Chapter 286: Refreshing After a Long Time

The finances of Leeds United were an absolute mess.

Not only were the salaries of franchise players exorbitant, but even those unproven players were being overpaid.

That wasn’t all. The coaching staff and the management were also receiving significantly higher salaries compared to other clubs.

It was as if it showcased the complete failure of fiscal responsibility.

Setting down the documents detailing the players’ wages, along with the coaches and staff, I lifted my glass.

Observing this, Han Gyeong-yeong extended his glass and spoke up.

“If you’re still interested in the acquisition, the only option is to cut the price as much as possible, assuming you take over the debts. That’s if you want to acquire it.”

“Hmm…”

Clinking my glass against his, I let out a soft sigh.

“Money isn’t the issue. The real problem is that acquiring the club seems like a headache waiting to happen.”

Rebuilding the players, as well as a complete overhaul of the coaching staff and management, appeared necessary.

If they were competent, it wouldn’t feel wrong to pay a lot, but with such terrible management, they were clearly being overpaid for their abilities.

“The salaries are outrageous, but that’s not even the worst part.”

Upon seeing my serious expression, Han Gyeong-yeong showed me a photo.

The photo featured a fish tank populated with goldfish.

“Goldfish? What’s this about?”

“If you knew how much it costs to maintain these goldfish, you’d be shocked. The Chairman’s goldfish eat better than people do.”

“How much are we talking about?”

For Han Gyeong-yeong to react like that, it clearly indicated a significant amount of money was involved.

“A whopping £250,000. We’re spending over 300 million won annually just to maintain the goldfish tank in the conference room. Does that even make sense?”

“What?”

Even I couldn’t help but be shocked.

No matter how poor the management, spending 300 million won each year just on a goldfish tank was hard to believe.

Seeing my incredulous expression, Han Gyeong-yeong chuckled softly.

“Sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it? I didn’t believe it at first either. But this isn’t just a one-off case. The entire club operates similarly in such a misguided manner.”

This wasn’t just a management issue.

Clearly, someone was playing fast and loose with the finances, as such situations shouldn’t arise otherwise.

After some contemplation, I called out to Manager Ma, who was waiting outside.

“You called for me, Boss?”

“Have Philip contact me and gather all information about the owner of Leeds United and their close associates. Also, ask him to dig into the accounts of all club staff, including the management team.”

“Understood.”

“Make sure to get accurate information as quickly as possible.”

With Manager Ma gone, I lifted my glass again. A smile had crept onto my lips.

“If we dig into this properly, it could be quite entertaining.”

Watching me, Han Gyeong-yeong shook his head.

“You have a peculiar knack for creating work for yourself.”

“But it’s fun, right? While I could acquire another club, I’m oddly drawn to this one.”

I shook the document bearing the Leeds United emblem.

“If it piqued your interest, I’ll do whatever it takes to take over. I’ll prepare accordingly too.”

Han Gyeong-yeong clearly understood me well. Having someone competent beside you makes things easier.

Nodding with a satisfied smile, I continued.

“Alright then. Let’s see what comes up.”

Han Gyeong-yeong followed suit with a little smile of his own as we raised our glasses.

The drinking session with him stretched long into the night, a rarity I truly enjoyed.

Eventually, time passed, and we set out from the mansion with Han Gyeong-yeong for our meeting with the owner of Leeds United.

The car carrying us sped towards Leeds, located in Yorkshire, where Leeds United was based.

During our drive, I reviewed the materials that came from the Black Bear UK branch alongside Han Gyeong-yeong.

“What do you think, Hyung? Doesn’t it reek?”

After completing our review, I asked Han Gyeong-yeong.

He clicked his tongue, shaking his head as he replied.

“Wow… This covers everything from tax evasion to embezzlement and illegal employment. They’re skillful at dancing between legality and illegality.”

The documents in our hands illustrated why a prestigious club like Leeds United was being run so carelessly.

At that moment, my phone vibrated from the inside pocket of my suit.

These days, I usually received calls through Manager Ma, so it was rare for my personal phone to ring.

With a puzzled expression, I checked the incoming number, but it was listed as restricted.

“This is Kim Mu-hyeok. Who is this?”

I asked in Korean, but the response came in English.

“Mr. Kim?”

“Who is this?”

“This is the head of the CIA UK office.”

Receiving an unexpected call from the CIA was highly shocking, but I kept my composure and responded nonchalantly.

“What is the CIA calling about?”

“Don’t create any more problems in the UK. This is a warning. I can overlook it this time, but if another issue arises concerning Chairman Murdoch, you won’t be safe either.”

I was taken aback by the branch leader’s blunt warning. Showing my discomfort, I retorted.

“Excuse me?”

“I said don’t create a bigger problem.”

I hadn’t misunderstood. He had firmly reiterated the warning.

“Are you threatening me?”

“How you interpret this is up to you. Just don’t forget my warning.”

The call ended abruptly. I stared blankly at my phone for a while after the line went dead.

‘Wow… this feels refreshing after a long time.’

It had been quite a while since I had such an absurd experience. I had heard rumors about Murdoch’s significant influence in the UK, but I never imagined the high-handed CIA UK chief would call personally to issue a warning.

“I guess you didn’t quite grasp my meaning…”

Muttering softly, Han Gyeong-yeong beside me cautiously inquired.

“What’s wrong? Who was that? You do realize you look terrifying right now?”

It seemed my face had given away some hostility. I composed myself, shaking my head slightly.

