20 – A New Future
020
No matter how good Joo Ji-tae’s memory is, unless it’s a complete memory ability, it’s impossible to remember everything that happened 20 years ago.
Even in the first season, he sold his patience to find an agent, and the memories from that time only sporadically came to mind; if it weren’t for that, he would have had to start from scratch even in the second season.
“Let’s see… Looking at the name and photo, it’s vaguely coming to me.”
As Jaeshin flipped through the documents handed to him by the old man, memories that he had unconsciously forgotten started to resurface.
“I don’t remember this place. This place… for some reason, it wasn’t great. Right, this place was okay. Let’s keep this one.”
Although Jaeshin’s family could be considered a long-established soccer family, with an executive of the soccer association or a respected elder in the soccer world, it wasn’t the case. Despite being from a family that had immersed itself in soccer for generations, it was just an ordinary household.
Still, accumulated connections over a long period cannot be ignored.
Only within the domestic realm.
“It’s over domestically. As for overseas… I can’t even touch it.”
After the Asian Cup performance, contract offers poured in from overseas agencies.
Ironically, there were far more offers from abroad than from domestic ones.
However, Joo Ji-tae didn’t even consider foreign agencies.
“They’re all places I’ve never heard of. Rather than signing with unreliable agents abroad, it’s better to sign with domestic agents.”
Unless it’s a large agency with a brand name, signing with agents from unknown places is not trustworthy.
Signing a contract is easy.
The problem lies in the result.
Even in a globalized world, the constraints of distance are still a significant factor. Domestic agencies can be verified through Jaeshin’s old man’s connections, but overseas is a different story.
Verification is too difficult and cumbersome, and it takes a long time, but reliability is lacking. It’s better to sign with a domestic agency in such a situation.
Unlike the past, the current era in the 2030s has seen a significant rise in the capabilities of domestic agencies, making it quite feasible to enter Europe. Of course, this is a story supported by the athlete’s own skills, but even in the first round when the evaluation was lower than it is now, entering Europe smoothly was not a problem.
Certainly, the capabilities of domestic agencies are considerable, but when compared to the top agencies in Europe, they are indeed lacking. So, the strategy is to sign contracts only until entering Europe and, once a solid reputation is established there, to sign with a renowned local agency in Europe.
From the perspective of domestic agencies, creating a presence in Europe is good, and from our standpoint, entering Europe smoothly is also good.
It’s a win-win situation, the exemplary relationship between player and agent.
“In the end, it boils down to these two.”
After careful consideration and selection, Joo Ji-tae smiled as he looked at the two remaining agencies until the very end.
Coincidentally, isn’t it the same list as the first round?
Even though other details may be hazy, the two agencies that were decided upon until the very last moment are vividly remembered.
“Hop Agency has a strong network in the smaller European leagues.”
The agency Joo Ji-tae had contracted within his past life was Hop Agency.
Just as its name suggests, it primarily boasts a robust network in smaller European leagues. At that time, rather than heading straight to the big leagues, he debuted more quickly, aiming for smaller leagues where he could play as a regular, particularly heading to the Netherlands.
On the other hand,
“Top Agency has strong connections with German clubs.”
Top Agency, which was pondered until the last moment, is known for its representative being someone influential in the Bundesliga.
Joo Ji-tae pondered between the two agencies.
Should he safely follow the path of the first round, or boldly forge a new one?
“Hey, Jaeshin. Come to my place. I’ve decided.”
The deliberation was long, but the action was swift.
* * *
The meeting with the agent was quickly arranged.
If one is not excited when faced with not just one but two almost certain lottery wins floating right in front of them, then they must be a fool.
“We’ve had several calls, but meeting like this is a first. Nice to meet you.”
The Eredivisie league in the Netherlands is a good place.
With a level of the league and players that is reasonably consistent, a league size that is reasonably moderate, and, above all, the financial level of teams that is reasonably moderate, it serves as a stepping stone to the big leagues.
Since there was experience with the first round debut in the Netherlands, familiarity with the language and culture is not an issue, and adaptation is not a problem.
However, our choice was a challenge.
“It’s an honor to meet the two heroes of the Asian Cup. I’m Top Agency’s representative, Lawyer Jung Sun-woo.”
The representative, whose name seems like it could hit the jackpot if he were an idol, smiles broadly and extends his hand.
No wonder it feels like the company should be involved in entertainment management rather than sports agency, given the name.
“We’ve talked a few times on the phone, but meeting in person is a first, so I’m really glad. Even through the screen, I could tell that both of you are really handsome. You’ll probably gain a lot of female fans in Germany too.”
Indeed, the initially awkward atmosphere in President Jung Sunwoo’s presentation, showcasing the quintessence of a person who truly lives and breathes through words, quickly warmed up.
While we had heard a rough explanation over the phone, President Jung Sunwoo passionately elaborated on various aspects upon our face-to-face meeting.
“The strengths and weaknesses of the player we’ve identified, Ju Ji Tae—”
“The playstyle and role model that Cho Jae Shin should pursue—”
“The support our company will provide to both players—”
“Our top agency is connected to leading leagues and clubs in Europe, managing prominent players such as—”
After the diligently prepared and impressive PowerPoint presentation concluded, President Jung Sunwoo flashed a confident smile.
