The most crucial reason why European football stands at the core of world football is its rigorous and well-structured system.

For instance, the match calendar and the transfer windows.

When Gao Shen was still a football fan in his previous life, he once pondered an interesting question: What would happen if there were no transfer windows?

At that time, when playing Football Manager, he was the typical save/load addict, just to be safe.

If he ran into a team he couldn't beat no matter what, he'd use the BT modifier to injure the opponent's key players before the match. If there was a team he liked, he'd simply transfer their stars to his own squad.

In reality, this poses a real issue.

Without a transfer window, wouldn't wealthy clubs just be able to poach the opponent's key players right before a game?

Wouldn't that throw the entire league into chaos?

That's why the summer and winter transfer windows exist. The summer window, which is long and filled with options, is for squad building. The winter window, much shorter and more limited in choices, is used for emergency reinforcement.

Because of that, most clubs usually avoid winter transfers.

Real Madrid's biggest issue right now is Marcelo's injury, which has left a gap at left-back.

At the same time, the lack of depth in midfield and up front has exposed problems for the team.

For example, on the wings, Ronaldo and Di Maria are the starters, but the backups are all young players like Jesé and Vázquez.

In midfield, Toni Kroos, Modric, Verratti, and Kaka form the main rotation. Isco and Granero barely see any minutes.

This was something that troubled Gao Shen as well.

If Isco is still young and in need of development, it isn't appropriate for Granero to continue sitting on the bench at his age. It would only hinder his growth.

Therefore, Gao Shen's stance was clear: if there's a team interested in Granero, sell him.

After more than half a year of observation, it was clear Granero wouldn't be able to establish himself at Real Madrid.

…

"Ahem."

Florentino cleared his throat and looked at Valdano.

The Argentine understood and gave a slightly awkward smile. "Gao, we're here to talk about bringing players in."

"Yes, selling isn't a problem. We'll help Granero find a suitable La Liga club," Butragueño added quickly. "But signing players is the tough part, especially when it comes to left-back."

Previously, there were rumors that Gao Shen and Florentino were at odds.

There's no smoke without fire. There was some truth to it.

Real Madrid's management was indeed searching for a left-back and had contacted Bayern, but Bayern refused to negotiate.

The biggest difference between Florentino's Real Madrid and Barcelona when it came to transfers was that Real Madrid insisted on the selling club's willingness. They didn't poach players behind the scenes.

Barcelona's behavior had earned them a bad reputation across European football.

The most notable examples were the signings of Fabregas and Alex Song.

Who else would try to poach players by putting a club jersey on them during national team duty?

Who else encouraged players to argue with their clubs by offering big wages from behind the scenes?

Sometimes, Gao Shen thought Barcelona's rising transfer fees were because other clubs were on guard. In essence, they were paying for past misconduct.

Of course, the impulsiveness of Barcelona's management was also a factor.

Even more baffling was how poorly they used the players they fought so hard to sign.

Because of Real Madrid's consistent approach, when Bayern refused to sell Alaba, the club had no other options.

To settle for second-best, names like Siqueira, Monreal, or even Alex Sandro at Napoli and Kurzawa at Leeds United became potential targets.

But in Gao Shen's opinion, Real Madrid should not sign anyone during the winter break.

He firmly held that view.

"The group of death brought us enormous pressure. It felt like a trial by fire for everyone. A lot of players have made significant progress, like Carvajal, who can now stand on his own."

"Qualifying from the group of death was a massive morale boost. The locker room atmosphere is excellent right now. Everyone is united and moving in the same direction."

Having said that, Gao Shen looked at Butragueño and Valdano.

"You both know this is an ideal situation."

To get results, a team needs quality. But more important is the ability to showcase that quality.

For all eleven players on the pitch to perform at their best, unity and a shared goal are crucial.

The group of death was a trial, but also a catalyst.

Under intense pressure, the Real Madrid locker room became tightly knit.

"I'm confident this will lead to results." Gao Shen made his judgment clearly and confidently.

As the best head coach in the world, no one in the room doubted him.

"There really aren't any suitable players in the market right now. On the wings, Bale, Robben, Messi, Sánchez, Ribéry, even Hazard — none are available to us."

