City was the fourth club to bid for Bruno, and their offer was the highest, at 80 million pounds, equivalent to 112 million euros at the current exchange rate!

In his second season in charge, the Chilean engineer experienced a trophy-less season at Manchester City. Such results naturally dissatisfied the Middle Eastern consortium, making it inevitable to strengthen the squad in the summer.

With the financial fair play restrictions lifted, the wealthy Middle Eastern consortium was bound to make waves in the transfer market.

However, neither Chelsea nor Manchester City were appealing to Bruno.

Chelsea was about to enter Mourinho's infamous third season, and Bruno knew too well how chaotic the upcoming season would be. Players collectively underperformed, leading to Mourinho's dismissal before the season was halfway through.

If Bruno transferred to Chelsea now, he would certainly be targeted by the Blue's dressing room. No matter how talented he was, he would be powerless in such a hostile environment.

As for Manchester City, as a Manchester United fan, how could he join their arch-rivals?

July arrived quickly, and the summer transfer window officially opened.

Mendes only stayed in Geneva for a day before leaving to negotiate Bruno's transfer.

One day, while Bruno was having breakfast, his phone rang. Seeing an unfamiliar number, he was puzzled, as few people had his number.

Upon answering, the caller introduced himself as Manuel Pellegrini.

At first, Bruno was taken aback, not recognizing the name immediately. But soon he realized who it was, which startled Vanessa, who was sitting across from him.

Bruno quickly moved to the living room to avoid disturbing anyone.

Bruno was genuinely surprised that Pellegrini called him.

Although they hadn't played against each other, Pellegrini cheerfully mentioned he had watched many of Bruno's games and admired his playing style and passion on the field.

"I know many things are still uncertain, but I called today to tell you that I genuinely want to see you in my team. I believe we can create new peaks for Manchester City together."

Bruno repeatedly thanked him, expressing his admiration for Manchester City and respect for Pellegrini. He believed playing for City would be wonderful and was confident Pellegrini could bring success to the club.

Their conversation lasted about half an hour, with Pellegrini discussing his ideas for the team, his plans for the squad, and how he intended to utilize Bruno.

From this call, Bruno sensed Pellegrini's high regard for him. It was evident that Pellegrini valued details and had prepared thoroughly before making this call.

Bruno was grateful, expressing his thanks repeatedly.

Although he knew he wouldn't join Manchester City, he appreciated Pellegrini's interest and felt obliged to show his gratitude.

After hanging up with Pellegrini, Bruno felt a wave of frustration.

Two summers ago, he faced a similar situation, unsure of which club to join, feeling extremely anxious. Eventually, he ended up at Udinese, which turned out to be a great move.

At Udinese, everything went smoothly over the past two years. He won the Serie A title and consecutive Europa League and Champions League titles, with the club treating him well. Bruno felt very satisfied.

Now, he faced another decision.

Losing his appetite, Bruno moved to the living room, opened his laptop, and browsed the latest European football news, which was dominated by his transfer saga.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain—almost every club linked with him was making headlines.

Despite the media frenzy, Bruno himself was uncertain. He had no idea which club he should join.

So far, although the transfer market was buzzing, few transfers had been completed, especially big moves over 30 million euros.

However, many clubs were clearing out veterans and even star players. For instance, Real Madrid sold their old captain Casillas, Barcelona's legend Xavi left the club, and Chelsea's goalkeeper Cech was sold to Arsenal.

According to media reports, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, and other clubs were still actively negotiating with Udinese. Club officials frequently traveled between their respective clubs and Udinese, working hard to finalize the transfer.

The entire European football community was watching closely.

Everyone knew that whichever club signed Bruno would likely offload some existing players to balance wages and clear out surplus. This would trigger several major transfers, causing a ripple effect.

No club believed Udinese would make significant signings after selling Bruno, given their long-standing operational strategy.

The whole transfer market was on edge, while Bruno felt like he was suspended in mid-air, experiencing a sense of unease.

Until Vanessa gently placed her hand on his shoulder, providing him with a sense of comfort.

She had been silently standing behind him all along.

(End of Chapter)

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