From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 67: Chapter 6: Appointing an Agent! High Signing Bonus? [1/5]

”It’s about me?”

Ma’el knew very well that Garrispeed specially coming over to talk to him showed that he was being placed on an equal footing, given full respect.

He wasn’t being treated like a child, nor did Garrispeed hide behind his coaching role; it was more like a casual chat between friends.

Most people on the train were nodding off with headphones on, and the two of them sat in the last row, only Gilbert and a few others might hear their conversation.

”Arsenal is very likely to recall you at mid-season; it’s quite obvious.”

Garrispeed took off his suit jacket and said solemnly, ”If you leave at mid-season, I might choose to leave as well.”

”I don’t want to say something so serious and cheesy in a situation like this, but I have to say, you carry the hope of this team; everyone has expectations for you.”

He paused and continued, ”With you here, everyone will feel like maybe we can achieve something this season.

”But if you leave, the players, who are under no relegation pressure, will likely slack off and eventually end the season as a mid-tier team with nothing gained.”

Garrispeed spread his hands slightly, as if to say that if that happens, there’s no point in him staying here either.

Ma’el was taken aback; he hadn’t realized how important he was to the team and to Garrispeed.

Sometimes, one’s awareness of oneself is not very clear.

”Whether I go or stay isn’t up to me.”

Ma’el replied, his heart a little unsettled, wanting to just cope for now.

”Yes.”

Garrispeed wanted to dig deeper; he stared at Ma’el’s face. ”Whether you go or stay isn’t up to you, but you can decide whether to remain.

”Think about it, Ma’el. Before you came here, you had nothing, and if you leave now, besides those dazzling stats and two months as the best player, you still have nothing else.

”If you have the opportunity to pursue excellence, chase major successes, such as leading the team to promotion, or winning the Season’s Best Player or Assist King title, why wouldn’t you?”

After saying this, he added, ”Of course, you also have a chance at the Golden Boot; these will all increase your value, adding a brilliant touch to your resume.”

Ma’el fell silent, Garrispeed’s face showed urgency as he continued to persuade, ”The club definitely has promotion ambitions; they can complete reinforcements in the winter transfer window and design huge promotion bonuses.

”I’ve talked with the board members; as long as they can keep you, they’re willing to establish a special bonus clause for you.

”Think about it carefully, Ma’el. Arsenal wants your future, but Sheffield United needs your present.”

”I will think carefully about it,” Ma’el’s heart was in turmoil, and he didn’t make a decision on the spot; he needed time to think.

......

The next day, after finishing recovery training, Ma’el went to the club cafeteria to eat, checking his phone messages along the way.

Over time, he’s amassed over 90,000 followers, quite an influence.

With more people following him, naturally more people direct message him.

Messages from strip club dancers, divorced women who like Sheffield United, and university sports department cheerleading captains had come through, leaving a deep impression on him.

As for others..... many, but nothing noteworthy.

After the success of the autograph session at Kedao’Er’s old store last time, he’s received many similar invitations with payments between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds.

He’s not preparing to go; on the one hand, he’s busy now, and on the other, his salary and bonuses are high enough that he doesn’t need the extra money.

Ma’el has also received some small brand endorsement invitations, though they are difficult to discern as genuine, considering with his current influence and focus, he’s unlikely to attract a legitimate endorsement deal.

”I need an agent.”

Remembering this, he’s reached a point where he indeed needs an agent to help solve problems and boost his future income.

Especially with his upcoming contract signing with Arsenal, having an industry-savvy agent could help him obtain a more lucrative and fair contract.

And currently, besides Mendes, the ones who’ve contacted him are agents whose names he’s never heard of.

In this light, Mendes is indeed the only and best choice.

He found the phone number for Pepeño, the head of the Mendes Agency, who was the one he met last time.

In their message log, he saw many unread messages from him, some with long persuasive texts, others hoping he would take his call.

Had he missed the calls?

Ma’el opened the missed calls log and saw several missed calls, indeed including Pepeño’s number.

”Still too busy.”

He smiled, preparing to make a return call, but at the last moment held back, exited the dialer, and switched to the message screen.

——”Let’s meet before the first round of the league next month.”

A few minutes later, a quick response came from the other side, ——”Mr. Mendes will personally come this time, to express his respect and recognition for you.”

Mendes coming personally?

Ma’el wasn’t too surprised; last time they met, he only had 10 created goals, still a newcomer.

But now, with over 20 created goals, he’s already shown efficient and stable ability, making his value naturally different.

——”Let’s set it for around December 8th.”

Setting a time, Ma’el walked into the cafeteria, temporarily putting these matters out of mind.

......

”November 29th diary, continue grinding, no rest really. The Skill Level panel has brought me far more than just what I see.

”Treasure your feathers, use your time efficiently; every new Level 3 skill improves performance, and with every Level 4 skill, you’re closer to the top!”

”December 1st, it’s the last month of the first half; pity there’s no break in the England league.

”Fortunately, there are only four rounds this month, the schedule isn’t too packed. Once it’s over, the mid-season best player should be selected - I wonder if I can make it.

