Chapter 29: Zagreb
Zagreb was the home of one of the two giants of the Croatian Football: Građanski nogometni klub Dinamo Zagreb or more popularly known as Dinamo Zagreb. Dinamo Zagreb alongwith Hadjuk Split have dominated the Croatian football since the establishment of Prva HNL, the first division of Croatian football since its establishment in 1992. They had split all but one top division titles since then.
But John wasn't here to attempt to buy players from Dinamo Zagreb because of a simple factor, he couldn't. Although Zagreb had many talented players including future Ballon D'or winner Luka Modric, none of them would switch to play second division football. He also couldn't afford the transfer fee required to prise them away from Dinamo Zagreb.
He was here to recruit a player from the other club in the city: Nogometni klub Zagreb or simply known as NK Zagreb. This is the counterpart to its much celebrated city rival Dinamo Zagreb. Though not as famous as Dinamo, this is the only the third club to win Prva HNL. In 2001-02, against all odds, NK Zagreb won the first division title to break the Dinamo and Split duopoly. It was the first time it happened since the establishment of Prva HNL. That was the greatest achievement in the history of the club.
John was here to poach the budding striker of the club: Mario Mandzukic.
John remembered that Mandzukic, in addition to his goalscoring was noted for his physical strength, mobility, his ability in the air, exceptional fitness and seemingly endless stamina. He was known for his brash style of play using his physical strength and powerful strength rather than depending on technical ability. Standing at 6'3", he had size and was primarily used as a target man in the penalty area, but due to his high work rate, tactical awareness and generosity, he was used in many positions throughout his career such as second striker, winger, attacking midfielder or even as a wing-back.
John remembered from his previous life that noting Mandzukic's endurance, Felix Magath, his manager at Wolfsburg said that he was so fit, he could play in back-to-back games without stopping for a minute. He also played under Diego Simeone for a single season and was a perfect fit in his system. So, John had identified Mandzukic as the target for the starting forward position.
Leicester had already negotiated with Nk Zagreb. They were willing to let go Mandzukic for 1 million pounds. Now, the only thing remaining was to convince Mandzukic to come and play for Leicester.
John and Michael reached the meeting destination to see that Mario Mandzukic and his agent, Ivan Cvjetkovic were already waiting for them. John had already contacted Cvjetkovic beforehand and found out that a deal was possible.
After they greeted each other, John started and said, "Mr. Cvjetkovic, we want to sign Mandzukic. We, at Leicester think that Mandzukic is very talented and if given the chance, he could be an elite player."
John was speaking in English, because even though Mandzukic didn't know how to speak English, his agent did.
"We are very happy to hear that, Mr. Baker that you regard Mario in such a high esteem and we are interested in a move too. But there has been interest in my client from Dinamo Zagreb and Mandzukic is very interested in that move." Cvjetkovic said to John.
John knew it was true. Arsenal were interested in Dinamo Zagreb's striker Eduardo da Silva and Dinamo saw Mandzukic as Eduardo's replacement were he to join Arsenal. But there was nothing concrete yet. Arsenal were also interested in several other targets and there was nothing sure. So, Dinamo still hadn't made a bid for Mandzukic and John was planning to take advantage of that fact. John knew that if he didn't strike fast, Eduardo will join Arsenal sometime in July and Mandzukic will replace him at Dinamo Zagreb. That was why he came to Croatia first on May 30.
"There's always interest from big clubs in talented players. But they haven't made a bid yet. What if it only remains an interest and no bid materialises. And even if Mandzukic moves to Dinamo, how many minutes will he receive? He's already 21, at this stage of career, the thing he needs most is playing time" John decided to be aggressive in his approach. He wanted to exploit the uncertainty of the move because Dinamo hadn't made a bid.
"We regard Mandzukic as a player who is ready for a starting spot in Championship and who will grow up to be a star and are willing to train him wholeheartedly. We want to sign him as a starting forward and give him minutes that he requires to grow. We will support him at Leicester and help him to reach his potential. We have also signed Hasselbaink, a striker with experience at the very top, who will be willing to mentor Mandzukic." John tried his best to list the advantages Leicester could provide him.
Seeing uncertainty on Cvjetkovic and Mandzukic's face, John went ahead to try and get the deal done.
"In addition, we are willing to provide a five year contract to Mandzukic with an annual salary of 300,000 pounds." John proposed with confidence.
This was the reason for the dominance of the nations with top leagues, their financial power. The wage bill of most championship teams was higher than many top division teams in other countries. It was professional sports after all, players give their all on the football pitch to earn money. It was difficult to refuse the lure of money.
Although Leicester had financial troubles, John was willing to give generous contracts to attract capable players. John knew that these players will pay him back with their performances.
After discussing between them, Cvjetkovic and Mandzukic finally agreed to sign for Leicester. They would travel to Leicester as soon as possible to complete the signing.
John and Michael finally left. John felt content after getting the deal done.
"Let's go, Michael, to our next destination." John said to Michael in cheerful tone.
"Our flight is tomorrow, boss." Michael said with a deadpan expression.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Serialeater
Serialeater Ser_Lanciscazzo got it right. Recommend me some more players. Your favorites from Europe.
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