Chapter 209: Galliani's Visit

"Álvaro, I want to know what you're thinking."

José looked at Novo and asked calmly.

He understood that Novo was different from Campano. Campano was the type of loyal club servant—so long as he had a decent amount of playing time and a reasonable contract, he would stay at Mallorca until retirement. His attitude in training reflected this—he didn't talk much, didn't form cliques, never caused trouble in the locker room, and treated everyone the same. Players like him were common in mid-to-lower table teams—decent ability, little ambition, just wanting a stable career. However, such players were rare in top clubs, where loyalty alone wasn't enough; ability was paramount.

Novo, on the other hand, was different. Compared to the introverted Campano, he was more outspoken and valued his playing time more. But at Mallorca, whether as a right winger or an attacking midfielder, he was no match for Ronaldinho or Rufete. He only got chances in the rotation, though he always performed well when given the opportunity. It was no surprise that he was dissatisfied.

Novo's gaze wavered slightly. After all, he was someone José had brought up personally. However, after a brief silence, he looked up with determination.

"Boss, all I want is a starting spot. I'm 24 years old—I can't keep being a substitute. Otherwise, my career will be over... I don't think I'm any worse than Rufete. If you insist on playing him, then please let me leave."

"You really think so?" José replied. "Last season, you played 11 times in La Liga and made 3 appearances in the Champions League. I haven't ignored you… This season, with Engonga retired, you'll get more chances in midfield. If you stay in good form, you'll definitely get more minutes than last season… I don't like making promises to players, but I can assure you that every player who stays at Mallorca is useful. Does that make you feel any better?"

This was already a big concession from José. Novo was a versatile midfielder and a homegrown talent for Mallorca. Letting him go would be a pity.

But Novo seemed determined. He shook his head.

"That still makes me a substitute… Boss, I just want stable playing time, not just 10 or so games a season."

"You can play 46 games in the reserves. Want to go there?" José said with a dark expression. He was annoyed. But as soon as he said it, he realized he'd been impulsive. Seeing Novo lower his head in silence, José sighed and shook his head.

"Fine. Have your agent negotiate with other clubs. If there's a reasonable offer, I'll let you go. I won't demand an outrageous transfer fee, but your agent should know—I won't allow any tricks that harm Mallorca's interests. That means my interests."

Novo nodded. He hadn't considered that. Since he wanted a starting spot, whether a new club was willing to spend money on him would indicate how much they valued him.

After Novo left, José shook his head. He had indeed planned to give Novo more chances after Engonga's retirement. With his ability, he could serve as a backup for both Rufete and Ronaldinho, as well as Motta. Such a player was useful to have. But if his heart was no longer with the team, there was no point in keeping him.

Up front, Eto'o had already stated he would renew his contract right after the World Cup. The co-ownership agreement between Mallorca and Real Madrid was about to expire, and José was preparing to buy out Eto'o. He knew Real Madrid wouldn't want him, as they were targeting Ronaldo that summer—something only José was aware of for now.

Drogba's contract still had four years remaining, and his form hadn't been exceptional, so there was no rush. Klasnić had performed well despite limited playing time last season, and his renewal was already in progress.

However, Luque's attitude was ambiguous. He hadn't said whether he'd extend his contract after the World Cup, nor had he declared any intention to leave. Several clubs were interested in him—Deportivo, which had developed a habit of poaching Mallorca's players, had shown interest, while Valencia, struggling with a lack of firepower up front, might also join the race.

Although no formal offers had arrived yet, José already had a clear idea of who might leave—defenders Gamarra and Jorge, who were both half-starters, midfielders Kaladze and Novo, and forward Luque.

He also had a rough plan for replacements. However, he wasn't in a hurry. Mallorca wouldn't buy new players without selling first, as that would only bloat the squad. Moreover, the players he wanted weren't targets for other clubs—he needed a center-back, one or two midfielders, and a striker. That would be enough. José wasn't interested in random signings; his targets had to be either immediately useful or promising young talents.

For now, his priority was negotiating Kaladze's transfer with Galliani.

As AC Milan's de facto highest-ranking official (though everyone knew Berlusconi was the real boss), Galliani rarely negotiated transfers in person. However, Milan was particularly keen on Kaladze this time. First, they were short on defenders, and Kaladze would be a solid addition. Second, they had previously considered signing him but backed out due to his injury, allowing Mallorca to swoop in. By coming in person, Galliani aimed to show sincerity—and also, José was no ordinary coach. He was the true owner of Mallorca. While the club itself was far behind Milan in wealth and prestige, on a personal level, José was at least on par with Galliani.

In recent years, Serie A teams had struggled in the Champions League, far from their dominant form in the '90s. This was a blow to their pride. While clubs like Roma, Lazio, and Parma were facing financial crises, the northern giants—Milan, Inter, and Juventus—planned to ramp up spending. After dismantling Fiorentina last season, they were now turning their attention abroad.

Kaladze was one of Milan's targets. With Berlusconi opening his checkbook, Galliani had the confidence to secure the signing.

Galliani was a man with sharp, calculating eyes. Both he and Juventus' transfer mastermind Moggi were seasoned negotiators. However, while Moggi's gaze had a shadier, almost sinister quality—possibly due to his hooked nose—Galliani looked more dignified. But anyone fooled by his appearance would surely suffer.

After some polite small talk, José observed Galliani carefully.

Over the years, he had met many sporting directors and club presidents in Spain. But Galliani was in no rush. He had already spoken to Kaladze's agent, and while the player hadn't explicitly requested a transfer, he had expressed admiration for Milan. For Galliani, that was enough.

"I watched all of Mallorca's matches last season. The team played brilliantly—not only maintaining their solid defensive style but also improving their attacking play. I must say, Mallorca was one of the most exciting teams in Europe!"

José had to admit, putting aside other factors, Galliani was an excellent conversationalist. Anyone who could hold a top position at a club like Milan wasn't ordinary. Even Moggi—despite his corruption and scandals—was highly competent. That's why Inter Milan had struggled for years; Moratti lacked someone like Moggi or Galliani to assist him. It wasn't until Facchetti took charge and Blanc made a few shrewd deals that Inter rose to their treble-winning glory.

After politely accepting the compliment, José chatted casually. He had no intention of speaking first—if Milan wanted his player, they had to make the first move.

In negotiations like this, whoever had more patience held the advantage. Galliani was a master at staying composed, but he had a disadvantage—Kaladze wasn't Milan's only target. They were also after Simic from Inter, while competing with Inter and Juventus for Nesta and Cannavaro. Milan also needed reinforcements in midfield and attack. He simply didn't have time to waste in Spain.

After a brief silence, Galliani finally spoke.

"Mr. José, I believe you already know why I'm here. We are very interested in Kakha Kaladze and hope to bring him to AC Milan."

"Mr. Galliani, Kaladze is a crucial player for us. Last season, he played 34 La Liga matches, scoring 4 goals, and 13 Champions League matches, scoring twice. His movement supports our defense, and when the attack stalls, he can score from long-range or set-pieces. His goals may not be many, but they're always crucial. He was our most indispensable midfielder, even playing more minutes than Motta and Ronaldinho. How could I possibly sell such a player? Even if I agreed, our fans wouldn't allow it."

José exaggerated Kaladze's value shamelessly, making him sound like a Georgian Rijkaard and a defensive linchpin like Baresi.

But Galliani wasn't a fool. He understood the message—José never said Kaladze was unsellable, only that Mallorca's fans would pressure him.

Pressure? That could be solved with money.