On the road to Groningen in the northeast of the Netherlands, Woodward turned to Tiger King and asked, "Tiger, you mentioned that a center-back is close to signing with another club. What's the situation?"
Tiger King replied with a calm expression, "From what I've heard, this young defender is on the verge of signing with Celtic. If we don't move quickly, we'll lose him."
Woodward furrowed his brows. "Won't that strain our relationship with Celtic? Is this player really that important? Can't we find an alternative?"
Tiger King shook his head decisively. "No, Ed. He's a crucial part of my vision for the future. I see him as the one to succeed Ferdinand in our defense."
"So important?"
"Very important."
"Well, since you say so, I'll try to find a way," Woodward said with a sly smile, "I have a good relationship with the Dutch club"
Tiger King chuckled, appreciating Woodward's confidence. "That's good to hear, Ed. This kid has the potential to be a defensive rock for us in the future."
Woodward leaned back with a smirk. "Just leave the negotiations to me. If Groningen is getting the same offer from us and Celtic, I'll make sure they see Manchester United as the better option."
Tiger King nodded, "Perfect. Let's get this deal done before we lose him."
Woodward grinned. "That makes things easier. But in the end, it's the player's decision that matters most. We'll need Mr. Tiger's charm to seal the deal."
Tiger King smirked, full of confidence. "Don't worry. We're not competing with giants like Real Madrid or Barcelona here. I'm certain we can bring him to Manchester United."
Tiger King and his team arrived at the Groningen Club in Groningen. Woodward had a close relationship with the club's chairman, and after sharing a few chuckles, they got down to business—discussing player transfers.
Chairman of FC Groningen (Summer 2013): "Who do you want to buy?"
Woodward: "I want to buy Virgil van Dijk."
The chairman hesitated for a moment, an awkward expression crossing his face.
Chairman: "You want to buy him?"
Woodward offered a reassuring smile. "Come on, my old friend, don't look so troubled. He's not a key player for your team yet—just a young talent. The price should be easy to negotiate."
The chairman shook his head. "Ed, it's not that I don't want to sell, but we've already agreed to a deal with Celtic. We've sold Van Dijk for €4 million, and as we speak, he's likely negotiating his contract with them."
Woodward tried to salvage the situation. "Old friend, as long as nothing has been signed, there's always room to negotiate."
The chairman still looked hesitant. "Ed, we're businessmen. Once a deal is agreed upon, we can't just go back on our word. It wouldn't be right..."
Woodward sighed, disappointed, about to press further when Tiger King suddenly spoke up.
Tiger King:"We'll offer €5 million."
The chairman's eyebrows furrowed in surprise. "What?"
Tiger King:"I said Manchester United is offering €5 million for Van Dijk."
At this point, the chairman of FC Groningen turned his gaze to Tiger King, who was seated next to Woodward. Although Woodward had introduced him as Manchester United's new manager, the chairman remained skeptical.
A young, inexperienced coach—who knew how long he would even last? With that mindset, he had focused the transfer discussion solely on Woodward, barely acknowledging Tiger King's presence.
But now, hearing Tiger King's sudden offer, the chairman of FC Groningen froze. He instinctively turned to Woodward for confirmation.
Woodward simply shrugged. "I'm just here to assist Mr. Tiger. He has the final say on transfers."
Tiger King looked directly at the chairman of FC Groningen, his expression serious, "Sir, canceling a deal that hasn't been signed in exchange for an extra €1 million and a stronger relationship with Manchester United's manager—that sounds like a worthwhile deal."
"Damn, you've really put me in a tough spot," the chairman of FC Groningen muttered, his expression a mix of frustration and intrigue.
After a brief moment of hesitation, he quickly pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"Mr. Tom, I have some good news for you. Your player hasn't signed with Celtic yet, has he? No? Excellent. Listen, I've found a major buyer—Manchester United. He could be playing in the Premier League soon, and the salary they're offering is significantly higher than what Celtic can provide."
He chuckled, then added, "I suggest you bring your player over right away so we can discuss the details of the transfer. No need to thank me—this is just what we do. Here at Groningen, we always prioritize the best interests of our players."
As he hung up the phone, the chairman of FC Groningen put on a look of feigned sincerity and said, "Mr. Tiger, you see, I've unilaterally halted the deal with Celtic—all for the sake of our friendship. Van Dijk's agent is on his way, and we can finalize the contract shortly."
Woodward smirked and gave him a thumbs-up. "Chairman, you've managed to secure Manchester United's goodwill, win Van Dijk's favor, and pocket an extra million euros. That's some impressive business."
Chairman of FC Groningen:"Hahaha, let's call it a win-win!" he laughed heartily. "You got the player you wanted, I got the money I wanted—what a perfect deal. I insist on treating you all to a good drink tonight… of course, courtesy of the extra €1 million you just gave me! Hahaha!"
An hour later, Virgil van Dijk arrived at the chairman's office with his agent. After brief introductions, Tiger King took a moment to size up the towering defender in front of him.
Standing at 1.93 meters, Van Dijk was built like a rock—physically imposing and exuding strength. Tiger King couldn't help but recall how, in the future, Liverpool would spend €78 million to pry him away from Southampton. A dominant defender with impeccable positioning, incredible aerial ability, and a knack for launching attacks with pinpoint long passes—securing him now for just €5 million felt like a steal.
When Tiger King told Van Dijk that he saw him as the natural successor to Rio Ferdinand, the young Dutchman was visibly intrigued. Adding to that, Woodward offered a contract with a significantly better salary than what Celtic had on the table.
With Manchester United's prestige, a promising role in the squad, and a lucrative deal, Van Dijk didn't hesitate. The contract was signed with little resistance—Tiger King had just secured a future world-class defender at a bargain price.
Early the next morning, Tiger King and Woodward departed from the Netherlands. The chairman of FC Groningen personally came to the hotel to see them off.
"Dear friends, I hope you'll have the chance to return to the Netherlands someday. When you do, I'll take you to Amsterdam. I have a feeling that a young and energetic man like you, Mr. Tiger, would definitely enjoy it there," he said with a sly grin.
After exchanging farewells, the two men left. As the car pulled away, the chairman's cheerful expression faded, replaced by a more serious look, 'The young Englishman Mr. Tiger King is not simple. England will be interesting next season'
On their way out of the Netherlands, Woodward turned to Tiger King with a curious expression, "Tiger, how did you know that adding just €1 million would make that old guy sell to us?"
Tiger King shook his head slightly. "I didn't know. But if he hadn't agreed, I would have kept raising the offer until he did."
Woodward sighed, shaking his head. "This..."
He was at a loss for words. Tiger King simply laughed.
Summer Transaction Status
1. Marcos Alonso - LB - Free Transfer - Five Year Contract
2. Dele Alli - Midfielder - Free Transfer - Joined the Youth Team
3. Leroy Sane - The Next No. 7 - 800,000 Euros
4. Joshua Kimmich - Young German Defender - 1,000,000 Euros
5. Virgil van Dijk - CB - 5,000,000 Euros
Pending Transfer Budget: 43.2 Million Euros