The next morning, the Manchester United coaching staff gathered in the meeting room, the atmosphere lighter than the previous day. The reason? David De Gea had personally called Tiger to confirm he would be staying for the upcoming season.
Tiger, with a rare grin, shared the news. "De Gea's staying. He called me last night and said he wants to be here, but—" he paused, looking around the table, "he hopes we strengthen the squad further."
Scholes exhaled in relief. "That's massive. Losing him now would've been a disaster."
"Absolutely," Woodward chimed in, leaning forward. "We can't take this for granted, though. We need to show him we mean business in the market."
Scholes nodded. "We've already made progress there. Valencia and Young are open to the transition to full-back. They know they've lost that explosive edge as wingers and are ready to adapt. They're even willing to train earlier with the reserves to get up to speed."
Tiger leaned back. "Good. That kind of attitude will help them settle faster. But let's be clear—they'll still be wingers when we need them to be. This is about versatility, not just replacing fullbacks."
Woodward checked his notes. "Speaking of strengthening the squad, Atletico has agreed to sell Toby Alderweireld for €7 million. The discussions with him have been positive, but he wants to speak with you once more before finalizing."
Tiger nodded. "Get him on a call. Let's close this today."
Within half an hour, Tiger sat facing the video monitor, the screen connecting to Toby Alderweireld, who appeared composed but eager.
"Toby," Tiger began, "I like your presence on the pitch. I see you as a future mainstay in our defense once Vidic and Rio retire. But until then, your role is crucial in rotation. Learn from them, take every chance you get, and you'll be an integral part of this club."
Toby nodded but asked, "Where exactly do you see me in the squad?"
Tiger leaned in. "Vidic and Ferdinand are aging. They won't play every game. Phil Jones will be used more as a defensive midfielder, so that opens up more center-back opportunities. You will be in rotation immediately, but I need you to integrate quickly."
Toby's expression brightened. "That's all I needed to hear. As long as it's fair competition, I'll prove myself against anyone."
Tiger smirked. "Good answer. That's the mentality we need here. Just know that the starting spot isn't handed to anyone. If you want it, take it from Smalling and van Dijk."
Toby straightened. "Then I'll make sure I do."
Woodward, listening in from the side, was impressed. As the call ended, he exhaled in relief. "That went better than expected. Toby's locked in, and we move on quickly."
Tiger stood up. "One step closer to a stronger squad. Let's keep going."
As they left the office, Tiger and Woodward returned to the conference room. Tiger turned to Woodward and asked, "What about the exits? We need funds if we're going to reinforce the attack."
Woodward glanced at his paperwork. "Lindegaard, Ben Amos, Evra, Buttner, and Jonny Evans have all asked to leave. Evra's deal with Juventus is nearly done—should be around €7 million. Buttner has offers from Russia, and Lindegaard could move to a mid-table Premier League club. Ben Amos is likely Championship-bound. West Brom is offering €4 million for Jonny Evans, and he's keen on the move."
Tiger nodded. "Move them as soon as possible. We need to act fast before the market gets too tight. The attack is a priority now."
Summer Transaction Status
1. Marcos Alonso (Age = 23) - LB - Free Transfer - Five Year Contract
2. Dele Alli (Age = 16) - Midfielder - Free Transfer - Joined the Youth Team
3. Leroy Sane (Age = 17)- The Next No. 7 - 800,000 Euros
4. Joshua Kimmich (Age = 18) - Young German Defender - 1,000,000 Euros
5. Virgil van Dijk (Age = 22) - CB - 5,000,000 Euros
6. Marco Asensio (Age = 17) - Nimble Attacking Midfielder - 1,000,000 Euros
7. Eric Bailley (Age = 19) - CB - 2,500,000 Euros
8. N'Golo Kanté (Age = 22) - Defensive Midfielder - CDM - Free Transfer
9. Riyad Mahrez (Age = 22) - Replacing Ryan Giggs - LW - 500,000 Euros
10. Anthony Martial (Age = 18) - Forward - 6,000,000 Euros
11. Ousmane Dembele (Age = 16) - Forward - 1,000,000
12. Naby Keïta (Age = 18) - CDM - Free Transfer
13. Benjamin Mendy (Age = 18) - LB - 4,000,000 Euros
14. Wild Card Entry Wilfried Zaha - Forward - 15,000,000 Euros
15. Allison Becker (Age = 21) - GK - 2,000,000 Euros
16. Toby Alderweireld (Age = 23) - CB - 7,000,000 Euros
Pending Transfer Budget: 5.2 Million Euros