Pellegrini started to ponder, De Bruyne was a player he had wanted to sign during the winter break. The Belgian had shown exquisite passing skills and an attacking desire at Wolfsburg that made Pellegrini drool.
matches, 16 goals, 27 assists—such a big double-double. If he came to Manchester City, he would certainly boost the midfield’s attacking power and fuel the fire for Manchester City’s attacking football!
After all, Lampard is just a temporary transition; he won’t be here next season.
But then Pellegrini thought again, isn’t Tang Long also his favorite?
His goal count may not match De Bruyne’s, but his assist ability is no less impressive, even stronger!
appearances, 7 goals, 27 assists!
Same number of assists, but Tang Long played fewer games and was more efficient.
What makes Tang Long even harder for Pellegrini to let go is that during games, he often makes godlike anticipations!
Whether it’s choosing a position or timing a pass, Tang Long’s thinking always seems to be 1–3 seconds faster.
Many times, when he first makes a move, people are confused, but in a few seconds, he proves his choice was correct.
Pellegrini is 62 years old this year, which means he’s in the latter years of his coaching career.
From 1988 to 2015, coaching for 27 years, there have been hundreds of players under him, and not one has had the same precise game-reading ability as Tang Long—indeed, Coach Pei has interpreted Tang Long’s godlike anticipation on the field as his superb game-reading ability.
De Bruyne and Tang Long are both players Pellegrini favors. Both are young, one 24 and one nearly 19. In a certain sense, De Bruyne, at 24, has played in professional leagues for many years; his mentality might be a bit more mature. He’s also played in the Premier League with his former club Chelsea, so adapting to the Premier League’s rhythm shouldn’t be a problem.
But Tang Long is five years younger, suggesting his potential and malleability are greater and his future more promising.
If forced to choose one over the other, both are precious and hard to decide!
Seeing the coach’s brow almost twisted into a rope, Commercial Director Belada immediately said:
"No need to struggle! Choose Tang!"
"Why?" Pellegrini and Belgistan asked simultaneously.
Belada said, "I’m the Commercial Director. My work mainly focuses on the club’s commercial development and sponsorships, bringing more commercial opportunities and sponsorship contracts to the club, further enhancing its financial situation and brand influence globally."
"Since De Bruyne and Tang’s skills are similar, why don’t we bring in a Chinese player?"
"China has a population of 1.4 billion, harboring a commercial market with enormous potential for development. Once Tang comes to Manchester City, our attention in China will undoubtedly skyrocket!"
"By then, won’t various commercial sponsorships come pouring in? And playing a few commercial exhibition games in China, the appearance fees, and ticket money will roll in effortlessly."
Belgistan listened, and immediately made a decision!
"Alright, then let’s not go for De Bruyne, let’s go all out for Tang!"
Pellegrini quickly waved his hand and said, "Don’t rush, De Bruyne is a good kid too; he can be our second option. If Tang doesn’t come, I still want De Bruyne."
Belgistan scratched his head, thinking of competing with Chelsea for a player this summer, and instantly felt a headache.
Surely, there’ll be quite a storm.
"You know what I’m worried about," Belgistan said, "By the time we’ve negotiated a price with Inter, but Tang personally insists on going to Chelsea. After all, they just won the Premier League, and they’re riding high, plus their manager is Mourinho; this guy’s personal charm..."
Belada tugged Belgistan’s arm and gestured to Pellegrini to stop talking.
"Regarding Tang’s personal preference, I have an idea. Listen to see if it’s feasible."
Belgistan’s eyes lit up, and Pellegrini curiously leaned in.
"Chinese player Sun Jihai used to play for Manchester City; we could ask him to be a mediator."