If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my P-Tang12!!!
_____________________________
(A/N: Don't forget to give those power stones to Skyrim everyone!)
...
And as the gates of his Richmond mansion slowly opened in front of the approaching BMW, Francesco drove through them with the comforting feeling that both his football career and the people guiding it were once again moving in the same direction.
The following day passed with the familiar rhythm that had quickly become normal again.
Another morning at London Colney.
Another demanding training session.
Another afternoon drive back through the streets of north London before finally returning to the quiet comfort of Richmond.
By the time Francesco walked through the front door of the mansion, the February sun was already beginning its slow descent across the afternoon sky.
Cheddar was, unsurprisingly, waiting.
The corgi bounded across the polished wooden floor the moment he heard the front door open, his tail wagging so enthusiastically that it thumped repeatedly against the hallway wall.
Francesco laughed.
"There you are."
Cheddar answered with an excited bark before circling his owner twice.
"I know."
"I missed you too."
Leah's voice drifted from the kitchen.
"He's been listening for your car since half past two."
Francesco smiled as he bent down to scratch behind Cheddar's ears.
"I think he's becoming predictable."
"I don't think so."
"I think he's simply obsessed with you."
Cheddar rested his head against Francesco's leg as though proving her point.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It is."
After changing into comfortable clothes, Francesco joined Leah in the kitchen.
She was preparing tea while he opened the refrigerator.
"What are we having?"
"I already ate after training."
Leah smiled.
"But I left you something."
Inside waited a freshly prepared chicken salad.
Grilled chicken breast.
Mixed leaves.
Cherry tomatoes.
Cucumber.
Avocado.
Walnuts.
A light lemon dressing served separately.
Simple.
Healthy.
Exactly the sort of recovery meal every professional footballer appreciated.
"You spoil me."
"I keep you fit."
"There's a difference?"
"A very important one."
Francesco laughed quietly before carrying the bowl into the living room.
Outside, the winter afternoon looked calm.
Inside, the fireplace crackled gently, creating a warmth that contrasted perfectly with the cold beyond the large windows.
Cheddar settled onto the rug beside the sofa.
Leah curled up at the opposite end with a blanket over her legs and a book resting in her lap.
Francesco sat back in the armchair, balanced the salad on his knees and reached for the television remote.
"What are you watching?"
"I'll see what's on."
He switched on the television.
The familiar Sky Sports logo appeared across the screen.
The channel was showing its afternoon football coverage.
Presenters discussed Premier League results from the previous weekend while graphics highlighted the approaching end of the winter transfer window.
One presenter smiled directly into the camera.
"Welcome back."
"We're entering the final hours of what has already become one of the most dramatic January transfer windows in recent memory."
Another presenter nodded.
"There are still several clubs attempting late deals."
"But all eyes remain on one story developing out of Spain."
Francesco speared another piece of chicken with his fork.
Leah looked up from her book.
"What now?"
"No idea."
Both turned their attention back toward the television.
Suddenly the familiar yellow banner appeared across the bottom of the screen.
BREAKING NEWS.
The studio immediately became noticeably busier.
Producers could be seen moving behind the cameras.
One presenter adjusted the earpiece before speaking again.
"We can now officially confirm…"
"…that Barcelona have completed the signing of Philippe Coutinho."
Francesco lowered his fork.
Leah's eyes widened slightly.
The screen immediately switched to footage outside Camp Nou.
Supporters had already gathered in large numbers.
Barcelona shirts waved in the air.
Television crews crowded around the stadium entrance.
The headline filled the screen.
Philippe Coutinho joins Barcelona.
The presenter continued.
"The Brazilian international has officially completed his transfer from Liverpool for a reported fee of one hundred and thirty-five million euros."
Even though rumours had surrounded the move for months, hearing the official confirmation still carried enormous weight.
Leah slowly shook her head.
"One hundred and thirty-five million…"
Francesco whistled softly.
"That's extraordinary."
"It really is."
