The summer of 2013 was a season of despair for RCD Mallorca. After sixteen consecutive years in La Liga, the club had crumbled under the weight of mismanagement, financial difficulties, and an underwhelming campaign that ended in relegation to Segunda División. What followed was a desperate struggle for survival, as Mallorca faced an exodus of key players, a shattered squad, and an uncertain future.
For a club accustomed to the prestige of Spain's top flight, relegation was a disaster. The financial gap between La Liga and the second division was vast, and Mallorca found itself ill-prepared for the brutal economic consequences. Television revenue plummeted, sponsorship deals were put in jeopardy, and the club's wage bill became unsustainable. Without the income of La Liga, Mallorca had no choice but to make painful sacrifices.
As the club struggled to balance its books, many of its core players chose to abandon ship. Some left in search of continued top-flight football, while others were forced out due to the club's inability to afford their wages. Key figures, who had once been instrumental in Mallorca's battle for survival in La Liga, were now departing one after another.
One of the biggest blows was the departure of Giovani dos Santos, the team's standout attacker, who moved to Villarreal after a single season. His creativity and flair had been a beacon of hope, but with Mallorca in Segunda, keeping him was impossible. Other crucial departures included Alejandro Alfaro, Tomer Hemed, and Pedro Geromel, players who had played vital roles in the club's previous campaigns. The mass exodus left Mallorca weakened and vulnerable.
With debts mounting and revenue dwindling, Mallorca had no choice but to sell players to keep the club afloat. The summer transfer window became a fire sale, with the club offloading talent at cut-rate prices just to stay alive. Each sale felt like another nail in the coffin of Mallorca's La Liga dreams.
Adding to the instability, boardroom conflicts and internal disputes made matters worse. The club lacked a clear direction, and fans watched in frustration as their once-proud team collapsed under the weight of poor planning and financial ruin.
The summer of 2013 was not just a low point—it was a turning point. The club had to decide: would it adapt and fight its way back to La Liga, or would it fade into obscurity like so many fallen giants before them?
So, when the Manchester United team came in, Llorenç Serra Ferrer, the vice president and sporting director of Mallorca was not surprised and directly asked in a resigned manner, "Who are you taking away?"
Tiger King laughed—he appreciated dealing with straightforward people. "I want to buy a youth team player from your club."
"Oh? Who?"
"Mark Asensio!"
He hesitated for a moment, and he let Tiger King and Woodward take a break in the office before going out to call his youth training director.
Llorenç Serra Ferrer, the vice president and sporting director of Mallorca: "Hello, sir."
Training Director: "Vice President"
Llorenç Serra Ferrer: "Who is Asensio?"
Training Director: "He's a young player from our youth team."
Llorenç Serra Ferrer: "How is his ability?"
Training Director: "Excellent ball control, very talented. He has great potential."
When Llorenç Serra Ferrer returned to the office, he immediately put on an apologetic expression and started speaking, "Our distinguished guests from England, I just spoke with our youth training director. Asensio is a rare talent in our club—technically gifted and highly promising. Many clubs have already shown interest in signing him and..."
However, before he could speak further, Tiger King interrupted him, "Sir, let's not say more, please just mention the amount you are looking to sell him for"
As soon as Llorenç Serra Ferrer heard the offer, he was surprised. He suddenly found this Englishman quite interesting and decided to stop beating around the bush, "€1.4 million—that's my bottom line."
"That's a bargain," Tiger King thought to himself. He was just about to nod in agreement when Woodward, sensing his intentions, quickly intervened. Having learned from their negotiations for Van Dijk in the Netherlands, Woodward immediately saw an opportunity.
"Sir, don't joke with us," Woodward said smoothly. "If Asensio were truly a standout talent in your club, would you really need to ask your youth director about him?"
Llorenç Serra Ferrer's expression shifted slightly, a faint redness appearing on his face—his little bluff had been caught.
Seeing the opening, Woodward pressed further. "€1.4 million is too much. We're offering €1 million, and that's our final price."
"€1 million is too low," Cerdá protested, shaking his head repeatedly.
Woodward remained firm. "Mallorca has just been relegated, and I'm sure, Mr. Vice President, you'll value every transfer fee. You have the chance to turn an unknown youth player into €1 million in cash immediately. This is a great deal for Mallorca."
Sure enough, within half an hour, Woodward managed to make the Vice President and Sporting Director to agree to his bid of 1 Million Euros.
The rest of the negotiations with Asensio moved quickly. On one side was a club that had just been relegated to the second division; on the other, a Premier League giant. It didn't take much convincing—any player with a clear mind would know exactly which choice to make.
As Asensio signed his name on the contract, Tiger King patted him on the shoulder with a smile, "Marco, welcome to Manchester United. You will be the next Scholes."
Asensio responded politely, "Thank you for your trust, Coach. I'll work hard to become your key player as soon as possible."
"Good," Tiger King nodded. "Enjoy your vacation. See you in July."
Watching Asensio walk away, Tiger King felt a deep sense of satisfaction. A future Real Madrid superstar, with outstanding technique, incredible vision, and superb ball control. He's a player who thrives in big moments, a cornerstone for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team in the years ahead. And to think I signed him for just €1 million—what a steal.
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
6. Marco Asensio - Nimble Attacking Midfielder - 1,000,000 Euros
Pending Transfer Budget: 42.2 Million Euros