Overnight, the double crown, the league title, the Champions League final…
Everything was forgotten.
Nearly all media outlets and fans across the UK, Europe, and even the world were stunned by the shocking news.
Gao Shen actually wanted to acquire Leeds United?
Insane!
Completely insane!
Where did he get the confidence and the money?
The media immediately launched an investigation and unearthed more information.
Now that the acquisition of Leeds United had been finalized, many of the previously signed confidentiality agreements were no longer valid.
Ken Bates was the first to speak out, confirming that the Chinese consortium had indeed acquired Leeds United, but he had never met Gao Shen throughout the process. "Of course, the Chinese consortium was represented by the family business of Gao Shen's fiancée. Do you think Gao Shen was behind this?"
Leeds City Council also issued a statement, clarifying that the entire acquisition process was conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.
Furthermore, government officials privately told reporters that the reason the warehouse district's lawyer had gone public was to use media pressure to force Chinese investors to raise their offer.
"The city has long planned to redevelop the dead-end roads and warehouse district. Over the years, Leeds United had been stuck in the lower leagues. We also hoped to take this opportunity to support the local club and achieve a win-win for the team, the government, the fans, and residents."
The official added that the city government would not be manipulated by public opinion. The warehouse district would either accept the offer or wait for the hearing, at which point they might receive even less.
As the governing body, the Premier League also made a statement. As the manager of Manchester City, Gao Shen had not violated any rules. As for his involvement in Leeds United's acquisition, since Leeds were in the Championship and not under Premier League jurisdiction, they had no comment.
The English Football Association and the English Football League also clarified that the acquisition was led by Chinese investors, and the official representative was indeed Gao Shen's fiancée. However, this did not conflict with Gao Shen managing Manchester City in the Premier League.
"We all know there are managers and players involved in operating lower-league teams. Some support their hometown clubs, others make investments or take on other roles. We are open to all of that."
"Whether Gao Shen was involved in the acquisition of Leeds United or not, the outcome remains the same—the entire transaction was legal and compliant."
Following these official statements, Manchester City chairman Mubarak and CEO Gary Cook held a press conference at the Etihad Stadium to publicly clarify the relationship between Gao Shen and Leeds United.
"He made it clear to us that he does not hold any position or receive any salary at Leeds United."
Mubarak emphasized that Manchester City trusted Gao Shen and considered him a professional head coach.
As for the Leeds United acquisition, the relevant authorities had already made their positions clear.
…
From the Leeds City Council to the Premier League, to the FA and finally Manchester City, all the responsible parties stepped forward. Media and fans were surprised to find that, regardless of Gao Shen's involvement, the acquisition had already gone through and was fully compliant with regulations.
Leeds United would continue competing in the Championship, and Gao Shen would continue managing Manchester City. The two sides would not interfere with each other.
As for the club's website now listing Su Qing, Gao Shen's fiancée, as the new chairman, did it really matter?
At the very least, it was a legitimate investment in a Championship club. Many family members of famous coaches have run businesses or worked as agents under their names.
With all the financial scandals in the Premier League in recent years, was this really the issue to criticize?
Even British tabloids wouldn't go that far.
Following the takeover, the initially outraged Leeds United supporters were quickly appeased.
Su Qing traveled to Leeds at the earliest opportunity and personally met with fan representatives. She pledged to lead Leeds United out of its slump.
But verbal promises weren't enough. Su Qing laid out a list of concrete steps she would take to run the club, including rebuilding the youth academy, constructing a new training complex, and signing new players to push for Premier League promotion.
During her meeting with fans, Su Qing also announced a major transfer—buying back Jonathan Woodgate from Tottenham Hotspur in London.
"He's back home!" Su Qing's words brought many Leeds United fans to tears.
Many people couldn't fully grasp the deep emotional connection between Leeds United supporters and Woodgate.
He had been the club's last symbol of pride during their decline. His departure marked the death knell for Leeds United.
Since then, the club had lacked any star players.
More importantly, Woodgate had been sold to Newcastle not by choice, but because of the club's overwhelming debt at the time.
Now, he was back.