“It’s nothing. Let’s wrap up the acquisition of Leeds United first.”

I turned to change the subject, smiling brightly despite the tension.

“They said something about the CIA. It’s nothing serious, right?”

“It’s really nothing. Just the UK branch chief calling to spout nonsense. You don’t need to worry about it.”

Though Han Gyeong-yeong still looked worried, I waved my hand dismissively, acting as if it were nothing.

“Let’s continue with what we were talking about.”

I gestured with the document in hand.

“For now, tell him to say he has delegated everything to me.”

“You really plan to handle this yourself?”

“Yeah. I think it’ll be fun. If you represent him, those people won’t know who I am.”

“Sure, if that’s your plan. I’m curious to see how the owner will react.”

The car drove on, finally entering Leeds.

After arriving at Leeds United FC’s clubhouse, the three of us—Han Gyeong-yeong, Manager Ma, and I—got out of the car.

“Are you James Han?”

I expected to meet the owner, but instead, a blonde beauty greeted us.

A bit taken aback, Han Gyeong-yeong quickly donned a familiar business smile and greeted her.

“It’s an honor to be welcomed by such a lovely lady.”

“You flatter me. I’m Aili, the personal assistant of Chairman Peter. Please follow me this way.”

I followed behind Han Gyeong-yeong.

While leading us to the club’s office, Aili kept engaging Han Gyeong-yeong in conversation.

“It’s your first time in Leeds, isn’t it?”

“Indeed it is.”

“Well, are you familiar with the history of our football club?”

“I’ve been studying up on it while considering the club acquisition. It’s recognized as one of the historical giants.”

Aili’s face brightened at Han Gyeong-yeong’s compliment.

“It certainly is a prestigious club! Although we haven’t lifted the trophy since the Premier League’s inception, we won the league three times before that and claimed victory in European competitions twice!”

She seemed genuinely passionate about Leeds United.

While she flaunted the club, Han Gyeong-yeong provided encouraging responses.

“Here we are. Once you enter, the Chairman and board members will be waiting. I must take my leave now…”

“Could I grab your contact details?”

Han Gyeong-yeong spoke to Aili, who had reached for the doorknob.

‘Oh? Looks like he’s interested?’

Aili hesitated, releasing the doorknob to meet his gaze.

“Contact details?”

She looked a bit flustered as Han Gyeong-yeong handed her his business card.

“This is my card.”

“Should you complete the acquisition…”

“I’d like to know privately instead of publicly.”

“…”

After a brief moment of contemplation, Aili accepted the card and handed over her own.

Accepting the card with a smile, Han Gyeong-yeong said,

“I’ll contact you later. We’ll be heading in now.”

Aili silently turned and opened the door.

Leaning closer to Han Gyeong-yeong, I whispered softly,

“Looks like you caught her interest?”

Han Gyeong-yeong shrugged in response.

I gave his side a playful poke as we continued to walk.

The three of us, Han Gyeong-yeong, Manager Ma, and I, entered the clubhouse’s meeting room.

‘That person there is the owner and Chairman Peter; and the one next to him is the Sporting Director.’

All the key executives I’d seen in photos were already present. The coach was also there, representing the coaching staff.

As we stepped into the meeting room, everyone stood up.

Chairman Peter Leedsdale greeted Han Gyeong-yeong.

“It’s nice to meet you. Welcome to Leeds.”

“Nice to meet you, Chairman Peter.”

“Let’s take a seat.”

Chairman Peter warmly welcomed Han Gyeong-yeong to his seat.

The club representatives and we began chatting amicably before delving into official negotiations.

“I’ve heard a lot about James’s reputation.”

“It’s all just rumors.”

“You’re rumored to be a genius investor, so it’s very humble of you to say that.”

“Thank you for your kind words. Leeds United is indeed a fascinating club.”

Returning the compliment, Han Gyeong-yeong praised Leeds United.

“It’s a club I have a lot of attachment to.”

“That seems to be the case.”

The conversation continued in a warm atmosphere.

Once the coffee in front of us cooled a bit, serious discussions commenced.

“I understand you’re interested in acquiring our club.”

“Ah! The acquisition will be handled by my friend. Let me introduce him. This is my friend Kim Mu-hyeok from Korea.”

Only then did the board’s attention shift towards me.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kim Mu-hyeok.”

“Kim…”

The way they attempted to pronounce my name made me smile.

“You can call me Charlie.”

“Ah, Charlie! Nice to meet you.”

Chairman Peter shook my hand lightly before I took my seat.

“Now, let me introduce the board members.”

“That’s alright. I already know all of them. The chairman and owner is Chairman Peter, next to him is CEO Neil Taylor, and the one beside him is the Sporting Director, Steven Corker, correct?”

As I listed their names and positions, Peter’s eyes widened in surprise.

“How do you know so much?”

“I’m quite interested in Leeds. There’s no way I wouldn’t know about them.”

“Oh! So you’re a fan of Leeds!”

Letting him think that, I accepted the document bag from Manager Ma.

“Now, let’s start discussing the acquisition. All idle chatter can wait until the negotiations are concluded and we can unwind over a drink.”

“Young man, you’re refreshing. I like it, it sounds good.”

English football clubs, much like major league teams in the U.S., functioned similarly to corporations.

Many individuals depended on the club for their livelihood.

Thus, numerous critical issues needed to be addressed.

“Shall we talk about the club’s financial state first?”

I began pulling out various documents from the briefcase.