The programme immediately cut to highlights of Coutinho's Liverpool career.
Long-range goals.
Free kicks.
Outside-of-the-foot passes.
Match-winning moments.
The presenters praised the Brazilian's creativity, technical ability and influence on Jürgen Klopp's side.
"He has been Liverpool's chief playmaker for several seasons," one analyst explained.
"Losing a player of this quality in the middle of a Premier League campaign is never easy."
Another analyst agreed.
"This changes Liverpool significantly."
"They're not just replacing an excellent footballer."
"They're replacing the player around whom much of their attacking creativity has revolved."
Francesco watched thoughtfully.
He had played against Coutinho often enough to appreciate exactly how gifted the Brazilian was.
Few players could change the rhythm of a match with a single touch quite like him.
Leah glanced toward him.
"What do you think?"
"I think Liverpool lose a special player."
"But…"
He paused for a moment.
"I also know Klopp."
She nodded.
"So do I."
"He's adaptable."
"He'll find another solution."
Sky Sports moved into a tactical analysis segment.
Large touchscreen graphics appeared inside the studio.
One presenter highlighted Liverpool's average attacking positions.
Coutinho's heat map covered almost every area between midfield and the penalty box.
"He gave Klopp flexibility."
"He could play as a left-sided forward."
"As a number ten."
"Even deeper in midfield when required."
The analyst circled several areas on the digital pitch.
"Replacing that immediately is almost impossible."
Another expert added,
"It means Klopp now faces the challenge of adjusting his tactical approach halfway through a Premier League season."
"That's one of the most difficult things any manager can do."
Francesco nodded quietly.
He understood exactly what they meant.
Football supporters often assumed managers could simply replace one player with another.
Reality was rarely that simple.
One footballer could influence pressing triggers.
Passing angles.
Build-up play.
Defensive balance.
Entire tactical systems sometimes changed because of one departure.
Klopp would now have to solve that puzzle while still competing for Champions League places.
Leah closed her book completely.
"I don't envy him."
"Neither do I."
"Especially now."
The presenters continued discussing Liverpool's immediate future.
Questions appeared across the screen.
Who replaces Coutinho?
Will Liverpool change formation?
Can they maintain their attacking identity?
Would this affect their ambitions for the remainder of the campaign?
The debate continued for several minutes before another presenter received fresh information through his earpiece.
He looked toward the main camera.
"We've also received confirmation regarding another major Liverpool transfer."
A fresh graphic appeared.
Alisson Becker signs for Liverpool.
Leah frowned slightly.
"Already?"
Francesco looked more surprised than she did.
The presenter continued.
"Liverpool have strengthened another crucial area of their squad by completing the signing of goalkeeper Alisson Becker from AS Roma."
The transfer fee appeared beneath the graphic.
£66.8 million.
The studio reacted immediately.
"That is a remarkable investment."
"It certainly is."
The programme switched to footage of the Brazilian goalkeeper making saves in Serie A and the Champions League.
Quick reactions.
Confident handling.
Excellent distribution.
Sweeping aggressively behind the defensive line.
One analyst smiled.
"If you're losing one world-class Brazilian…"
"…bringing in another of this quality certainly softens the blow."
Another nodded.
"Klopp clearly believes this is the final piece required to strengthen Liverpool defensively."
"For years they've searched for greater consistency in goal."
"Alisson has the potential to provide exactly that."
Francesco leaned back thoughtfully.
"That's a very good signing."
Leah looked across at him.
"You rate him highly?"
"Very."
"His positioning is excellent."
"And he's calm with the ball."
"In Klopp's system…"
"…that matters."
She smiled.
"So Liverpool lose creativity…"
"…but improve defensively."
"Exactly."
"The challenge is whether those changes happen quickly enough."
Sky Sports now displayed side-by-side graphics.
Out: Philippe Coutinho – €135 million.
In: Alisson Becker – £66.8 million.
The presenters discussed how Liverpool had reinvested a significant portion of the money received from Barcelona.
One former defender on the panel summed it up neatly.