"In midfield, we could consider David Silva, Rakitic, De Bruyne, or Javi Martínez, but realistically, none of them are within reach either."

Gao Shen's requirements for midfielders were clear: excellent technique, versatility, and all-round ability.

But such players were rare. You had to develop them yourself.

Take David Silva. At Valencia, he was a winger. At Manchester City, Gao Shen converted him into a central midfielder and improved his defensive abilities.

Rakitic, too, started as a classic No. 10 but was reshaped into a midfielder under Gao Shen.

The same applied to Toni Kroos, who had played as an attacking midfielder and left-sided midfielder, but under Gao Shen, was now a left central midfielder.

Many saw Kroos as low-key and unremarkable, but he was Real Madrid's midfield stabilizer.

Players like that are hard to find.

"You know our squad is at a very delicate point, and everyone's in sync. But if we suddenly start talking about transfers, the locker room will be unsettled."

"We could buy a left-back, sure. But Marcelo is expected to return in February. Both Buenaventura and Pintus have spoken highly of his recovery. At that point, we'll be overloaded in that position."

"So sure, we can sign someone. But what will Marcos Alonso, Nacho, or even Arbeloa think?"

Gao Shen's concern came from a managerial perspective.

If he didn't sign anyone, he had full control over the squad. But if he brought someone in and created a sense of insecurity, then no amount of talk would settle things.

Sometimes, locker room management wasn't just internal. It depended heavily on outside perception as well.

"As for midfield, Kaka has been playing well and is highly motivated. Isco is also getting chances and is being developed actively. If we sign someone else, we'll be overstocked in midfield."

In Gao Shen's mind, Kroos and Modric were the key players. Verratti and Isco needed nurturing, and Kaka could still contribute when called upon.

Bringing in another midfielder would only heighten internal competition.

But more intense competition wasn't always better. It needed careful balance.

Too much competition would only disrupt the locker room.

Florentino clearly understood that Gao Shen was indirectly addressing him.

"We're mostly concerned about Kaka's age," José Sánchez said.

Gao Shen immediately understood.

Some clubs were interested in Kaka.

Everyone knew Kaka wouldn't be at Real Madrid for much longer.

No club would accept paying a huge salary to a player who rarely played.

So his departure was inevitable.

"Give him half a season," Gao Shen said, turning to José Sánchez.

"I promised him I'd do my best to help him achieve his dream this season. He's been working incredibly hard in both training and matches. I think he deserves proper treatment."

At the end of his words, Gao Shen turned to Florentino.

Back then, Kaka could have joined Manchester City. But Florentino personally intervened, and Kaka stayed at AC Milan.

No one could have predicted that after joining Real Madrid, injuries and poor choices would derail his career.

Publicly and privately, Real Madrid had done their part.

"Do you really believe Kaka can still help the team?" Florentino asked.

"He's important for squad cohesion."

When one rabbit dies, the others feel it. The locker room is no different from an office.

"How confident are you?" Florentino asked again.

"I will win either La Liga or the Champions League," Gao Shen replied firmly.

Florentino thought for a moment, then nodded. "What do you need from me?"

Gao Shen smiled and exhaled. "Just come out and make the club's position clear: no transfers or sales this winter."

Florentino nodded. "Gao, stop saying you'll resign if you don't win La Liga or the Champions League. I won't agree to that. It's not helpful and just causes headaches for the PR team."

Gao Shen chuckled and looked at Butragueño, who was nodding with a bitter expression.

"Also, we're a membership-based club. We can't report profits. It's fine not to sign anyone this winter, but we need to find ways to spend money next summer. Otherwise, I'll be in trouble as president."

Gao Shen nodded. "Then take a look at Alaba, midfielders, and wingers. See if there's anyone suitable."

After a brief pause, Gao Shen smiled again.

"If nothing works out, let's just renovate the Bernabéu."

Florentino was clearly tempted but quickly shook his head. "It's not the right time. If we start renovations without better results on the pitch, and funds run short, you'll be the first one to give me a hard time."

Turns out even being Real Madrid's president could be frustrating.

Gao Shen rarely saw Florentino like this and couldn't help but laugh.

"Don't worry. The players and I won't let you down!"

(To be continued.)

***

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