Chapter 330: "Deep Pocketed" Manchester City

Cannavaro was sold to Parma in the summer of 1995. In his first season, he immediately became a regular starter, making 29 league appearances and scoring once. He quickly established himself as a key part of Parma’s backline, alongside Roberto Mussi, Antonio Benarrivo, Luigi Apolloni, and the Argentine veteran Néstor Sensini.

The 1996/97 season marked a turning point in Cannavaro’s career. From that point on, his rise to success at Parma truly began.

It was now or never.

So Richard decided to test the waters.

Interestingly, Parma’s position at the time closely mirrored that of Manchester City now. They finished the 1996–97 Serie A season as runners-up to Juventus, securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League the following year.

With City also qualifying for the next UEFA Champions League, Richard believed their chances of signing Cannavaro wouldn’t be too difficult.

News about Ferdinand was still making waves in English football.

"Manchester City shattered the domestic transfer record by selling Rio Ferdinand to Leeds United for a staggering £15 million!"

Reactions were mixed. Some media outlets hailed it as a landmark deal—proof of City’s sharp business sense—while others criticized the club for letting go of one of their most important players.

The one who took it the hardest, however, was Ronaldo. He had just lost his favorite clubbing partner.

Watching the two lads embrace like a pair of heartbroken lovers, O’Neill didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Thankfully, tomorrow marked the start of vacation—meaning no unnecessary drama.

Before the holiday officially began, Richard held one last meeting with O’Neill and the young José Mourinho.

He shook hands with Mourinho, giving him a firm nod. "So, how’s everything going for you here?"

José, still fresh-faced but sharp-eyed, smiled politely. "Busy—this club is... intense. Ambitious. I like that."

Richard chuckled. "That’s one way to put it. I heard you’ve been drilling the backline like they’re training for a war."

Mourinho may have been young, but he already carried himself like a man destined for something greater. In fact, in Barcelona, he had become a prominent figure by translating at press conferences, planning practice sessions, and helping players through tactical advice and analyses of the opposition.

Robson and Mourinho’s styles complemented each other: the Englishman favoured an attacking style, while Mourinho covered defensive options, and the Portuguese’s love of planning and training combined well with Robson’s direct man-management.

This was also why Richard had chosen him. O’Neill wasn’t one to overanalyze tactics—he relied more on man-management and motivation. Mourinho, on the other hand, was meticulous with his tactical planning and analysis.

While both favored counter-attacking play and occasionally clashed over defensive setups, Richard believed their contrasting approaches would ultimately complement each other and form a balanced management team.

"So, Jens decided to leave in the end, huh?" O’Neill said as he read through the list of transfers Manchester City had received so far.

He glanced at the document Richard had handed him—meaning the green light for the transfer had already been given.

Theodoros Zagorakis: £5 million offer from Leicester City

Jackie McNamara: £10.5 million offer from Celtic

Jens Lehmann: £6.5 million offer from AC Milan

With the Rio Ferdinand transfer, it means that City will have a cash surplus they can spend this season—£22 million!

And that’s not even including the transfer budget Richard had already set aside.

"So, is that all?" O’Neill asked, prompting a confused glance from Mourinho.

"No," Richard answered firmly to O’Neill’s question, his voice steady and resolute.

Then noticing the puzzled expression on the young Portuguese coach’s face, Richard smiled. "The sooner, the better," he replied, then went on to explain Manchester City’s transfer philosophy—how every major move was initiated and overseen directly by him with Marina Granovskaia and the manager playing a secondary role in negotiations.

The revelation caught Mourinho off guard. He hadn’t expected such a centralized and calculated system. Things had been quite different for him in Barcelona under Bobby Robson. They had enjoyed a far more collaborative environment—where ideas flowed freely between the coaching staff and management.

Without hesitation, he revealed his boldest ambition for the transfer window.

"I’m going to counter Parma’s offer for Materazzi—with one of our own... for Cannavaro."

The room fell silent.

Both O’Neill and Mourinho looked stunned, exchanging glances of disbelief.

"How?"

That was the only question O’Neill managed to ask.

While Cannavaro hadn’t yet reached the legendary status of Franco Baresi, Gaetano Scirea, or Ronald Koeman, his name was already firmly on the list of the most consistent defenders in the best league in the world.

"Let’s see if Parma takes the bait," Richard said with a faint smile as he did’t answer.

The following week, as Manchester City officially announced the departure of six players—four sold and two sent out on loan—panic quickly set in among the fans. For many Cityzens, it felt like the club was unraveling just as it had begun to show real promise.

The transfer window is always an emotional rollercoaster—a time when fans dream of new signings and the strengthening of their squad. But for City supporters, the early days of this window delivered only uncertainty and frustration. Rumors swirled, headlines speculated, and debates erupted across pubs, forums, and radio shows.

Why were they selling instead of buying?

Was there a bigger plan? Or were they carelessly dismantling a team that had just begun to challenge the established order?

"If they’re offloading players like this, how are we supposed to compete in the Premier League—let alone in Europe?" some fans questioned bitterly. "And don’t tell us it’s for financial reasons—that’s nonsense. If this continues, we’ll be fighting relegation again."

The doubt was growing, but Richard did not offer any explanation.

Stadio Ennio Tardini — the moment Richard’s counter-offer arrived on Parma’s desk — £10 million plus Marco Materazzi — Parma president Calisto Tanzi immediately called manager Carlo Ancelotti into his office.