"You never truly replace Philippe Coutinho."
"You simply build differently."
Francesco found himself agreeing.
Football constantly evolved.
Managers adapted.
Players developed.
Squads changed.
That was the nature of elite football.
He finished the last of his salad before setting the empty bowl onto the coffee table.
Cheddar immediately lifted his head hopefully.
Francesco laughed.
"No."
"This one's not for you."
The corgi sighed dramatically before resting his head back on his paws.
Leah smiled.
"I think he's disappointed."
"He'll survive."
"Eventually."
The television coverage continued throughout the afternoon.
Reporters outside Camp Nou described the excitement surrounding Coutinho's arrival.
Barcelona supporters celebrated what they believed was the perfect addition to their squad after Neymar's departure to Paris Saint-Germain during the previous summer.
One journalist explained,
"Barcelona have identified Philippe Coutinho as the player capable of filling the creative void left following Neymar's exit."
Another added,
"With Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and now Philippe Coutinho together, Barcelona believe they have assembled another extraordinary attacking unit."
Francesco watched quietly.
The football landscape had shifted once again.
One blockbuster transfer had changed the direction of two European giants.
Barcelona had found the player they hoped would help them move forward after losing Neymar.
Liverpool, meanwhile, would begin a new chapter under Klopp, reshaping their style while strengthening the goalkeeping position with one of Europe's finest young keepers.
Leah looked toward him.
"The Premier League never stands still."
Francesco smiled.
"No."
"It never does."
He switched off the television a few minutes later.
The breaking news had dominated the afternoon.
Tomorrow, every newspaper would analyse the consequences.
Every television programme would debate Liverpool's future.
Every supporter would have an opinion.
But for Francesco, those stories would remain exactly what they were.
Stories.
Tomorrow morning he would return to London Colney.
Another training session awaited.
Another Premier League match edged one day closer.
The discussion surrounding Barcelona and Liverpool continued for several more minutes.
Sky Sports rolled through tactical graphics, financial analysis and interviews with reporters stationed across Europe.
The yellow BREAKING NEWS banner finally disappeared from the bottom of the screen.
For a brief moment, the programme returned to the studio.
The presenters smiled at one another while shuffling fresh notes that had just been handed to them by members of the production team.
One of them adjusted his earpiece.
"We're going to stay with transfer deadline coverage because another significant deal has just been confirmed."
Leah looked over at Francesco.
"Another one already?"
He smiled.
"Today's going to be one of those days."
The presenter nodded towards the large touchscreen behind him.
"It certainly is."
"This January window just keeps delivering major stories."
A new graphic swept dramatically across the screen.
BREAKING NEWS
Aymeric Laporte joins Manchester City.
The studio lights reflected across a large image of the French defender wearing a Manchester City shirt for the first time.
Another presenter immediately continued.
"We can now officially confirm that Manchester City have completed the signing of Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao."
The transfer fee appeared beneath the image.
€65 million.
Leah let out a quiet whistle.
"Another huge fee."
Francesco nodded thoughtfully.
"They've wanted a left-footed centre-back for a while."
"They finally got one."
The programme switched to clips of Laporte playing in Spain.
Strong tackles.
Calm passing from the back.
Aerial duels.
Composed defending under pressure.
The analyst standing beside the touchscreen pointed towards several tactical diagrams.
"This signing makes perfect sense for Pep Guardiola."
"Laporte is comfortable bringing the ball out from defence."
"He can play through pressure."
"He fits City's possession-based football almost perfectly."
Another analyst agreed.
"Manchester City already possess one of the strongest squads in Europe."
"Adding someone with Laporte's qualities only increases their depth."
Francesco watched carefully.
He knew exactly what that meant.
Manchester City were already leading the title race.
Adding another high-quality defender midway through the season only made them stronger.
Leah noticed the thoughtful expression on his face.
"You'll probably be playing against him soon."
Francesco nodded.
"I imagine so."
"What do you think?"
"I think he'll settle quickly."
