Chapter 3
Chapter 3
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: Espanyol
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Mid-January.
A time when people around the world are both anxious and excited about how the new year will unfold.
It's common to see folks making all sorts of plans and preparations, led by their New Year's resolutions.
Among them, no one might be busier than the soccer world during the winter transfer window.
"Ugh, with reinforcements like these, can we really deliver the results everyone's expecting?"
The transfer window recognized by FIFA happens twice a season—once a year, to put it simply.
They open in summer and winter, both equally important but with slightly different flavors.
Summer tends to be more active since budgets roll in and the season has wrapped up.
Winter, on the other hand, is tighter on funds after summer spending, and mid-season, teams desperate for bodies aren't keen to ship out usable players.
Still, it's a crucial chance to patch holes from injuries or slumping form, making the winter window tough but vital.
The club is on edge, exchanging club agreements and personal terms just like the pre-window shortlist, and fans are sharing the same tension.
"At least it's a bit reassuring. The squad looks decently filled out now."
"Delic was the one we were dead set on signing this time. We shelled out a pretty penny for a fullback, so it's too soon to relax. The mindset was to grab Delic no matter what. To avoid total failure, we need at least one more signing."
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona.
Commonly known as Espanyol, it was one of Spain's prestigious clubs rooted in La Liga's top flight.
But in recent years, failed generational turnover of aging starters and disastrous renewal deals led to relegation to the second division the year before last.
A few key players departed after the drop, but Espanyol was too big for Segunda División, making an immediate promotion a foregone conclusion.
Yet, as the saying goes, bad luck comes all at once.
Despite showing loyalty by staying, the local boy captain's season-ending injury kicked off an exodus, and most replacement signings flopped.
Critics argued they should've targeted second-division caliber players, since the landscape from top to second tier changes everything.
Harsh as it was, the club knew the criticism hit home.
Forcing deals with top-flight talents led to repeated rejections, while solid second-division prospects slipped to rivals because they hadn't acted sooner.
Enduring that misfortune, they slashed staff repeatedly in a short span, halving their numbers from before.
"Valencia has made an offer to Mateo Günter—14 million euros. He's still mulling it over."
"14 million? Selling depth like that for peanuts—how are we supposed to survive the rest of the season? Günter's the one keeping our passing lanes alive! We can't offload the stability he brings to our shaky play for bargain-bin prices."
"I know Günter's been solid... but he's past his peak now. With two years left on his deal, this is prime time to move him."
"Selling a key piece for 14 million? Even in Segunda División, we're Espanyol! Ridiculous deal. Like you said, two years left—next year works just fine."
No matter how dire the finances, you can't carve off your own flesh to sell right now.
Signing to win games, only to ship out performers—what's the point?
Honestly, 14 million could buy a couple lottery tickets. Even if one hits, it's break-even at best. Ditching a sure winner for three scratch-offs is just stupid.
"B-team prospects can cover that! For now, protect every first-team player. Handle the rejection yourselves."
B-team or not, they're from a Spanish powerhouse—tempting steals for smaller clubs.
Espanyol itself relies on several, proving their worth.
Checking finances again just brings sighs.
"Ha... Any free agents begging to join? Wouldn't it be wild if one perfect guy popped up—zero cost, no transfer fee?"
The financial director's absurd lament sours the mood.
"Um... what about this guy? He's just eligible for pro contracts..."
"What?? A player like that?"
All eyes snap to the junior staffer.
"No, uh... I've been tracking him for years. From Korea... He shone in the U-17 World Cup!"
"What? Let me see. Hmm... Lee Si-eon. You've been scouting this guy for years?"
Lee Si-eon, Korean, 19 years old.
182cm, 78kg, right fullback prospect.
Korea made a finals run in the U-17 World Cup, and he was a starter, but not gem-worthy for a club like Espanyol to invest years in—or so they wondered.
"Well... the chairman's pick, you know. Once he fixates, he won't rest till we sign and test 'em."
"Ah... can't fight that. Hmm..."
The chairman demands to see his picks on the pitch.
Two years back, during tough times, he flew in an amateur from Ukraine on a whim. Bringing this one was inevitable.
"Fine, if we're using him, snag him quick and try him out."
Two years' growth post-U-17 might make him backup material.
"Send the offer now!"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Two weeks after receiving Espanyol's proposal.
I'd signaled my interest yesterday.
Their urgency must've been worse than expected.
My reply got an instant flight ticket and invite to visit the club.
"Am I really that guy...?"
With nothing holding me back, I flew to Spain right away.
At Barcelona Airport, I scanned for the Espanyol staffer meant to meet me.
"Si-eon!"
Amid the crowds, a faint voice called my name.
I looked that way, but no one seemed to spot me.
'Misheard?'
"Si! Eon!"
My name rang clear as I turned to leave.
In the crowd I'd just checked, a hand shot up and down frantically.
Pushing through to check, I found a woman barely reaching my chest.
Had to be her? The Espanyol crest on her chest confirmed it.
So short, she'd been jumping amid the throng—out of breath now.
"Si! Eon! Right? Hurry. Let's. Go!"
Her Korean was clumsy but decent, urging me along.
"Get in the car!"
En route, curiosity got the better of me.
"Your Korean's great. Studied it?"
Accent off for a translator—maybe Asia scout?
"Yes! Right. Hello. I'm Camila. Your player partner. So I learned Korean."
"Oh... really? Nice to meet you, Camila."
"Yes! Watched you for two years. Your games."
"Pardon?"
Two years means...
"Yes! U-17 World Cup! Watched every one."
Geon-ja's old news clip was spot on.
Made me wonder why no approach then—but high school graduation was my priority.
The academy-linked club since middle school was more than a team to pure-hearted me; I wouldn't leave easily.
In hindsight, not ideal for career growth, but back then, the team was my world.
"Here! Let's go in!"
At the club, I toured facilities, training grounds, locker room.
Finally, Espanyol's home stadium:
Stage Front Stadium.