Chapitre 30: Pruszków

John looked around the little town located in east central Poland: Pruszkow. This little town with a population of approx. 50,000 was one of the industrial centers of Poland. Due to its proximity to Polish capital Warsaw, it was home to several factories and industries.

The city had a football club which had just won the promotion from the third division of Polish football league system to second division, Znicz Pruszkow on the back of its young striker, Robert Lewandowski, who finished as top goalscorer in the third division with 15 goals. Now they were going to earn a club record transfer fee of 200,000 pounds for their striker.

John could've tried and got Robert Lewandowski for even lower if he pushed really hard, but he wanted to start his relationship with the future superstar no. 9. So he went ahead and completed the transfer for a sum of 200,000 pounds as he knew even at this sum, this would probably be one of the best bargains he was going to get.

John had set his sights on Lewandowski as soon as Leicester's season has ended and labeled him as one of the must buy players. John remembered Lewandowski for his exploits in Bundesliga where he broke many records. He surpassed legendary German striker Gerhard "Gerd" Muller's record of scoring 40 goals in a single season by putting the ball into the back of the net 48 times in only 40 matches. He was named The Best FIFA Men's Player in 2020 and would've won the Ballon D'or that year had it not been cancelled. He bagged two European golden shoes and was still going strong at 33 when John was transmigrated. And John still remembered his five goals in nine minutes against VFL Wolfsburg.

Lewandowski was one of the best, if not the best striker of his generation. He was even considered by many to be one of the greatest Central Forward of all time. Playing for different teams throughout his career, wherever Lewandowski went, goals followed. A prolific goalscorer, he was probably the most modern version of a traditional no. 9 with all the qualities expected of the position: height, strength, balance, pace, intelligent movement, aerial ability, positional sense and an ability to shoot with both feet. He had also stood out throughout his career for his work rate off the ball and defensive contributions for the team which were necessary to succeed in Simeone's system. He was also praised for his work ethic, mentality, fitness and discipline, both on and off the pitch.

John already had a blueprint of success for him, they just had to make sure that he follows it.

Lewandowski didn't have an agent yet, so his mother, Iwona Lewandowska, who was a former volleyball player was representing him for the signing of this deal. John had no problem with it. So they had decided to meet in a cafe in Pruszkow.

John and Michael had just arrived at the meeting place when Lewandowski alongside his mother came to them. John looked at Lewandowski, he didn't have the imposing figure John remembered but was slightly skinny for a football player. He was also slightly shorter than John remembered, but he was just 18 years old right now. John knew for a fact that even though not as gifted as Mandzukic physically, he will grow up to be a physically imposing player. So he wasn't really concerned about that. The fitness coaches at Leicester will help him too.

They greeted each other before they sat down to discuss contract terms.

"We were impressed by Lewandowski's performances last season and think that he is a very talented player capable of playing at a higher level." John said to Iwona as Lewandowski didn't understand English.

John felt that with players coming in from all over the Europe, many of them who don't understand English, communication was going to be difficult. He was planning on hiring the teachers on returning to Leicester to teach players English so that they could overcome those difficulties.

John continued, "We think that Lewandowski is very talented and if provided the correct guidance, he could develop into an elite striker and we want to be the ones to take him there."

John could've promised them even greater things but it would've been a bit unbelievable right now. And he didn't really need to as he was sure he could complete this transfer pretty easily.

"We are willing to give Lewandowski a contract with a 100,000 salary annually for the length of a five years with his salary increasing by 20% every year." John said to Iwona Lewandowska.

John was even willing to give a bigger contract to Lewandowski but he didn't need to.

"Mr. Baker, the conditions you provided are very good and we want to sign the contract. We have one concern though. Is Robert going to get enough playing time for his development ?" Iwona asked John.

It was a common occurence that players that were picked up from lower leagues were then put on backburner and weren't given enough time to develop or were sent out on loans with no proper guidance. It has ruined many talented players but Lewandowski was different from those prospects. John knew Lewandowski's future capabilities so Leicester were going to help him fulfil his potential and maybe Lewandowski will reach even greater heights than before.

"Don't worry. We are signing Lewandowski as the main substitute for the first team squad and depending on his performances, he may even be moved to starting lineup. And in England, we also have two cups, League Cup and FA Cup, so there will be plenty of opportunities for him at Leicester." John clarified to Iwona.

"Then we will fly to Leicester to sign the contract, Mr. Baker. Thank you for giving this opportunity to Robert." Iwona seemed very emotional as she said those words and John could see some tears welling up in Lewandowski's eyes.

After being released by Polish giants Legia Warsaw just one year ago and being told that Lewandowski will never make it as a footballer, this was a very big opportunity for them. Iwona and Robert both seemed very emotional.

John, not knowing what to do in this kind of situation, promptly left alongwith Michael after saying his goodbye.