Chapter Four: The Expired Metronome

At 5:47 p.m., San Aurelio sent the termination agreement. Serra surrendered £1.2 million in guarantees in exchange for free agency and full image rights. Seabridge's fixed first-year cost was £1.8 million. Only Champions League qualification could make it rise. When Salin approved it, he summoned communications. “Announce it as ‘a former star chasing one last glory.’ Do not mention the temporary consultant.” Serra arrived the next day. Before running a test, he asked for training footage. He named every academy player and identified three occasions when Luca Bello had received without checking behind him. His first session lasted forty minutes. Kovac stepped up and Vidal fed Serra.