Contract

John took a break while they were having a talk with Simeone. They wanted to understand the tactical system Leicester were going to implement in the upcoming season from Simeone, and John happily agreed to wait while they talked to Simeone. That meant that they were somewhat interested in Leicester's proposal.

While they were talking to Simeone, John reviewed the financial aspect of the deal in his head. Michael and Sean had tried to ascertain Campo's actual salary at Bolton, but they didn't have that many contacts yet in the football business. So, they could only come up with a rough estimate of his salary.

Acc. to Michael, Campo's salary at Bolton was approximately 1.5 million pounds, and if they wanted to sign him, they would certainly need to offer more money than that. The good thing was that Campo's deal with Bolton expired after the next season, and after Bolton accepted Leicester's offer, his hopes of getting a new contract at Bolton would be low at best.

That gave an advantage for John to exploit who didn't want to commit to a deal longer than 2 years for Campo. But still, he would need to offer a higher salary to convince them to leave the greener pastures of the Premier League for Championship football.

Hasselbaink had agreed to a salary of 120,000 pounds but that wouldn't be the case here. Hasselbaink was already 35 and he was a striker. Hasselbaink, in his prime, depended on his speed to distinguish himself and because of his age, his speed declined.

There also wasn't much demand for him in the Premier League, so he only had Championship clubs to choose from. John also provided him with an opportunity as a coach after his career as a player, and that played a key role in persuading him to join.

But Campo was in a different situation. He could yet play in Premier League and in Championship, he would likely be one of the best players at his position when available. So, he was in a stronger position to negotiate with Leicester.

"Mr. Baker, I have to say that your proposal is appealing and the tactical system suits Campo. We are interested in hearing more," Miguel said after John joined them again.

John knew it was time for the next part, the financial part of the negotiation. It was time to discuss salary.

"We have designed a contract for Mr. Campo with an annual salary of 2 million dollars for 2 years," John said.

He could have started lower in terms of salary proposal, but he wanted to emphasize their commitment and he also felt it would be the best way to keep the contract length to 2 years.

"We have to say, Mr. Baker, the salary on offer is very generous, but the contract length is slightly shorter," Miguel said, "We would prefer a 3-year contract, even if some adjustments have to be made in salary on offer."

John knew that it would be a point of contention, that's why he decided to offer 2 million pounds salary at the start, because he knew that they wouldn't demand more.

Players wanted stability in contracts later in their career because they didn't know when they might have to hang up their boots. So, if Campo could get a 3 year, even if his salary was somewhat decreased annually, he would stand to make more overall in what would likely be his last big contract.

But John had already decided that at this point he wouldn't concede because it would complicate things in the long term and would become a roadblock in Leicester's road to success.

"I understand, Miguel, but we have a new policy in place at Leicester, and we have come up with the best contract we could," John said.

Due to Campo's expiring contract at Bolton, John knew that he possessed an advantage. Even if he could get play himself to a new contract, the salary available would nowhere be near at the offer John was making. This was the best financial offer Campo was going to get, and everyone there knew that.

So, now it was up to Campo and how much Leicester's sporting project attracted them.

"Mr. Baker, give us some time. We would let you know about our decision in a couple of days," Miguel said after discussing with Campo for a moment.

"Well, I hope you choose to come to Leicester," John said to Campo.

Now, it was out of John's hands. He gave them the best conditions that Leicester could afford afford without compromising the team finances.

John left the cafe and went straight to the airport to catch a flight to Leicester. It wasn't a long trip but John felt it was hard. He failed to sign Morais and he still didn't know about Campo's decision, he could only hope that he decides to sign for them.

John went straight to the club after landing in Leicester.

"How did it go?" Michael asked.

"It went well. He didn't say yes, but I think in the next couple of days, the deal would be done," John said.

"That's good," Michael said.

"Have you found anyone yet?" John asked.

"Yes, I have shortlisted a couple of players and send their reports to Simeone to review," Michael asked.

"Who?" John asked.

"Danny Guthrie from Liverpool and Jamie O'Hara from Tottenham," Michael said.

"Well, whoever we decide to sign, you will negotiate this deal," John said to Michael.

"Okay boss," Michael replied with a smile on his face.

They would likely need someone to negotiate deals in the future, but for now John and Michael had to do it. It would also help them in future to know about these things.