"Ten million and Marco Materazzi," he repeated, raising an eyebrow as he handed the document to Ancelotti.

Ancelotti stared at the paper, momentarily speechless. A defender of Materazzi’s quality, plus cash?

After a beat, Ancelotti exhaled sharply. "It’s a serious offer."

Tanzi nodded thoughtfully... but after a long pause, he pushed the paper aside and muttered firmly, "Reject it."

He picked up a pen and scribbled a short note on the return fax: Too low.

Back in Manchester, when Richard read the terse message, he didn’t flinch. In fact, he clenched his fist in satisfaction. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"They’re baited," he whispered.

The real game had just begun.

Richard raised the offer to £11 million.Rejected.

Then to £12 million. Rejected again.

Then, suddenly—Richard raised it to £17 million!

With Materazzi valued at £8 million, the total bid now equaled £25 million!

Take it or leave it.

Of course, it was all a calculated bluff. Even if Parma rejected the offer, Richard still intended to bring Fabio Cannavaro to Manchester.

Bzzt... screeee—kkchhhh... whirr... beep beep... shhrrrp.

Richard tapped his finger anxiously as the fax machine whirred to life. The sharp mechanical screech echoed in the room, setting his nerves on edge. The moment the final sheet slid out, he rushed over and snatched it from the tray.

As his eyes scanned the paper, a smile of relief slowly spread across his face.

Accepted.

Many clubs would have loved to sign Cannavaro, but the truth was that all the current interest came from within Serie A.

Had this been the year 2000, perhaps Real Madrid or Barcelona would’ve joined the race—but thankfully, the Spanish giants hadn’t shown any real interest yet.

For Parma, selling Cannavaro to a domestic rival was unthinkable. They had already parted ways with several key players—strengthening a direct competitor would’ve been a step too far.

Manchester City and Materazzi were the best option they could think of.

Richard personally decided to handle the negotiations with Cannavaro’s camp.

Along with Marina, O’Neill, and Mourinho, they immediately boarded Richard’s private jet and landed in Parma, Italy.

After a brief introduction, Richard placed a contract in front of Cannavaro, who didn’t seem interested—he was only attending the meeting out of respect and obligation.

Without even looking at the offer, Cannavaro said calmly, "Please leave. I’m not interested in joining Manchester City. I don’t see a future there."

Richard didn’t flinch. He opened the contract and held it up in front of Cannavaro, speaking evenly, "A weekly salary of £45,000. If we secure promotion, it rises to £50,000, and increases by 10% annually. You’ll also receive bonuses based on our final league position. The contract runs for five years."

That figure made Cannavaro’s camp sit up.

"..."

Cannavaro’s team could only form an "O" with their mouths, stunned. How much was Cannavaro earning at Parma now? Certainly far less than this. They hadn’t expected such an attractive offer to be placed before them.

Cannavaro felt tempted. Professional footballers live off their youth, and careers in sport are notoriously short—riddled with injuries and unpredictable form. It was only natural to want to secure your future. There was nothing wrong with that.

Sensing his hesitation, Richard leaned in.

"Fabio, I’m not here to beg you to join us. I’m here to show you sincerity. Parma approved your transfer the moment they received my £17 million bid. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t pretend that players are ’priceless.’ But you—you’re worth at least £30 million. I know your value, and this contract reflects that."

After a moment of contemplation, Cannavaro asked, "What will my role be in the team?"

This was the opening Richard had been waiting for. After steadying his pounding heart, he responded firmly, gesturing toward O’Neill and Mourinho.

"You can discuss your role and playing time with them directly. But whatever you’re thinking right now, let me say this—opportunities like this don’t come often."

Indeed, becoming one of the highest earners at the club made it clear—Cannavaro would be a central figure from the very start. Even if English football hadn’t yet reached the tactical heights of Serie A, it was still among the top three most competitive and high-profile leagues in the world.

"Make it three years, and I’ll sign," Cannavaro said at last.

He didn’t have many options. Tensions with Parma’s board had already escalated, and staying would only make things more uncomfortable. Accepting the move was, in many ways, the only logical step forward.

Richard shook his head. "Four years, and we have a deal."

Four years—by the time the contract ended, Cannavaro would still only be 27 and right in the middle of his prime.

After a long silence, Cannavaro finally nodded in agreement.

After sealing the deal, Richard bid farewell to O’Neill and Mourinho before quietly leaving with Marina Granovskaia.

As they exited the club and got into the car, Marina, still slightly dazed by what had just transpired, muttered, "That’s the first time I’ve ever witnessed a negotiation like that."

Sitting in the front passenger seat, Richard responded calmly, "I’m the one in charge. I don’t need anyone’s approval. That’s why I can push through deals like this—because the final call is mine alone. If I went around begging players to join us, what kind of authority would I really have?"

Marina nodded quietly at Richard’s firm declaration.

"Understood," she said. "So, what’s our next destination?"

Richard leaned back in his seat, answering with calm certainty. "Manchester, of course. The Cannavaro deal was a special case—but from this point on,

you’ll

be handling the negotiations. I’ve already prepared a list of our next targets."

Marina raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "We’re still making signings? We just spent £17 million in a single move."

"Absolutely," Richard replied without missing a beat. "We’ve let five players go—at least five must come in. This is only the beginning."