Perhaps years from now, when people look back on the summer of 2009, their memories won't center on the Confederations Cup in South Africa. Instead, they'll remember how the balance of power in European football was completely upended.
This seismic shift was driven by three teams, Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga, and Manchester City in the Premier League.
In mid-June 2009, few had turned their attention to the rising force in England. Most eyes were on the two Spanish giants, especially Real Madrid.
Having secured Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Benzema, Xabi Alonso, and Di María—along with Spanish talents such as Albiol, Negredo, and Granero—Real Madrid's spending in the transfer market had skyrocketed to a staggering €300 million.
It was, without question, the most extravagant summer in European football history.
After returning to the club, Florentino Pérez had boldly declared his intent to sign four of the biggest stars in world football within a single transfer window. In the end, he delivered on three—Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, and Benzema. Had Bayern Munich not adamantly refused to sell, Franck Ribéry would have been the fourth.
After missing out on Ribéry, Real Madrid turned to Napoli and secured Di María for €50 million.
A series of moves that stunned the footballing world.
Everyone knew Real Madrid had money. Everyone knew Florentino was ambitious. But no one had expected this level of spending.
Spending €300 million in one summer? Madness!
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As Real Madrid's direct rivals, Barcelona still reeling from their humiliating defeat in the Champions League final were determined to strengthen their squad in response.
Their spending spree began with Alexis Sánchez, snatched from Napoli for €50 million. Then, in a heated battle with Manchester City, they signed Thiago Motta for another €50 million.
In an interview, Guardiola expressed his excitement over the new signings.
"Thiago Motta can play both defensive midfield and center-back, which gives us greater tactical flexibility," he explained. "His addition significantly improves our squad."
As for Sánchez, Guardiola believed his arrival would maximize Barcelona's attacking firepower.
"I know him well. He proved at Napoli that he is a world-class player, and I have no doubt he will be even better at Barcelona."
During the Champions League final, Abidal's absence forced Guardiola to deploy Puyol at left-back. Although Sylvinho replaced him in the second half, the team's attacking threat down the left flank remained limited.
Securing a top-quality left-back became a key priority for Barcelona's summer recruitment.
After evaluating their options, they finalized a €35 million deal for Peruvian left-back Juan Vargas from Napoli. Vargas had shone in Serie A over the past few seasons, making him a coveted target.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, both Manchester City and Barcelona had submitted bids for Vargas ranging from €25 million to €35 million and Napoli had accepted both offers.
But ultimately, Vargas chose Barcelona.
Few knew that before making his decision, Vargas personally called Gao Shen to inform him and explain his reasons. Gao Shen, understanding the player's choice, gave his full support.
Between Manchester City and Barcelona, most players would naturally choose the latter.
It was a logical and rational decision.
With Vargas secured, Guardiola declared that his squad was complete.
In addition to Thiago Motta, Sánchez, and Vargas, Barcelona also signed Brazilian striker Keirrison from Palmeiras for €14 million.
In total, their summer spending had reached €150 million.
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As the two Spanish giants flexed their financial muscles across Europe, traditional powerhouses were left trailing in their wake.
Few clubs had the financial strength or resources to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona.
That left one last team standing, the Premier League's emerging superpower, Manchester City.
For weeks, British media had been speculating that Gao Shen, the mastermind behind Napoli's treble-winning season, had turned down the chance to coach Real Madrid and was instead heading to Manchester City.
Yet, neither Manchester City nor Gao Shen had confirmed the news.
But when Real Madrid officially announced Manuel Pellegrini, the Chilean tactician who had previously led Villarreal, as their new head coach, the football world took it as a done deal.
Gao Shen was going to Manchester City.
A decision that sent shockwaves through the sport.
But while some saw it as a bold move, others saw it as career suicide.
Many pundits and fans criticized Gao Shen, claiming he was throwing away his future.
Some believed he had made a terrible career choice, turning down a golden opportunity at Real Madrid for money.
They called it irresponsible, a reckless decision that would cost him his credibility as a manager.
However, some believed that Gao Shen's decision to join Manchester City and move to the Premier League would make the league even more competitive and exciting.
With Ferguson's Manchester United, Benítez's Liverpool, Wenger's Arsenal, Ancelotti's Chelsea, and now Gao Shen's Manchester City, five of the world's top managers were about to make the Premier League a battlefield like never before.
And in the transfer market, Manchester City showed no hesitation in spending big.