"He already plays the kind of football Guardiola wants."
The analyst continued explaining how Laporte's arrival would give City greater balance during build-up play.
They replayed clips showing his range of passing.
His composure while under pressure.
His willingness to step into midfield with possession.
Former defenders around the panel praised the transfer.
One smiled.
"If you're trying to dominate possession every week…"
"…this is exactly the kind of centre-back you want."
Another added,
"He isn't just defending."
"He's helping start every attack."
Francesco quietly agreed.
Football had changed enormously over the previous decade.
Modern centre-backs weren't judged only by tackles and headers anymore.
Passing.
Decision-making.
Positioning.
All of it mattered just as much.
The programme shifted once more.
The presenter glanced towards another monitor before speaking again.
"We've also received an important update involving Arsenal."
Both Francesco and Leah instinctively looked back towards the television.
The Arsenal badge appeared on screen beside the Manchester United crest.
A fresh headline followed.
Manchester United interested in Alexis Sánchez.
Leah slowly lowered her mug onto the coffee table.
Francesco remained completely still.
The presenter continued carefully.
"Sources are reporting that Manchester United have approached Arsenal regarding a possible deal for Alexis Sánchez."
Another graphic appeared alongside photographs of both players involved.
Offer Reported
£20 million
plus
Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
The studio immediately began analysing the situation.
One reporter connected live from outside the Emirates Stadium.
"At this moment, Arsenal have rejected the proposal."
"No agreement has been reached."
"The club's position remains unchanged."
Francesco frowned slightly.
Leah glanced towards him.
"You weren't expecting that."
He slowly shook his head.
"No."
"I knew there had been rumours."
"But…"
"Not this."
The television replayed some of Alexis' best moments in an Arsenal shirt.
Goals.
Assists.
Celebrations.
His relentless pressing.
The energy that had made him one of the Premier League's most dangerous forwards.
One former Arsenal player joined the discussion remotely.
"If Arsenal lose Alexis now…"
"…they lose one of their biggest match-winners."
"Replacing that halfway through the season would be incredibly difficult."
Another pundit looked at the financial details.
"Twenty million pounds plus Henrikh Mkhitaryan is certainly an interesting proposal."
"But Arsenal clearly value Sánchez more highly than that."
The live reporter nodded.
"Exactly."
"Everything we're hearing suggests Arsenal have rejected Manchester United's initial offer."
"Whether negotiations continue…"
"…remains to be seen."
Leah looked towards Francesco.
"What do you think happens?"
He took a moment before answering.
"I honestly don't know."
"I know Alexis."
"He always gives everything on the pitch."
"As for contracts…"
He shrugged gently.
"That's between him and the club."
Leah understood immediately.
He wasn't avoiding the question.
He simply respected his teammate too much to speculate publicly, even inside his own living room.
The programme continued analysing possible outcomes.
Would Arsenal negotiate?
Would Manchester United improve their offer?
Could another club become involved?
Nobody in the studio claimed to know.
Everything remained speculation.
Cheddar, meanwhile, had completely lost interest in football.
The little corgi stretched lazily across the rug before rolling onto his back, hoping somebody would rub his stomach instead.
Leah laughed.
"I think someone wants attention."
Francesco reached down without taking his eyes off the television and scratched the dog's chest.
"There."
"Better?"
Cheddar responded by kicking one of his back legs happily.
"I'll take that as yes."
The presenters smiled as another producer handed over fresh information.
One looked directly into the main camera.
"We're entering the final stages of what's been an extraordinary winter transfer window."
A large digital countdown clock appeared beside him.
Transfer Window Closes In
3:00:00
Exactly three hours remained.
The presenter continued.
"Ladies and gentlemen…"
"There's now officially just three hours remaining before the winter transfer window closes."
"We'll remain on air throughout the afternoon."
"Our reporters are positioned across England and Europe."
"If any major deals are completed…"
"…you'll hear them here first."
Another presenter smiled.
"We still expect plenty of activity."
