Football: Starting from being abandoned by Barcelona

"There is one more thing we need to consider," Sanchez continued, "and that is Li Lei's own wishes."

"He has achieved great success in Leicester City. Is he really willing to come to Real Madrid and accept a possible substitute role?"

Florentino raised his head, his eyes sharp.

"You mean, we should give up Li Lei?"

Sanchez chose his words carefully: "I mean, we should think carefully."

"Li Lei is undoubtedly an excellent player, but he may not be what Real Madrid needs most now."

Florentino nodded slowly, he understood Sanchez's considerations.

What Real Madrid needs is visible success, the championship of the next season.

At this critical moment, perhaps stability is more important.

"I understand." Florentino finally said, his voice firm.

"Let's put Li Lei's matter aside for the time being. Our focus should be on how to surpass Barcelona next season and regain the Champions League."

Sanchez breathed a sigh of relief, he knew that this was a wise decision.

"But we can't completely relax our attention on Li Lei." Florentino added, with a visionary light in his eyes.

"He represents the future and represents infinite possibilities. We must continue to observe his growth and make a move at the right time."

In the chairman's office of Leicester City, the atmosphere was solemn.

Chairman Vichai was sitting at his desk, with the club's financial report spread out in front of him.

Numbers don't lie. The huge investment last season has brought the club's finances to the brink of danger.

The door was knocked gently, and head coach Claudio Ranieri walked in, his face also shrouded in a cloud of worry.

"Chairman, we need to talk." Ranieri said straight to the point, and said in a serious tone: "About the future of the team, about our players."

Vichai motioned Ranieri to sit down, he took a deep breath, and a bitter smile appeared on his face.

"I think I know what you are going to say, Claudio." Vichai said, his voice full of fatigue.

"Li Lei, Vardy, Mahrez... their performance has attracted everyone's attention."

"Especially Li Lei, he may be the most sought-after player in the world now."

Ranieri nodded, his expression more solemn.

"Yes, Chairman."

"I just looked at the data from Transfermarkt, and Li Lei's value has soared to a height that we can hardly imagine." He paused, as if weighing his words.

"I'm worried that we may not be able to keep him."

Vichai closed his eyes and sighed deeply. He certainly understood Ranieri's concerns.

Li Lei is not only the core of Leicester City, but also the soul of the entire team.

Losing him will be a huge blow to the team.

"I understand your concerns, Claudio." Vichai finally said, with determination in his voice.

"But we have to face the reality. We are Leicester City, not Manchester City, not Real Madrid."

"We don't have the financial resources like them, and we don't have the ability to provide Li Lei with a treatment that matches his worth."

A trace of pain flashed across Ranieri's face. Vichai was telling the truth.

The miracle of Leicester City was built on the efforts of everyone, but it was also built on the edge of financial danger.

They can't go on like this.

"Then what should we do?" Ranieri asked, with a hint of despair in his voice.

"We can't just lose Li Lei and our core."

Vichai stood up and walked to the window, his eyes looking into the distance, as if looking for an answer.

"We have to make a choice, Claudio." Vichai finally said, his voice firm.

"We have to find a balance between maintaining financial stability and retaining core players."

"If sacrifices must be made, we must sacrifice."

Ranieri was stunned. He didn't expect Vichai to say such a thing.

"You mean..."

"I mean, if there is a suitable offer, we will let Li Lei go." Vichai turned around and looked at Ranieri firmly.

"We will use this money to consolidate other positions in the team and to ensure the future of the team. This is our only choice."

Ranieri fell silent. This was a difficult decision.

But he also understood that this might be the only way out for Leicester City.

"I understand, Chairman." Ranieri finally said, with a heavy voice.

"I will support your decision, and we will face this difficulty together."

Vichai stepped forward and put his hand on Ranieri's shoulder.

"We are together, Claudio. Leicester City is a team, and we will go through it together.Overcome difficulties. "

At Leicester City's training base, Ranieri found Li Lei who was undergoing recovery training.

"Li, we need to talk." Ranieri said, with a hint of seriousness in his tone.

Li Lei stopped practicing and turned to face his coach.

There was still sweat from training on his face, but his eyes were clear and full of concentration.

"What's the matter, Mr. Coach?" Li Lei asked in a calm voice.

Ranieri took a deep breath, he knew that this would be an unusual conversation.

"Li, I want to know your plans for next season." Ranieri said straight to the point.

"You have achieved great success here, you have become a legend of Leicester City."

"But I know that your future is more than that."

Li Lei's eyes flickered, at this moment he clearly knew that Ranieri had something to say.

"Teacher, you are right." Li Lei said frankly, with a hint of firmness in his voice.

"I am very grateful for everything Leicester City has given me, I have spent the best time of my career here. "

"But, I want more, I want to prove myself on the stage of the Champions League, I want to compete with the best players in the world. "

Ranieri nodded, he had expected Li Lei's answer, it was reasonable.

"I understand your desire, Li." Ranieri said, with appreciation in his voice.

"You are an ambitious young man, you have the ability to become one of the best players in the world."

"But, I must be honest with you, Leicester City may not be able to meet your wishes."

Li Lei's face flashed a trace of surprise, he did not expect Ranieri to be so direct.

"We are a magical team, we have created miracles." Ranieri continued, with pride in his voice.

"But we must also face the reality, we do not have the financial resources like Manchester City, like Real Madrid."

"We cannot guarantee that we can continue to compete in the Champions League in the future. "