The club secured two of its top targets, Ivan Rakitić and David Luiz, from Napoli for a combined fee of €40 million. However, they lost out to Barcelona in the races for Thiago Motta and Juan Vargas, which was a setback in their recruitment strategy.
But City rebounded quickly.
From Germany, news broke that Manchester City had officially signed Schalke 04's rising star Manuel Neuer for €18 million.
At just 23 years old, Neuer was already regarded as the best of Germany's new generation of goalkeepers and a strong contender to be the future No. 1 for the national team. City were willing to spend heavily to secure his talents.
This move also disrupted the goalkeeping hierarchy at the club. Kasper Schmeichel was sold, Joe Hart was sent out on loan once again, and veteran Shay Given was retained.
Meanwhile, City embarked on a major squad overhaul.
Club captain Richard Dunne, as well as Bojinov, Bellamy, Elano, Petrov, and Jô, were all offloaded. The contracts of veteran Dietmar Hamann and youth prospect Michael Johnson were also terminated.
These sales brought in nearly €30 million in transfer revenue.
However, Michael Johnson's release sparked controversy among fans and the media. Once considered one of City's brightest academy prospects, Johnson's career had been derailed by a serious injury. His lack of discipline and growing problems with alcohol led to his decline.
While some still hoped he could recover and return to form, Gao Shen had no hesitation in letting him go.
This ruthless squad purge caused unrest within Manchester City and fueled speculation in the media.
It was clear that City were undergoing a complete restructuring, correcting the expensive but underwhelming signings made during the previous winter transfer window.
According to The Times, this overhaul was a clear sign that Gao Shen was preparing to take over Manchester City.
Everyone knew that Gao Shen favored technical, attacking football, a stark contrast to the more pragmatic style of former manager Mark Hughes.
By clearing out players who didn't fit his philosophy, Gao Shen was making room for technical talents like Robinho and Stephen Ireland, who were expected to play a bigger role in the new-look City.
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At a press conference in Manchester, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Garry Cook addressed the club's summer transfer dealings.
They explained that the restructuring was necessary to build a more dynamic and competitive team.
Mubarak also reassured the players and fans that City were still active in the transfer market.
"We are continuing to recruit new talent, and I believe more star players will arrive soon," he said. "We expect everyone to stay focused and keep working hard for the future."
A reporter at the press conference asked the question on everyone's mind—with Mark Hughes gone, who would be City's new head coach?
Rumors had been swirling that Gao Shen was about to take charge. Was it true?
Mubarak, however, remained tight-lipped.
"For now, there is no official information to disclose," he said.
"But what I can say is that we are working hard to bring in a world-class coach. We have a long-term plan, and we are executing it. I believe everyone will see the results soon."
His answer failed to satisfy the media and fans, but there was nothing they could do except wait.
To appease the growing anticipation, Garry Cook made a major announcement, Manchester City had reached an agreement with Ajax to sign Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez for €17 million.
The club was now in negotiations over personal terms with Suárez and his agent.
"We believe we're about to add a truly powerful attacker to our squad," Cook declared.
However, compared to the megastar transfers of Real Madrid and Barcelona, Suárez's signing barely made a ripple.
Shortly after, City announced another signing, local defender Gary Cahill from Bolton for €8 million.
This move was driven by the need to increase the number of homegrown players in the squad following the squad overhaul.
After all, meeting the league's domestic player requirements was mandatory.
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Meanwhile, Gao Shen remained in Barcelona, leaving Brian Kidd and Garry Cook to finalize negotiations with Suárez.
But rather than wait, Gao Shen and his assistant Lucas boarded a flight to Madrid.
Just as they were about to board, Gao Shen's phone rang.
The caller ID made him smile.
He held up the phone for Lucas to see, laughing smugly.
It was Eden Hazard.
As soon as he answered, Hazard's voice was firm and determined.
"I'm ready," Hazard said. "I want to join Manchester City."
"I'm mentally prepared. Please help me. I want to become the best player!"
Gao Shen grinned.
He had kept his promise not pressuring Hazard into a decision on the spot.
Instead, he had let the young Belgian go home and think it over.
People often regretted impulsive choices, but a well-thought-out decision was rarely one they second-guessed.
Now, Hazard had made his choice, Manchester City.
Gao Shen was thrilled.
Don't worry, kid. I won't hold back.
Get ready to endure my merciless training!
(To be continued.)