Two days later, John Bico drove from Lille to La Louvière.
The agent also brought Lille's official position: they wanted to sell Hazard, demanded a transfer fee of twenty-five million euros, and had already released the news through the media while informing the agent of their stance.
In other words, the club wanted the transfer fee. As for which team he transferred to, they did not care.
"Head coach Rudi Garcia told me this personally. He asked me to tell you that the club really needs the money. He also hopes you'll make your choice carefully. If you decide to stay, he'll help persuade the management."
Rudi Garcia had truly done everything he could.
Sometimes, this was where the tragedy of a small club lay.
Players had to be sold. Without selling them, there was no money to bring in reinforcements; without reinforcements, the club's weaknesses could not be strengthened.
Lille would be competing in the Champions League next season. Without strengthening the squad, how could they possibly fight against those wealthy giants?
If they managed to break through the group stage and reach the knockout rounds, the club's earnings would be even greater.
The reason Lyon had remained so strong in French Ligue 1 was that they had taken part in the Champions League year after year, even reaching the knockout rounds.
It was not just about the money. It also made the club more attractive to players.
Everyone knew that performing well in the Champions League made it easier to earn the favor of the wealthy clubs.
Hazard and his parents sat quietly, without saying a word.
They had complicated feelings about the situation before them.
On the one hand, they looked forward to a brighter future. Lille was, after all, a small club. On the other hand,