Football Dynasty-Chapter 197: Rejected Again?

After the match against Brentford, City were set to face Barnsley next—and everyone expected it to be an easy win for Manchester City.

Unexpectedly, just like in the Brentford match, City struggled to break through Barnsley’s defense in the first half.

In truth, this had become a recurring pattern.

Whether it was Van Bommel, Robbie Savage, Neil Lennon, Jackie McNamara, Jamie Pollock, Graham Fenton, Steve Lomas, or Theodoros Zagorakis—among all these midfielders, the only ones truly capable of carrying the ball forward were Neil Lennon and, to a lesser extent, Jackie McNamara. But even McNamara wasn’t on the same level as Lennon.

So whenever Neil Lennon didn’t play, the midfield relied purely on box-to-box efforts—charging forward, trying to deliver the ball to the two strikers, and then hoping for the best.

There was no real orchestration. No one to dictate the tempo or link defense to attack with real precision.

As the match between Manchester City and Barnsley entered the 80th minute, almost everyone believed the two teams would settle for a draw.

Robertson let out a heavy sigh. He had wanted to persuade O’Neill to ease Rinaldo’s punishment, but he knew his hands were tied.

Even he himself felt that a draw would be a fair outcome, considering Manchester City still lacked a consistently fluid attack.

But surprises often arrive quietly, when you least expect them.

City conceded from a corner kick!

AGAIN!

"Goal!!"

Nicky Forster caught City completely off guard! Panic rippled through the City ranks as they scrambled to regroup. Now they faced the daunting task of chasing the game if they wanted to salvage anything from this match.

Barnsley 1 – 0 Manchester City

The sudden deficit injected urgency into the game. City’s players pressed forward aggressively, pushing higher up the pitch in search of an equalizer.

O’Neill shouted instructions from the sideline, urging calm amidst the chaos. "Keep your heads! Play smart! Control the ball—create chances!"

Despite the pressure, Barnsley remained disciplined at the back, absorbing City’s attacks and looking for opportunities to strike on the counter.

The fans held their breath as City poured everything into their offensive efforts. The clock ticked relentlessly as City fought not just for a goal, but for momentum and pride.

PHWEEE!

After the whistle blew and the ball went out, Gallas quickly took the throw-in on the right side. With sharp eyes, he spotted Cafu making a powerful run down the right wing.

Cafu received the ball.

For the previous eighty minutes, he had typically crossed from the flank at a 45-degree angle or played through balls to exploit gaps between the opposing full-backs and center-backs. However, this time, after a clever feint that deceived his marker, he cut inside toward the center and spotted an opening.

He slid a pass toward the top right edge of the penalty area and Barnsley midfielder tracked the ball with his eyes—then froze in disbelief.

Since when?!

Trezeguet, who had replaced Shevchenko, had stayed in the box per O’Neill’s instructions. He hovered around the area, bothering defenders but never really threatening. Yet now, seemingly out of nowhere, he appeared at the edge of the penalty area—completely unmarked.

With his body half-turned toward goal, Trezeguet felt a sense of calm as he met Cafu’s pass.

The ball arrived at an awkward height—too low for a header, too high for a clean volley—but that was the kind of chaos he thrived in.

He adjusted mid-stride, letting the ball drop just enough before snapping his right foot across it in one fluid motion.

The ball rocketed off his boot with a wicked curve, skimming low and fast.

The goalkeeper, caught off guard, was still shifting his weight when he realized the ball was already slicing beneath him.

He dropped to block it, but it was too late—the shot had slipped between his legs and slammed into the back of the net.

It was a goal that looked deceptively simple—until you realized how little space Trezeguet had to work with, and how brutally efficient he had been.

Barnsley 1 – 1 Manchester City

At home, Barnsley were naturally unwilling to accept draw.

In the final five minutes, they launched a furious counterattack, but they couldn’t break through Manchester City’s defense.

Then, in the last minute of stoppage time, Gallas headed a clearance wide to the right.

Ferdinand followed with a long ball that unexpectedly turned into a counterattack.

Lennon nodded the ball backward from the center circle. Not far ahead, Trezeguet burst into Barnsley’s half. With Barnsley’s backline caught high up the pitch, he stayed perfectly onside and broke free toward goal.

Facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Trezeguet kept his composure and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net—from just outside the penalty area.

Barnsley 1 – 2 Manchester City.

"Three goals in two games—Trezeguet’s wasting no time settling in at City! You’ve got to wonder... is this the start of something special? It’s not just the goals—it’s the way he moves, the timing, the calm under pressure. City fans are starting to dream, and the rest of the league might want to keep an eye on this one!"

Full-time: Barnsley 1 – 2 Manchester City

For the next league matches, City dropped valuable points with a 1-1 draw at Stoke City, followed by another 1-1 draw at Bolton.

These results allowed Sunderland and Derby County to start closing in on City at the top of the table.

1️⃣ Manchester City – 66 pts

2️⃣ Sunderland – 64 pts

3️⃣ West Brom – 61 pts

4️⃣ Derby County – 55 pts

5️⃣ Ipswich Town – 53 pts

January league results weren’t bad—two wins and two draws—but for O’Neill, it basically felt like a step back.

After the winning streak they had from November through December, this dip in form was a clear sign that momentum was slowing down.

"We need a new striker."

Early that morning, O’Neill called Miss Heysen to discuss bringing in a new forward.

With Solskjaer about to leave, Ronaldo still sidelined by suspension, and the only strikers left being Larsson, Shevchenko, and Trezeguet, it was clear the squad was short upfront for the league, FA Cup and League Cup.

