Tiger King's mission in England was complete. Now, it was time to move to the next battlefield—Germany.
With Woodward and several transfer negotiators in tow, Tiger King landed in the Ruhr region, Germany's famous industrial heartland, known for its football powerhouses.
As their car made its way through Dortmund's streets toward a small café, Woodward broke the silence.
"Tiger, I owe you an apology for what I said a few days ago. I didn't recognize some of the names on your transfer list, but this one… this one, I know very well."
Tiger King remained relaxed, leaning back with his eyes closed. "He is one of the most complete strikers in world football today. If we can bring him to Manchester United, pairing him with Van Persie and Rooney… we'll have an attack force that will terrorize Europe."
Woodward nodded enthusiastically. "And his contract with Dortmund expires next year. If we move now, we won't have to pay an outrageous transfer fee. Plus, his presence will elevate the club's global influence. Tiger, this is a brilliant choice!"
Tiger King cracked a small smile but kept his tone firm. "Just so we're clear—I only care about what he brings on the pitch."
The car pulled up outside the café. It was time to make a move for Robert Lewandowski.
"Seriously, Ed, I didn't expect you to have a good relationship with his agent."
"There are more agents who have a good relationship with me. You will come to know my prestige as we move forward this summer."
Tiger King opened his eyes and glanced at Woodward, who was laughing heartily.
For all his business-first mentality and obsession with marketing, at this moment, he actually seemed alright.
Tiger King smirked. Maybe this straight-talking businessman wasn't so bad after all.
"Hello, Robert. Nice to meet you."
"Hello, Mr. Tiger."
Tiger King studied Robert Lewandowski closely. The Polish striker sat with an air of quiet confidence—the same calmness he showed when tearing defenses apart on the pitch.
At the same time, Lewandowski was watching him too. This new Manchester United manager, who had taken over Ferguson's legendary seat, intrigued him. Why had United chosen this man? He wasn't sure, but one thing was clear—there had to be something special about him.
Woodward exchanged a few words with Lewandowski's agent before the meeting officially began.
Then, without hesitation, Tiger King got straight to the point.
"Robert, I want to sign you."
For a brief second, Lewandowski was caught off guard. He hadn't expected such directness. After a moment of thought, he shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Tiger, but I can't accept your offer."
The agent, worried that Mr. Woodward and Mr. King would misunderstand, spoke up, "Please don't misunderstand. This is not his intention but what the club has mentioned. This summer, the club does not intend to let go of Robbie."
Woodward was visibly stunned. His expression darkened as he leaned forward.
"That's interesting, Robert. Because from what I've heard, Dortmund already discussed your transfer with Bayern Munich just a few days ago."
Lewandowski remained silent, but his agent let out a small sigh before speaking, "That's true. But… something went wrong."
"Oh? What happened?"
Lewandowski's agent continued, "A while ago, Bayern Munich had already negotiated with Dortmund and agreed on a €25 million deal for Robert. But then, something changed. Out of nowhere, Bayern's board shifted their focus toward Mario Götze. They're now on the verge of signing him."
He sighed and shook his head. "Because of this, Dortmund doesn't want to lose two core players at the same time. So, they rejected Bayern's offer for Robert and restarted contract extension talks with us. Right now, we're negotiating a potential renewal."
Woodward absorbed the information in silence. Then, he turned his gaze toward Tiger King.
Now, the real game began.
Tiger King exhaled softly and looked at Lewandowski before speaking, "Robert, are you planning to stay in Dortmund?"
Hearing this, Robert hesitated but then replied, "If the conditions for renewal are suitable, I still like the atmosphere at Dortmund."
"What if the renewal is not smooth?" came the swift response.
Lewandowski met Tiger King's gaze, studying him carefully. Tiger King didn't flinch. He met Lewandowski's eyes with unwavering confidence.
After a long silence, Lewandowski finally spoke. "If I go to England… what will I get?"
Tiger King's heart leaped. That question meant there was a chance!