That meant the new Leeds United had a chance to rise again.
Su Qing also announced two more important appointments.
One was club legend Eddie Gray, who returned as special advisor to the chairman.
Eddie Gray was a fan favorite who spent his entire playing career at Leeds United from the 1960s through the 1980s. After becoming a coach, he worked for many years with the youth team, producing talents like Woodgate and Alan Smith.
Back then, Eddie Gray had been assistant to head coach David O'Leary.
Interestingly, when Brian Kidd, now Gao Shen's assistant at Manchester City, was promoted from youth academy director to the first team, it led to Eddie Gray being forced out, which left a very negative impression of Kidd among Leeds fans.
Since leaving the club, Eddie Gray had worked as a commentator for Yorkshire Radio, covering only Leeds United matches. He remained beloved by the fans.
Gao Shen was fully aware of this, so he asked Su Qing, Lucas, and others to make early preparations to bring Eddie Gray in as a special advisor.
The goal was to reassure the fans.
The second appointment was Lucas Radebe, the club ambassador and another fan favorite.
The South African defender was praised by Mandela as the greatest player in South African history. He had played for Leeds under David O'Leary and was widely loved by supporters.
Even after Leeds were relegated from the Premier League, Radebe stayed on and played two more seasons in the Championship.
After retiring, Radebe dedicated himself to charity and even won the FIFA Fair Play Award.
Leeds United would now work with Radebe's charity, organize a series of charity matches, and appoint him as club ambassador.
Although Radebe was currently in South Africa, he greeted Leeds United fans via video during the meeting, promising to return soon and expressing confidence in the new management's ability to bring the club back to the Premier League.
Eddie Gray attended in person and stood beside Su Qing to face the fans together.
There was no stronger reassurance than that.
At first, many players were upset that the club had been taken over by foreign investors. But after seeing Su Qing's actions and the support of figures like Eddie Gray and Lucas Radebe, their doubts disappeared.
The new management team felt different.
At the very least, it was a major improvement compared to Ken Bates and his group.
And if the media were right, and Gao Shen really was behind this acquisition, what difference did it make?
Everyone knew that Gao Shen had a brilliant eye for talent.
If he helped Leeds United sign a few good players, was there any doubt they could be promoted?
Reporters and fans asked Su Qing what role Gao Shen had played in her acquisition of Leeds United.
Su Qing smiled and replied, "He gave me a lot of professional advice, but he didn't participate."
As for the warehouse district owners claiming they saw Gao Shen inspecting the land, Su Qing admitted he had been there, but said it didn't mean anything.
"I was completing such a big acquisition. It's only natural for him to offer some advice, right?"
Some fans even asked whether Gao Shen could be invited to coach Leeds United.
Su Qing smiled and nodded seriously. "I've thought about it, but we can't afford his salary right now. Maybe a few years from now, when we're back in the Premier League. What do you think?"
This kind of interaction and open Q&A helped the fans begin to accept Su Qing.
Later, some media even dubbed her "the most beautiful club owner in the world."
…
Just a few days passed.
From the initial uproar to the eventual calm, everything changed in the blink of an eye.
The potential crisis had been quelled before it could take hold. Su Qing's poise and leadership during her first days in charge of Leeds United earned widespread praise from the British media, especially the club's fans.
After all, foreign ownership facing fan backlash was nothing new in the Premier League.
But in just one meeting, Su Qing had won over the Leeds United supporters. It wasn't just her presence, or the support of Eddie Gray and Lucas Radebe. It was also her attitude, her answers, and the impression she left.
At the very least, the fans believed she was prepared and genuinely wanted to lead the club out of the abyss.
Meanwhile, the mastermind behind it all, Gao Shen, stayed out of the spotlight. He remained at Carrington, focused on preparing for the Champions League final, or went home to discuss plans with Su Qing, Lucas, Sarri, Borrell, and others.
Lucas, Sarri, and Borrell were still under contract with Manchester City. They wouldn't move to Leeds United until after the Champions League final.
But just as the team was about to head south to London, new trouble emerged.
(To be continued.)
***
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