"So, who do you have in mind?" Miss Heysen asked.

Any transfer decision had to go through Richard first—and even O’Neill was well aware of that. He didn’t bother to hide it.

"Nigel Clough is a solid option. Experienced, reliable."

"Nigel Clough from Liverpool?"

"Yes."

...The out-of-favour Liverpool striker, Nigel Clough.

Miss Heysen shook her head. "Mr. O’Neill, you do realize how old Clough is, right? He doesn’t fit our vision for transfers."

Since Richard became owner, his philosophy has been clear: sign young, talented players with potential to grow into future stars. It’s not just about experience—it’s about building a team that can develop, innovate, and compete for years to come.

"That’s why we need to focus on veteran players now who can bring experience and stability to the squad," O’Neill said firmly. "Young talent is important, but sometimes the team needs a steady hand, someone who’s been through the battles and can lead on and off the pitch."

Miss Heysen sighed. "What we really need is a striker with sharp instincts in front of goal. Experience helps, but goals win games. Lately, that’s exactly what we’ve been missing. Honestly, Mr. O’Neill, I think it’s better to play Ronaldo rather than gamble on Clough."

O’Neill felt stuck—caught between what he wanted and the club’s long-term plans.

Seeing his silence, Miss Heysen decided it was best to take the matter directly to Richard.

O’Neill simply nodded as she left the room.

When Miss Heysen called Richard to report that O’Neill had requested another transfer—and this time it was for Nigel Clough from Liverpool, valued at £1.5 million—Richard raised an eyebrow.

"O’Neill believes his experience will help stabilize the team," Miss Heysen explained cautiously.

Richard didn’t hesitate.

"Rejected."

There was a pause on the line before Miss Heysen responded, "You’re sure? O’Neill really thinks Clough could be the steady presence we need upfront."

"We’re building a team to grow, not patch it up temporarily. Clough doesn’t fit that vision."

"Understood. I’ll inform O’Neill and look for younger options. And, by the way, Richard—"

"What is it?"

"There’s been a fax regarding Ole Gunnar Solskjær. Manchester United has increased their offer for him to £5 million. Mr. Solbakken and Ole himself have already been seeking a meeting with you. But since you’re in Italy right now...So—"

Alex Ferguson was finally truly desperate!

With only Andy Cole and Eric Cantona available to lead the line for Manchester United, they have already raised their bid to £5 million!

"Are there any other players getting offers from other clubs?"

"Well, it’s not exactly that we’ve had offers from other clubs, but Nicky Weaver has refused to extend his contract, and Richard Wright has also submitted a transfer request."

Richard was taken aback by the news. Nick Weaver wasn’t too much of a concern—being the third-choice goalkeeper, he’d likely find another opportunity elsewhere. But Richard Wright?

He was just signed last season, and now he was already asking for a transfer?

"Do you know why Wright wants to leave?"

"Well," she paused before continuing, "Wright isn’t getting enough playing time because Martin prefers Jens over him. Wright says that Martin promised he would be the first-choice goalkeeper, but since the league started, he’s mostly been stuck on the bench."

Richard’s mouth twitched. If he hadn’t signed Lehmann at the last minute, Wright would likely be City’s number one goalkeeper by now. But with Lehmann here, Wright’s future as the starter is uncertain.

"We’ll accept the five million bid for Solskjær. As for Nicky, we respect his decision, but please try to find him a new club—at least that’s what we can do to help him move on. And for Wright, as long as there’s an offer around £250,000, we’ll accept it."

Miss Heysen didn’t say much as she calmly carried out Richard’s instructions.

"Did you end up selling him to Manchester United?" Marina asked from her seat after Richard put down his phone.

Richard gave a small nod. "United came in with a five million pound offer for Solskjær. Honestly, if I’d pushed them any harder, they probably would’ve walked away from the deal."

"Did you know United would push through with the deal?" Marina asked, narrowing her eyes. "Is that why you delayed it?"

"Of course not," Richard denied instantly. "But based on how well Solskjær fits into United’s current tactics, I knew Alex Ferguson wouldn’t make the offer unless he truly wanted him. This wasn’t a maybe—this was a move they were ready to commit to."

You’re kidding me. With Giggs and Beckham delivering pass after pass, Solskjær linking up with Keane, and Cole stationed up front—that was a true machine. That’s how Manchester United dismantled Newcastle United. For Richard, Solskjær was the key to it all.

Marina nodded as she listened to Richard. "Then what about Buffon and Pirlo? It feels like the talks just fell apart."

Richard shrugged. "It’s not exactly a failure, since there wasn’t much room for negotiation to begin with. Their main concern is whether City can secure promotion this season. And honestly, for players as talented as they are, it’s completely reasonable for them to have doubts about Manchester City."

Hearing this, Marina looked surprised. "Do you really want them that much?"

Richard nodded firmly. "They’re going to become legends. That’s why you need to keep monitoring them closely—before another club swoops in."

Though both Buffon and Pirlo had declined City’s approach for now, it wasn’t a definitive rejection. They simply wanted to wait and see how City’s season would unfold before making any decisions.

For any further discussions, Richard had already handed the responsibility over to Marina—he had done all he could.

Understanding his instructions, Marina nodded with determination.

For her, watching and listening to Richard handle the negotiations was a new experience. To be honest, it was eye-opening.

It was nothing like the structured world she knew—where deals were based purely on numbers and talks. This was something else entirely. It was emotional, tactical, and deeply personal. In football, you’re not just negotiating terms—you’re navigating egos, ambitions, loyalties, and the relentless pressure from fans, agents, and the media.

One wrong move, and everything could fall apart in an instant.