“Well, I may have talked too much considering how precious your time is. But still, how did you find our preparation?”
Ju Ji Tae nodded.
It was an undoubtedly impressive presentation, akin to the self-assured smile of the inquiring president.
“Not bad. You have a keen eye for understanding and analyzing players, and the support seems substantial. Seeing that the player you sent to Europe is concentrated in Germany is quite evident.”
“There’s interest in the two players from various regions—Asia, the Middle East, South America, North America, and Europe. Negotiations can take place for any desired region since the two players are outstanding. But… choosing us means you’re interested in Germany, particularly the Bundesliga, right?”
“Of course.”
Ju Ji Tae spoke calmly.
“Impressive presentation, I must say. Now, we need to discuss our conditions.”
“I hope you’ll find our conditions acceptable. Please, go ahead.”
“The first is both of us, me and Jae Shin, transferring to the same team.”
“Together…”
President Jung Sunwoo stroked his chin.
“You two are probably amateurs. Since Hojin High School isn’t under a pro youth system, there’s no need to worry about local rules, but training compensation will apply.”
“Yes. If it’s a Bundesliga club, it would fall under Category 1, so roughly 450,000 euros per person, totaling around 600 million Korean won.”
“…You’re well-informed.”
Jung Sunwoo’s eyes widened at Ju Ji Tae’s response.
Despite sensing his intelligence during the call, he didn’t expect such detailed knowledge.
Considering high school players are amateurs, it was fortunate enough not to mention transfer fees. But this is beyond imagination.
“You already know, so I can speak freely. Bundesliga clubs are different from English clubs. Most of them aren’t financially comfortable. 450,000 euros is a significant amount. It’s a considerable sum to invest in promising talents from Asia.”
“If they were ordinary prospects, that would be the case. But we’re not, right?”
“Ha, hahaha! You’re right. I made a mistake. You two aren’t ordinary prospects. Given the brilliant talent shown by the 17-year-old players in the under-20 tournament in Asia, Bundesliga teams will find investing 450,000 euros per player more than justified. Good. What’s the next condition?”
With a cheerful laugh from President Jung Sunwoo, Ju Ji Tae promptly revealed the next condition.
“We have a preferred coach.”
Even after going through regression, not taking advantage of the regressor’s benefits would be foolish. This precious information should be used wisely.
Joo Ji-tae, relying on his first-round memories, carefully selected directors who would not only make a name for themselves as future prominent directors but also align with his and Jo Jae-shin’s style of play.
And now, he presented a list of three names.
“Here are the three names. We wish to join the teams led by these directors, ranked from first to third preference.”
From Noble mtl dot com
“…Ha.”
Though Representative Jung Seon-woo still maintained a smile, he furrowed his brow as if troubled.
“This seems a bit challenging.”
“If I may offer some consolation, fortunately, all three directors we desire are in the Bundesliga. One in the first division, and the other two in the second.”
“That’s somewhat comforting. But what if, from the directors’ side, all three don’t want both players or only want one?”
To that question, Joo Ji-tae grinned.
Well, as long as those directors can showcase our play properly, it’s fine.
They are directors who can effectively bring out and improve the style of play between me and Jo Jae-shin.
But there’s no need to mention that.
“Isn’t persuading them part of the agent’s skill?”
“…All right. Is there more?”
A gaze laden with the intention of ‘Are you serious?’ pierces through.
But Joo Ji-tae’s facial muscles remained firm.
“This is the last one.”
“…Speak.”
“The transfer window is after August.”
“Why insist on…? Just to let you know, the European season starts in the summer. Joining during the preseason increases the likelihood of being part of the coach’s plans.”
“Understood. Still, I’ll join after August.”
This time, Representative Jung Seon-woo’s smile was shattered.
“Why on earth!?”
He understood.
It would be absurd. In reality, it was one of the most challenging conditions to convince the adults.
But this time, he couldn’t reveal the truth.
How could he possibly say that Jo Ye-shin resisted the stalker’s harassment and died in August this year?
It couldn’t be helped.
Once again, he had to make use of this excuse.
“For the team. I’ve been unable to contribute much to the team while being continuously called up for the national team, so before leaving, I want to give the team the gift of victory.”
“…Impressive.”
…Huh?
The expression of Representative Jeong Seon-woo, who had been looking at him as if it were absurd, dramatically changes.
“How… How amazing of an answer is this!! A romance that was thought to be no longer possible, truly romantic!! Even with just the training rewards, we could cover a few years’ operating expenses for the football team, but this kind of romance!!”
Joo Ji-tae’s smile fades at his passionate exclamation.
… Fool.
“Did I choose this properly…?”
But the worry was unnecessary.
“Let’s go with this story. The hidden story of the two players who postponed their transfer for the team will be revealed in about 2-3 months.”
Representative Jeong Seon-woo smiled broadly.
“Our players. To do that, you’ll have to show results in the World Cup, right?”
“Of course. We’re going to win the World Cup this time.”
“Winning… It’s a pity it’s a youth competition. It would have been more fun to show it at the World Cup.”
Joo Ji-tae responds naturally to those words.
“Of course.”
