Welcome to the Etihad, Tae-woo!
Peter Guardian sat in his office, the leather chair creaking softly beneath him as he leaned back and addressed his chief scout.
“James, how is the transfer situation progressing?”
The man known as the savior of Manchester City had always been a visionary when it came to talent, and right now his sharp eyes held a mix of determination and quiet urgency.
“Manager, we have offered the maximum amount our club will approve. But the situation has grown more complex than expected.”
“What’s the issue?”
James Brown hesitated, his expression darkening further than it had during the most recent board meeting.
“First, our player Jung Tae-woo has acquired an agent. And that woman… or rather, she… I’m sorry, the recent stress has been overwhelming…”
His voice trailed off as the words hung heavy in the air. Jung Tae-woo, the young prodigy who had already captured the hearts of millions, was now under the spotlight of a formidable sports agent named Ga-young.
“If I call that agent, it will feel like summoning the devil himself. That nickname comes from his unmatched negotiating power and vast network across the football world.”
Peter Guardian rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought, his mind already racing ahead to the next season.
“If things stay the same, we could face a collapse next season.”
He knew his tactics and the chemistry among his young players had kept them in the upper mid-table, but he could feel the gaps widening as opponents began to dissect his strategies with ever-increasing precision.
“If no new wind blows in the coming season, even I will struggle.”
“I’d love to speak with Jung Tae-woo directly and share my vision,” he continued. “I’ve already arranged for James to receive his contact details.”
James’s face twisted in discomfort, but the manager waved it away dismissively.
“Ha… and what about that woman again…”
A few minutes later, the phone rang.
“We’ve received the number.”
James’s face looked ten years older as he handed over the details.
“James, go home and take some time for your skin. You’ve been working too hard.”
“…”
The silence stretched as James simply stared back, his eyes unreadable. Peter coughed awkwardly.
“Hmph… then get out.”
Once alone, Peter Guardian picked up the phone, his heart racing with anticipation.
“Hello?”
Jung Tae-woo’s voice came through, clear and composed.
“This is Peter Guardian, the manager of Manchester City.”
“The manager of Manchester City?”
A smile spread across the manager’s face. He had seen too many European players struggle with language barriers, so hearing that the young Korean forward spoke fluent English only increased his admiration.
“I called directly to express my vision for you. I want to use you as the number-one starter next season. Your shot-stopping and composure will become our unbreakable defense, regardless of age. And I won’t waste your aggressive style either.”
“That means… next season I’ll play as a starter?”
“I’ve prepared the perfect tactics for your strengths. Will you help Manchester City reclaim its throne in the Premier League?”
Peter paused, taking a breath to let his passion shine through.
“The core movement of the tactics I will use next season is exactly what you excel at. And I’ll double the salary I offered.”
“I’ll consider it positively and contact you through my agent.”
“Thank you. Rest well.”
The call ended.
Peter’s gaze drifted to the tactical board, where one position stood empty—specifically the goalkeeper’s spot.
“I hope we can fill it.”
News headlines exploded across the sports world in a frenzy of excitement.
While the media buzzed, Jung Tae-woo and his agent Ga-young slipped away unnoticed and headed to England.
After Peter Guardian’s call, he immediately confirmed his move to Manchester City. Negotiations between agent and club ran smoothly.
Now, all that remained was a medical test in Manchester followed by signing the contract. From that day forward, he would officially become a player for Manchester City.
Unfortunately, his studies in Korea had to be paused. Although he had arranged to continue at a school with a strong partnership with the club.
“Studying really isn’t necessary…”
But his agent had been firm.
“You must study without fail.”
“Unnie,”
“Yes? Why are you calling?”
Jung Mi-na looked up from her book at the sound of his voice.
“Unnie, I heard you signed with Seung-min too. What about Hee-sung?”
He had heard that Seung-min had already signed and was receiving generous financial support from her.
“World Cup glory awaits, and Korea is where the real football begins. Hee-hee.”
Actually, there was another reason behind his sudden question about Hee-sung.
When the Manchester City transfer rumors first surfaced, Yoo Hee-sung had sent him a message at dawn.
“The 10 Reasons Why Manchester United is Great”
“Why Manchester United Wins”
“Exploring the Dreams of the Players – Let’s Dig into Manchester United”
And because the world had already recognized his talent, it was better for his sister to sign with Jung Tae-woo first.
“Hee-sung needs to grow faster. Otherwise, how can he win the World Cup in ten years?”
“Well… I’ll first get Tae-woo transferred, then think about it. I plan to sign with Yoo Hee-sung and Lee Tae-yang as well.”
“What? Lee Tae-yang too?”
Jung Tae-woo asked in surprise.
“Yes, Lee Tae-yang is receiving a lot of attention from German clubs too.”
He was certain that the team managers would have their hair stand on end at the young striker’s audacious spirit.
“Poor managers.”
He had no idea that Korean national team scouts viewed him and Lee Tae-yang as equals.
Upon landing in Manchester, the landscape was strikingly different from Korea—exotic, vibrant, and full of life.
“Of course, it feels just as comfortable to me as home,”
yet it also stirred a strange sense of returning to his roots.
After stepping out of the club-provided vehicle, he left Manchester Airport behind and soon caught sight of the massive Etihad Stadium rising on the horizon.
The heart of Manchester City, home to 55,097 roaring fans, loomed before him.
Upon arriving at the Etihad Stadium, he was immediately guided to the medical center.
White-coated doctors moved with brisk efficiency as he entered the room.
“Jung Tae-woo, come this way.”
The lead physician greeted him warmly.
First came height and weight measurements, followed by blood tests.
“Hmm…”
The doctor’s eyes widened upon reviewing the results.
“This hemoglobin level… it’s truly remarkable.”
Next, cardiopulmonary function tests began.
He stepped onto the treadmill and started running.
“It’s getting faster.”
His speed and heart rate climbed, yet he maintained his composure without effort.
“Unbelievable.”
The doctor stared at the monitor in astonishment.
“Such cardiorespiratory ability at this age.”
Strength and flexibility tests elicited similar reactions.
“This core strength… it’s the highest for a goalkeeper.”
“Joint range of motion is also exceptional.”
Reflex and reaction speed tests left the medical staff utterly stunned.
“This reaction speed… I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Even compared to the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, it’s no match.”
“If anything, it seems to surpass them.”
After the final MRI and X-rays, the doctors exchanged meaningful glances.
The lead physician approached him.
“Jung Tae-woo, your physical abilities are truly extraordinary. Manchester City must be making a major acquisition.”
“Thank you.”
Jung Tae-woo smiled as he shook hands with each one, finding their reactions genuinely amusing.
Escorted by a club representative, he was led to the contract signing room.
Inside, Peter Guardian and the club executives waited.
“Welcome, Tae-woo. I heard your medical results were excellent.”
Manager Guardian smiled brightly.
A thick contract lay on the table.
Jung Tae-woo slowly sat and unfolded it, reading the densely written English clauses and the signature lines at the bottom.
“Now, just sign here.”
“This is really the beginning.”
He took a deep breath and began to write.
“Jung Tae-woo.”
“Hahahaha, thank you! From now on, you are officially a player of Manchester City.”
Manager Guardian clapped him on the shoulder.
Soon after, the media frenzy intensified.
Peter Guardian watched the unfolding headlines with quiet pride, his heart filled with the vision of a new golden era for Manchester City.