Without hesitation, he answered. "A core position. A contract that reflects your true worth. And the respect of a head coach who believes in you."
Hearing those words, Lewandowski felt a sudden stir in his heart.
When Bayern Munich first came calling, he had been eager to join them—excited for the chance to step onto the grand stage of the Allianz Arena. But then, Bayern's sudden shift in focus to Mario Götze had left him sidelined, feeling like an afterthought.
That change had stung.
He had already made up his mind to leave Dortmund, and as a result, his relationship with the club had soured. But now, with Bayern's hesitation, he was stuck in limbo—unwanted by his current club and not a priority for the one he wanted to join.
It's like your bride ditching you for the best man on the eve of your wedding—leaving you stranded, only to crawl back to your ex's house and endure her cold, unforgiving gaze.
Bayern, are you considering my feelings?
But here was Tiger King.
Looking him dead in the eyes. Offering him a leading role. Treating him like a cornerstone, not a backup plan.
Lewandowski took a deep breath. He was at a crossroads. Did he really want to wait for Bayern… or was it time to take a different path?
Of course, Tiger King knew this history well. In later years, Lewandowski's complicated feelings toward both clubs would become a hot topic online. Seeing Lewandowski's silence, Tiger King could already guess what was running through his mind.
Lewandowski was never Dortmund's homegrown hero—he was a mercenary, a professional. There was no deep loyalty tying him to the club. And Dortmund itself? It was a stepping stone, not a final destination.
A club that sold its best players year after year could never be a place for a striker of Lewandowski's caliber. He had the potential to be one of the best in the world—and there was no way he would waste his prime at a club that was always rebuilding.
Tiger King leaned forward, his voice steady and sincere. "Robert, Manchester United will never treat you as someone's backup option. In my eyes, you are the core striker of our future. And the fact that I came here personally today—I believe that alone shows how much I respect and value you."
Lewandowski was silent for a long time. Then, with a sigh, he finally spoke, "Mr. Tiger, I appreciate your belief in me. But right now, I'm uncertain about my future. I need time to think."
Tiger King nodded, his expression unwavering, "I understand, Robert. Big decisions aren't made overnight. But just know this—I will be waiting for you. The day you step onto the pitch at Old Trafford, we'll build the future together. On my path to championships, you will be my sharpest sword."
Sensing that the somber mood might stall the conversation, Woodward—ever the master of shifting atmospheres—quickly steered the discussion elsewhere.
He brought up recent football news, international headlines, and major events in European society. Soon enough, the room's tension melted away, replaced by casual, easygoing conversation.
Even Tiger King joined in, joking about the English media's skepticism toward him in such a ridiculous and exaggerated way that it had everyone laughing out loud.
As they stepped out of the café, Tiger King turned to Lewandowski, his expression serious.
"Robert, if you decide to stay in Dortmund, I sincerely wish you all the best. But if you choose to leave, I hope Manchester United will be your first choice."
He paused, then added with conviction: "If you come to Manchester United, I will give you the platform to conquer Europe. And in return, you will fight alongside me to win championships. That is our agreement."
Lewandowski met his gaze, the weight of those words lingering in the air.
Watching Tiger King's figure fade into the distance, Lewandowski's agent chuckled, "That guy is really something. But with his easygoing personality, I wonder if he can truly lead Manchester United. What do you think, Robert?"
Lewandowski, still gazing thoughtfully, finally spoke, "He may seem cheerful and approachable, but deep down, I can sense it—an intense hunger for victory. He's decisive, bold, and unafraid to break the mold."
The agent nodded in agreement, "Anyone who can take overwhelming criticism and turn it into a joke—that's no ordinary man."
Lewandowski clenched his fist, deep in thought, "Maybe he really can bring Manchester United back to the top of Europe."
His agent sighed, shifting the topic, "For now, let's go over Dortmund's new contract offer. But honestly, what they proposed yesterday? It's insulting. Your salary isn't even on par with some of their new signings. Ridiculous."
The two continued talking as they strolled through the streets of Dortmund, their figures slowly blending into the bustling city.