Chapter Three: The Phantom Bid

[Next season: 11 goals, 14 assists, 6 penalties won; projected year-end offer €32m.] [Trap: “profit” may deduct academy compensation, agent fees, and arbitrary management costs, potentially leaving the buyer owing the seller.] Fifteen minutes passed. Lin closed the folder. “We withdraw.” Roland's smile twitched. “Sanctum will buy him.” “Then they can explain why their sporting director watched another winger in Lisbon last night.” Lin displayed public flight records and stadium photographs. “A phantom bid may be legal. Putting one in a listed company's transaction statement will interest the auditors.” The lawyer whispered. Roland finally asked, “Your terms?”