Barnett had completely lost it. Ever since Leo Lin's €75 million valuation swept every trending chart, he had stuck to Leo Lin's side, muttering nonstop.
"Seventy-five million!"
"Seventy-five million! Seventy-five million!"
"Even Bale wasn't worth that at your age. Who's valued at €75 million at eighteen?"
"My God… what kind of treasure have I picked up?"
Leo Lin was speechless. Barnett followed him around like an overprotective spouse, never more than a step away.
Even when Leo Lin went to the bathroom, Barnett stood guard outside, claiming it was "close personal protection."
From the moment the valuation was announced, Leo Lin's phone exploded.
Friends and family flooded him with congratulatory messages. His teammates bombarded him with calls, one after another.
"Hey, Lin, it's Firmino. That's insane—€75 million! You're treating tonight."
"Hey, Lin, Salah here. €75 million! You're buying dinner tomorrow."
"Hey, Lin, Mané here. €75 million! You're covering the night after!"
…
After those calls, Leo Lin couldn't help but suspect Salah was taking revenge.
When Leo Lin bought his luxury mansion, he'd casually taken quite a few home furnishings from Salah's place. Now Salah had finally found his chance to get even.
Still, treating them to a few meals was nothing to Leo Lin now. The club immediately released the full squad's updated valuations and posted a separate congratulatory message celebrating Leo Lin's rise to €75 million.
In an instant, football media across Europe—and the world—were discussing one thing: a 18-year-old valued at €75 million.
Liverpool even produced a special program dedicated to discussing the squad's new valuations with fans.
Several legends attended, most of them Liverpool icons, and all of them praised Leo Lin's valuation.
"If you told me an 18-year-old was worth €75 million, I'd think you were out of your mind."
"But if that 18-year-old is Leo Lin, it suddenly feels perfectly reasonable," Riise said, sincerely impressed after reviewing Leo Lin's recent performances and statistics.
"At 18, he's already won the U17 World Cup. Add his consistent performances in the Champions League and standout displays in the league—there's no way Transfermarkt would ignore that kind of potential."
Sami Hyypiä nodded.
"As many have said before, his greatest strength is his presence."
"You can see a young player's potential through his influence on the pitch."
"Some say an 18-year-old shouldn't be valued at €75 million. But in my view, 18 is exactly the right age for a high valuation—because it represents potential."
After the program, several Liverpool legends posted their thoughts online.
Sami Hyypiä: "I admit it—I'm jealous. €75 million at 18? What will he be worth at 20?"
Klopp: "Why do I have this feeling he might become the first player in football history to break the €200 million mark?"
…
Iniesta posted: "I can't wait to see this young man in the Spanish national team."
Sergio Ramos posted: "Get him to the Spanish national team already. I can't wait to meet him."
As clubs entered the break, the final two World Cup qualifying matches kicked off.
Spain had already secured a World Cup spot. Their remaining fixtures were against Gibraltar and Italy.
The final match would determine who finished top of the group—Spain or Italy.
On January 29, head coach Lopetegui officially announced the latest Spain first-team squad.
Countless fans tuned into the live broadcast, waiting for the final list.
Unsurprisingly, core players like Iniesta, Busquets, Sergio Ramos, Piqué, Alba, and others were all selected.
In goal, David de Gea was named first-choice keeper.
Leo Lin sat in front of the stream, waiting for Lopetegui's announcement.
Barnett lounged beside him, looking far more relaxed than Leo Lin. He was certain Lopetegui would call him up.
After the final defender, Carvajal, was announced, Lopetegui began revealing the midfielders.
Iniesta. The young Koke. The experienced Busquets.
David Silva of Manchester City was also included without surprise.
Then came the final midfield spot. Lopetegui paused slightly and raised a card—clearly prepared for a special reveal.
"And finally, the newest member of this Spain national team!"
"From Liverpool—the young Lin!"
Leo Lin let out a long breath. His phone immediately began ringing nonstop.
Charles Lin was the most excited of all, calling and texting repeatedly.
He quickly posted online and tagged the person who had doubted before.
"Someone once told me Leo Lin would never make Spain. Come out and speak up—let's hear what you've got to say now!!!"
Teammates from the club also sent their congratulations. Leo Lin finally leaned back on the sofa, gently swaying, the tension completely gone from his face.
At 8 p.m. that night, Leo Lin boarded a private jet with Barnett, heading to the Spain first-team training base to report.
For the first match, Spain would fly together to Gibraltar.
Throughout the journey, Leo Lin looked forward to meeting his new teammates. All players were required to arrive at the designated hotel within the allotted time to assemble.
By the time Leo Lin arrived, it was already late at night, but the hotel still glittered under bright lights.
Six Spanish staff members stood at the entrance—some handling his luggage, others introducing the hotel facilities, and others even checking his boots. The meticulous service made Leo Lin feel immediately at ease.
Just as he stepped out of the car, a Maybach pulled up behind him.
From the back seat stepped none other than Spain's current captain—Sergio Ramos.
Leo Lin immediately walked forward to greet him. Ramos, carrying several large bags, dropped everything the moment he saw Leo Lin. All the luggage hit the ground.
Then he strode over and wrapped Leo Lin in an enormous hug.
"Lin!!!"
"We finally meet!"
Leo Lin hadn't expected Sergio Ramos to be so warm and friendly—it didn't quite match his fierce on-field reputation.
He instantly felt a strong rapport as well. Like old friends reunited after years apart, they quickly fell into animated conversation.
Ramos took on the role of guide, leading Leo Lin into the hotel and showing him around. Soon, first-team players began arriving in the lobby.
Head coach Lopetegui greeted Leo Lin with a big hug. Leo Lin also greeted his national team teammates one by one.
De Gea, Iniesta, Busquets, David Silva, Asensio, Morata—seasoned players who had been through countless battles. Leo Lin, by contrast, had only played half a season at the top level.
Yet every one of them treated him warmly.
As the youngest player in the squad, Leo Lin received an abundance of goodwill, which completely eased his lingering nerves.
To his surprise, he found himself blending into the Spain family at remarkable speed.
...
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