"There are several negotiations continuing behind the scenes."
"Medical examinations."
"Contract discussions."
"Late paperwork."
"As always…"
"Deadline day has a habit of producing surprises."
The cameras briefly cut between reporters stationed outside training grounds, airports and stadiums.
Outside Manchester City's facilities.
Outside Arsenal's London Colney training ground.
Outside Liverpool's AXA Training Centre.
Outside Old Trafford.
Everywhere reporters stood in thick winter coats, waiting patiently for the next story to develop.
Francesco leaned back into his chair.
"It must be exhausting."
Leah looked over.
"For who?"
"The journalists."
"They're probably standing outside in the cold all day hoping somebody walks through a door."
She laughed.
"I've never thought about it like that."
"But you're right."
He smiled.
"Football isn't only demanding for players."
The programme returned once more to the studio.
The presenters summarised the afternoon's confirmed business.
Barcelona had completed one of the biggest transfers in football history by signing Philippe Coutinho.
Liverpool had responded by strengthening their goalkeeping department with Alisson Becker.
Manchester City had reinforced their defence with Aymeric Laporte.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continued surrounding Alexis Sánchez after Manchester United's reported approach had been rejected.
Four major stories.
One afternoon.
The football world never seemed to pause.
Leah reached for the remote.
"Should we keep watching?"
Francesco thought for a second before shaking his head.
"I think that's enough transfer news for one day."
She smiled.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
He switched off the television.
The living room suddenly became wonderfully quiet again.
Only the crackling fire remained.
Outside, the light continued fading across the gardens surrounding the mansion.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke.
Francesco found himself thinking about Alexis.
Tomorrow at London Colney, everyone would undoubtedly be talking about the reports.
Footballers were professionals, but they were also human.
Transfer speculation always found its way into dressing rooms.
Leah gently rested her head against the back of the sofa.
"You know…"
"I almost forget sometimes how quickly football changes."
Francesco nodded.
"One day you're preparing for a match."
"The next…"
"Half of Europe is changing clubs."
"And everyone has an opinion."
He looked towards the large windows overlooking the gardens.
Somewhere across Europe, directors of football, agents and club owners were racing against the clock.
Contracts were being written.
Flights were being booked.
Medicals were being arranged.
Phone calls never stopped.
Yet inside the mansion, everything felt wonderfully still.
Cheddar had fallen asleep again.
The fire continued burning softly.
The scent of freshly brewed tea lingered in the room.
Leah reached across and gently squeezed Francesco's hand.
"I'm glad you're here."
He smiled warmly.
"So am I."
Transfer deadline day always created chaos across football.
Millions of pounds changed hands.
Players packed suitcases.
Managers adjusted plans.
Supporters refreshed news websites every few minutes hoping for another announcement.
______________________________________________
Name : Francesco Lee
Age : 19 (2017)
Birthplace : London, England
Football Club : Arsenal First Team
Championship History : 2014/2015 Premier League, 2014/2015 FA Cup, 2015/2016 Community Shield, 2016/2017 Premier League, 2015/2016 Champions League, Euro 2016, Premier League Champion 2016/2017, and 2016/2017 Champions League.
Season 17/18 stats:
Arsenal:
Match: 36
Goal: 43
Assist: 3
MOTM: 5
POTM: 0
England:
Match: 2
Goal: 2
Assist: 0
MOTM: 0
Season 16/17 stats:
Arsenal:
Match: 55
Goal: 87
Assist: 5
MOTM: 14
POTM: 1
England:
Match: 1
Goal: 1
Assist: 0
MOTM: 0
Season 15/16 stats:
Arsenal:
Match Played: 60
Goal: 82
Assist: 10
MOTM: 9
POTM: 1
England:
Match Played: 2
Goal: 4
Assist: 0
Euro 2016
Match Played: 6
Goal: 13
Assist: 4
MOTM: 6
Season 14/15 stats:
Match Played: 35
Goal: 45
Assist: 12
MOTM: 9