The trophy cabinet already holds five man-of-the-match awards, two player of the month awards, and a commemorative ball for a hat-trick. If I could add a mid-season best player trophy, the first half of the season would really be remarkable.

If I could add the Golden Boot and Assist King... Season’s Best Player, huh... let’s not think that far ahead, for now we’ll take it step by step.”

”December 4th, so tired, so tired.

Planning to hire a personal physiotherapist, someone to handle diet and post-training massages to relieve muscle fatigue... yes, let’s put that in the schedule, it’s no longer about the money!

Speaking of money, has Arsenal made a decision yet? Every week they delay costs me about ten thousand pounds - are they still negotiating?

Did Philip not mention the signing bonus last time? How much should they offer? It’s one of the major sources of income.

Better leave these matters to Mendes; let him handle the negotiations. I trust his ability.”

”December 7th, crossing skill level has surpassed 500, allocating more time should get it to Level 4 by the end of this month!

Second Level 4 skill, not easy, really not easy. By then, my overall ability shouldn’t be a problem for the Premier League, though it might look a bit monotonous.

This is only the first year, do I really need to rush?

In the second half, I can develop a Level 5 skill-based technique to enter the Premier League and make a big impact.”

”.....”

December 8th, after morning training, Ma’el went home, showered, and changed clothes before heading to a restaurant.

This restaurant was luxuriously decorated, filled with people in suits, each with an impressive demeanor, speaking with elegance and composure.

Under the guidance of a waiter, Ma’el came to the third floor, passed through the splendid corridor, and entered a small VIP lounge, where he saw the place was laid with a huge golden carpet and a grand luxurious chandelier.

Neither in his past life nor this life had he ever been to such a place.

Yet the improvement in income and status didn’t make him feel awkward or embarrassed.

He walked in calmly, just a little curious.

”Seeing is believing, my friend.”

A middle-aged man in a black expensive suit came up at the long table, spreading his hands warmly, ”I arrived this morning, rushed all the way here, no missed appointments or lateness. How is that?”

He wasn’t tall but was very charismatic, giving a sense of being very astute and capable.

This was Jorge Mendes, the leading agent controlling Portuguese football, slowly reaching into European football, the agent for Ronaldo and Mourinho.

Ma’el hugged him briefly before moving to the table, pulling out a chair with a smile: ”Neither did I.”

”Haha....”

Mendes laughed a few times, pointed at Pepeño sitting beside him: ”This is Pepeño, you’ve met before.”

Ma’el nodded to indicate, then exchanged the usual pleasantries with the two before ordering some food and drinks, ready to get to the main topic.

”Pepeño has told you quite a bit.”

Mendes was first to steer the conversation to the right track, patting his chest said: ”Forgive me for being a bit forward, I want to ask you a question first, what do you think I can bring for you?”

”Increase income.”

Ma’el did not think long before saying directly: ”Solve some problems for me when necessary, create some opportunities.”

”More specific, perhaps?”

Mendes and Pepeño exchanged a smile, before Mendes turned back to Ma’el without saying anything further, then adding: ”This season is your debut season; when you first arrived here, you were earning a youth team salary.

”It probably increased later, but the rate of raise surely couldn’t keep up with your growth in the team.

”If you choose me to handle this kind of business, then I assure you, you only need to concentrate on the field; I will take care of everything else for you.

”You only need to wait for my call, expect contracts, wages, endorsements that match your level, then sign your name with a smile and receive endless money.

”Remember, the smiling part is essential!”

”I’ve indeed been considering this lately.”

Ma’el nodded, acknowledged what he said, thought for a moment, then asked: ”Mr. Mendes, in your opinion, what sort of salary should I be aiming for?”

”Needs to be viewed from multiple angles.”

Mendes explained graciously: ”Length of contract, size of signing bonus, level of release clause, as well as tactical positioning in the club, total bonus clauses, these need to be considered.”

”Release clause at 40 million pounds, extend contract by one year for a total term of four years?” Ma’el posed a precise number, asking.

Mendes thought for a while, and answered: ”If the signing bonus is around 70-80 thousand, I think salary between 40k-48k, considering your age, it’s worth the club’s investment.”

40-48k weekly pay..... Ma’el’s brain briefly froze, the chance of a 70-80k signing bonus clearly exceeded his expectations once again.

Like they say, professional matters are better left to professionals.

”Mr. Mendes’s point is,.”

Sitting next to Pepeño chimed in, with determination: ”If he negotiates, even conservatively, he could get this price.”

”I believe so.”

Ma’el nodded, indicating his interest: ”As discussed before, Mr. Mendes would take 2.75% of the player’s salary as a fee, deducting 15-20% from endorsement fees.”

”If I could decide today, would Mr. Mendes also be willing to set the endorsement fee cut to the minimum threshold of 15%?”

He currently had no endorsements but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t in the future, so right now it’s better to fight for himself as much as possible.

Mendes again exchanged a look with Pepeño, showing no disguise of his delight and eagerness to handle Ma’el’s agent affairs.

He always considered himself honest and straightforward, so he said directly: ”Certainly, let’s settle it that way!”