103: The value of a champion

The August sun in Hartlepool cast dappled light and shadow on the hardwood floor through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Phoenix Training Center office building.

Lin Feng sat in a black leather office chair, his fingers gently tapping on the desk, his gaze calm as he looked at the slightly nervous middle-aged man opposite him.

Philip Rollins, Puma UK Director, a veteran who had been in the sports business for twenty years.

At this moment, he looked like a newcomer to the workplace, with fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

"Mr. Lin, after an emergency board meeting, we are willing to offer a five-year jersey and equipment sponsorship contract with a total value of 4.5 million pounds."

Rollins got straight to the point, his voice tinged with urgency.

This price was already close to the level of upper-mid-table Championship teams, and in his opinion, it was a very sincere offer.

Lin Feng, however, just smiled and shook his head.

He stood up and walked to the projection equipment on the right side of the office, tapping his fingers on the touchpad a few times.

The huge projection screen instantly lit up, and a beautifully produced business report appeared before them.

"Mr. Rollins."

Lin Feng's voice was as calm as water, yet it carried an undeniable confidence.

"What you see is Hartlepool United's current value. What I'm selling you is its future."

In the report, a systematic data model clearly showed the team's predicted media exposure curve over the next three years.

From the current 5 million media mentions per month to an estimated 30 million per month.

Fan growth rate from the current 20,000 new additions per month to 150,000 new additions per month in the future.

There were also predictions for potential cup results: League One champions, FA Cup semi-finals, League Cup final.

Every number was supported by precise charts and analysis models.

Rollins' eyes widened more and more.

This was not a simple business plan; it was a precise prophecy of the future.

"My asking price is five years, 7.5 million pounds."

Lin Feng stated the number calmly, as if he were commenting on the weather.

Rollins nearly jumped out of his chair.

7.5 million pounds?

This figure already exceeded the sponsorship contracts of most Premier League teams.

How could a small club that had just been promoted to League One demand such an exorbitant price?

"Mr. Lin, are you..."

"Crazy?"

Lin Feng finished his sentence, a playful smile on his lips.

"Mr. Rollins, let me show you what true madness looks like."

The projection screen switched again, and a magnificent architectural design appeared before them.

The complete master plan for the Northern Dragon Arena, every detail precise to the millimeter.

A modern stadium capable of accommodating 60,000 people, with an accompanying commercial center, a sports theme park, and even a football museum.

"The construction cost of this stadium is estimated at 250 million pounds, and it will become the most modern sports venue in northern England."

Lin Feng's fingers glided across the screen, each area having a detailed commercial plan.

"And Puma, if you become our partner, will have a 3,000-square-meter brand experience center here."

Rollins' breathing began to quicken.

He had been in the sports business for so many years and had never seen such a grand and detailed business blueprint.

"More importantly, our cooperation is not just about jersey sponsorship."

Lin Feng continued, his voice carrying a captivating charm.

"Puma will become a strategic partner in the club's global commercial development, with priority access to personal endorsement rights for future stars like Vardy and Sigurdsson."

Detailed profiles of several players appeared on the screen.

Vardy, 19 years old, astonishing speed, prolific goalscorer.

Sigurdsson, 18 years old, Icelandic genius, world-class long-range shooting ability.

Walker, 17 years old, future England international, perfect template for an attacking full-back.

Next to each name was a detailed commercial value prediction.

"Imagine, Mr. Rollins."

Lin Feng walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, his gaze fixed on the players training in the distance.

"Three years from now, when Vardy lifts the FA Cup at Wembley, when Sigurdsson scores against Barça in the Champions League, when Walker plays for England in the World Cup."

"They will be wearing Puma boots on their feet."

"Every drop of sweat on their bodies will create value for Puma."

Rollins felt his heart rate accelerate.

The future depicted by this young Chinese businessman was full of infinite temptation.

If all this could be achieved, the 7.5 million pound investment would yield tens of times its return.

But the question was, could all this really be achieved?

"I need to report to headquarters."

Rollins' voice trembled slightly.

"Of course."

Lin Feng sat back behind his desk, his demeanor composed.

"But I hope you understand that opportunities don't wait forever. Manchester City's Adidas contract is 12 million pounds per year; what we're asking for is less than half of that."

This comparison jolted Rollins.

If Hartlepool United could truly rise as Lin Feng predicted, this contract would be a steal.

Two hours later, Rollins finished his video conference with Puma headquarters.

After intense discussion, the German executives in the conference room finally reached a consensus.

"Mr. Lin, we agree."

Rollins' voice carried a hint of fatigue, but more so, excitement.

"Five years, a total value of 6 million pounds, with numerous incentive clauses. If the team is promoted to the Premier League, the contract amount automatically doubles. If they qualify for European competition, it increases by another 50%."

Lin Feng nodded.

Although it didn't reach his desired price, this result already exceeded expectations.

A 6 million pound sponsorship contract was an astronomical figure for a League One team.

John Stone was so excited he couldn't speak.

As the club's Financial Director, he understood the significance of this contract more than anyone.

"Boss, we're really going to become a powerhouse!"

Stone shook Lin Feng's hand, his voice trembling.

From a small club on the verge of bankruptcy a few months ago to a team with the highest sponsorship contract in League One.

This transformation was like a dream.

Lin Feng merely smiled faintly.

In his plan, this was just the first step of a long march.

The real drama was yet to come.

The office door was gently knocked, and Richard Arnold walked in.

As the Sporting Director, his face wore a solemn expression.

"Boss, there's a situation I need to report to you."

Arnold spoke only after Rollins had left.

"Barcelona and Arsenal scouts have been in our stands for the past few games."

"Their target is very likely Gylfi."

Lin Feng's expression didn't change at all, as if he had long anticipated this day's arrival.

The system interface flickered in his mind, displaying Sigurdsson's latest data.

【Player Name: Gylfi Sigurðsson】

【Current Ability: 78】

【Potential Rating: A+】

【Market Value: 1.5 million pounds】

【Loyalty: 85% (Slight fluctuation due to attention from top clubs)】

"Let them watch."

Lin Feng stood up and walked to the large tactical analysis screen.

The screen displayed all of Sigurdsson's data from the past three matches.

Pass success rate 92%, shot conversion rate 35%, average 4.2 key passes per game.

These numbers were enough to make any top club salivate.

"But, Richard."

Lin Feng turned around, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Prepare a new contract. Significantly increase the buyout clause."

"I want those top clubs who want our players to understand one thing."

"In the Northern Dragon, every pearl has its rightful price."