The familiar atmosphere of the café hadn't changed, nor had the pattern of Reinhart and Mathias's meetings continuing in this pce. However, this time, Reinhart was sitting with a young pyer—Owen Valerio.
Owen, looking hesitant, began the conversation with an honest question, "Why does the coach want to bring me in? You know, I haven't pyed well during this half of the season, right?"
Reinhart smiled upon hearing this and calmly replied, "I need you because you are the best option."
Owen furrowed his brow, "What do you mean?"
Reinhart then opened the documents in front of him. In a steady voice, he began to expin, "Owen Valerio, 16 years old, has pyed 10 times in League Two with Gillingham and has changed positions 7 times. Perhaps not very prominent, but it's clear that in every opportunity, you pyed your role well."
Reinhart continued, "You are a pyer with very good speed, physique, and technique. Although your best position isn't yet clear, great potential lies within you. However, it's also clear that no one but myself will be able to unlock that potential."
Owen listened attentively, though doubt still lingered in his eyes. Reinhart didn't stop to offer reassurance, "If you want to grow into a great pyer, come to Bradford. We will help you achieve that."
Seeing the sincerity in Reinhart's gaze, the previously hesitant Owen finally decided. His future decision was now in his own hands. Something new and promising awaited him at Bradford City.
With conviction, Owen nodded, ready to begin a new journey in his football career.
On the same day, in the afternoon, Reinhart contacted his key pyers, asking if they intended to leave. However, their answers were unique and varied.
"Hahh, move? My sweet little brothers won't be able to live without me."
"I am completely devoted to the coach; Anya is also comfortable here."
"I've scored a lot of goals, and I believe I will become the best striker in the Premier League with Bradford."
"Move?? I'd need to adjust again, practice communicating, and remember their names again." The pyer suddenly froze, remembering having to socialize in a new environment.
"I'm not going anywhere, boss."
"I believe in this team; besides, which team gives young pyers like me so many pying minutes?"
"You unlocked my potential, Sir; I won't move."
"Does the coach want to get rid of me? Huee." The pyer even cried loudly and needed to be calmed down by other pyers.
"Hahaha, rex; I won't leave my juniors. Let me py a few more seasons before retiring."
With these answers, all the pyers who were called eventually agreed to sign new contracts with Bradford City, ensuring their commitment to stay with the team.
In the afternoon, Reinhart welcomed the return of Min Sung, who had just arrived with several pyers who had been contacted previously. After taking the pyers to their prepared accommodations,
Reinhart and the staff immediately held a meeting to discuss the crucial pyer acquisition strategy, considering the next match would take pce on January 6th, just a few days after the transfer window opened. The very short preparation time made this meeting critical.
In the meeting, they began by evaluating which sectors needed strengthening, then checked the avaible transfer funds. Min Sung brought a list of pyers he had prepared after several scouting trips. They discussed, reviewed the pyers, and shortlisted several names that best suited the team and were actually attainable.
Several teams were contacted directly, and some good news was received, although there were also pyers who were not interested in moving. This forced them to look for alternatives. Several non-professional pyers who had previously been contacted by Cassandra had also arrived, ready to be considered in the selection process.
With decisions needing to be made quickly, Reinhart and Min Sung knew that this transfer window would be a crucial moment to strengthen the squad and ensure thorough preparation before the next match.
Then, the next day, on January 1st, 2026, the winter transfer window officially opened. A new chapter began for Bradford City, a club with a grand vision and a burning youthful spirit, despite being overshadowed by various rumors and uncertainties.
And on the very first day of the transfer window, Bradford City announced a number of surprising and heartbreaking departures for the supporters.
Pyers Released: Ismael Boukari → Swansea (Championship) Price: ￡1,800,000 Boukari, who had performed brilliantly as a defensive midfielder, now received a contract from Swansea.
Mason Sanwood → Exeter City (League One) Price: ￡300,000 To get more pying minutes, Sanwood chose to move to Exeter. A realistic step for his career.
Iron Lhen → Barrow AFC (League One) Price: ￡125,000 The veteran midfielder finally accepted Barrow's offer, who were cking a creator in midfield.
Chris Jhon → Walsall Price: ￡100,000 Walsall, who were in a defensive crisis due to injuries, managed to bring him in.
Tom Shield → Walsall Price: ￡130,000 Joining Chris, Tom also accepted a promising offer from the same club.
Mike Aliston → Tranmere Rovers Price: ￡50,000 (assumed free transfer or undisclosed fee) Mike chose to move for better wages and the guarantee of regur pying time.
Anderson Kame → Tranmere Rovers Price: ￡75,000 (assumed same as Mike) A simir decision to Mike, for a clearer future.
Koji Yamane → Stoke City (Championship) Price: ￡3,000,000 The most surprising transfer of the season. Koji, Bradford's mainstay winger, finally joined his dream club, Stoke City. An emotional achievement for a pyer who grew up with the team. He broke Bradford City's record for the biggest pyer sale.
Ollie Walcot → Oxford United (Championship) Price: ￡1,000,000 The most heartbreaking transfer. Ollie decided to move to get more pying opportunities, while also helping Oxford, who were in a striker crisis.
The media was in an uproar over these pyer movements. Especially after seeing the total amount Bradford received from selling these 9 pyers. Bradford City received a total of €7,610,000.
Supporters also commented on social media:
"Nooo Koji Yamane left" "Ollie? He pyed well, why did he move?"
"7 million euros for these 9 pyers? What if the other key pyers are sold, will we become a rich club?"
"Thank you to the pyers who have delivered great performances during the first half of the season."