Chapitre 35: 1860

John wasn't fazed by Reus' rejection to join Leicester. It had already happened and there was no point moping about it. He was still in Munich, on his way to meet another player and try to sign him.

This player wasn't from the Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich, but from its much more humble counterpart in Munich: Turn- und Sportverein München von 1860, or commonly known as TSV 1860 Munich.

In recent memory, the club had qualified for UEFA Champions League in 2000. The club, however, was unable to build on its success and after a decade in top division, they were relegated in 2003-04 season. The club had financial difficulties ever since and even had to sell their 50% interest in Allianz Arena to hated rivals Bayern Munich for 11 million euros in April, 2006 to keep the club afloat. Their financial difficulties were slightly elevated but not completely over yet.

John was looking to capitalise on this opportunity and take one of their talented players away: Sven Bender. John at first thought to sign Lars Bender, Sven Bender's twin brother and a great talent in his own right, too alongside his brother. But Leicester had no place for another young right back in their squad. John didn't want to restrict Lars opportunity to grow, because he knew Leicester won't be able to give him playing time in their first team.

But Leicester needed a defensive midfielder like Sven Bender. John remembered Sven Bender manning the midfield when Borussia Dortmund were running amok in the Bundesliga under Jurgen Klopp's direction. Coming from a long line of elite defensive midfielders, Bender was the traditional German defensive midfielder. Standing at 6'1" he was tall, strong, quick and was known for his highly physical style of play and his high work rate.

John remembered his bruising style of football and his willingness to do anything for the team. He would have no qualms about shoulder barging a player off the pitch if that was what the team needed him to do. Add the occasional slide tackle and he was the quintessential player for any team playing a physical style of football.

These were the qualities John was looking for. Under Diego Simeone, Leicester will be playing a highly physical brand of football and English football was known for its high physicality. John felt that Sven would flourish playing that kind of football and learning under Simeone himself.

So, Leicester made an offer of 100,000 euros for Sven. It took some negotiation because the Bender brothers were highly regarded at the club but Leicester finalised the deal for 150,000 euros.

John was accompanied by Michael and Muller's agent Ludwig Kogl. Kogl had also played for TSV 1860 Munich. Kogl had also agreed to do John a favor as it would cost him nothing and agents thrived on good relationships with clubs.

They reached the cafe where the meeting was going to take place and John saw Sven and his agent, Leon Schmidt, sitting at the arranged place. They exchanged greetings before John took the lead.

"Mr. Schmidt, We want to sign Sven. I think he has the potential to be a very good player and our manager, Mr. Diego Simeone himself has identified Sven as the player he wants as a defensive midfielder at Leicester. He thinks that Sven can grow into an excellent player under his guidance." John said to Sven and his agent, Leon.

That was true. John had shown clips of Bender playing to Simeone. Although against much weaker opponents than he will be facing at Leicester, he was the player Simeone was sure he can develop into an elite defensive midfielder.

"Sven is willing to join Leicester." Leon said to John while Sven was excited.

Simeone, just two years removed from European football, still had a reputation as a passionate top class midfielder in Europe. That was why convincing Sven and his agent was easy.

John was surprised at the ease of it. But he realised not all negotiations have to be difficult. It's a matter of reputation. If it was Manchester United or Real Madrid, their top officials wouldn't even have to come to convince a player to join their club.

"So, we are willing to give a five year contract to Sven with an annual salary of 120,000 pounds with an annual increase of 20% every year. What do you think?" John said a smiling Sven and his agent.

"We agree" he said after some time thinking and discussing with Sven.

John looked at Ludwig but he didn't look dissatisfied by him giving a better salary to Sven. Muller was very much an unknown quantity right now and even though Sven played for TSV 1860's team rather than Bayern, he was a regular for them and a talented player on the radar of many 2nd division teams.

That's why John had to pay 1 million pounds to prise him away from 1860 Munich. His salary could even be considered low, but that was only because he didn't have any first team experience.

After signing the contract, John thought that he would definitely turn Leicester into giants one day so he didn't have to negotiate hard to convince players to join the Foxes. John chuckled at this.