While Woodward was busy pushing through transfers, Tiger King wasn't idle either. He personally traveled to Bolton, a city in northern England, to meet his second transfer target—left-back Marcos Alonso, a key player for Bolton Wanderers.
Alonso's contract had just expired, and he was in negotiations with the club over a potential renewal. But that morning, something unexpected happened—a call from Italy. Fiorentina had expressed serious interest in signing him.
This news thrilled Alonso—jumping from the English Championship to Serie A felt like a dream come true. Fiorentina's interest meant a chance to play in a top European league, a massive step forward in his career.
For Alonso, this was a pivotal moment in his career. Stay in England, or take a leap into Serie A?
Alonso did not forget his priorities and asked Fiorentina about their plans for him. The club explained that they intended to sign him first, then loan him out to a Premier League team for one or two seasons. If he showed enough improvement, they would eventually bring him back—but he would start from the bench.
Hearing this, Alonso felt a bit disappointed. He had performed well in the Championship over the past year and had caught the attention of several Premier League clubs. However, he knew that much of their interest stemmed from the fact that he was a free agent rather than a guaranteed first-team player.
Moreover, he understood that his style—a dynamic wing-back who thrived on attacking and overlapping runs—was better suited for English football's fast-paced nature rather than Serie A's more tactical approach. While going to Fiorentina and getting loaned to the Premier League sounded like an option, it wasn't ideal.
As he weighed his choices, there was a knock at his door. Someone had come to see him. Alonso opened the door to see an unfamiliar face.
"Sir, who are you looking for?" he asked.
The man studied him sharply. "Are you Marcos Alonso?"
"I am," Alonso replied, still unsure. "And you are?"
The visitor handed him a business card. Alonso glanced at it—and his eyes widened in surprise. "Tiger King? Manchester United's manager?"
Tiger King smiled. "Aren't you going to invite me in for a cup of tea?"
"Oh—of course! Please, come in!" Alonso hurriedly stepped aside, still puzzled. He had heard plenty of talk about the young, controversial Manchester United manager, but he never expected him to show up at his doorstep.
As soon as they sat down, Tiger King got straight to the point.
"Marcos, I want to sign you."
Alonso's heart pounded. He took a deep breath, trying to stay composed. "Does Manchester United need a backup left-back?"
Tiger King shook his head. "No, Marcos. Manchester United doesn't need a backup left-back. Manchester United needs a starting left-back."
Alonso blinked. "Wait… what do you mean?"
Tiger King's eyes locked onto his with unwavering confidence. "You are the main left-back I want, Marcos."
Alonso sat in stunned silence. He had expected to fight for a squad role if he moved up to a big club—but to be the first choice at Manchester United? It was almost too much to believe.
Tiger King suddenly stood up, extending his hand. "Marcos, I don't have time to waste. I came here personally because I believe in you. Join me at Manchester United—and let's build an era together."
Alonso's blood surged with excitement. Tiger King's words ignited something deep inside him—a sense of ambition, of destiny.
Without hesitation, he reached out and grasped Tiger King's hand tightly. "I'm in!" Alonso declared.
At that moment, he wasn't just shaking hands on a transfer. He was stepping into a future where he would fight, grow, and leave his mark at one of the greatest clubs in the world.
The next morning, in Manchester United's office, Marcos Alonso signed his name on a five-year contract.
Tiger King watched with satisfaction. This was it. He had just secured a future Spanish star—the very same left-back who would one day shine at Chelsea—for nothing.
A free transfer. Zero transfer fee.
And with £50 million still left in the budget, Tiger King's eyes burned with determination.
Next target. Keep buying. Strengthen the squad. Build a dynasty.