Chapter 34
Chapter 34
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: Cruel Fairy Tale
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“...Yes?”
A personal sponsorship, not a club one.
This means the player individually becomes an ambassador or model for a specific brand. Taking Oseong Group as the benchmark, it would be promoting their flagship phone, the Galaxy.
In such cases, if it's a world-class player everyone knows, the player holds the upper hand. But for a less famous player, the company does.
My situation is pretty unique. Domestically, I'm almost world-class. Globally, it's a bit more ambiguous.
Especially since Lucas Cruijff just played his debut match.
So right now, it's an ambiguous offer.
“Of course, I'm not talking about right now.”
“Then...”
“Yes, I'm thinking around 2031.”
The time when we've successfully promoted and completed a season in the Premier League.
“By then, not only I, but Lucas too, will be extremely attractive partners for Oseong Group.”
“...You're expecting meaningful results from our first promoted season in the Premier League?”
“That's right. Of course, I know it's just my word for now. You can just watch the results then.”
“What I want is for you to be ready to hop on board with me the moment those results are confirmed.”
“...That shouldn't be difficult at all.”
“I have plenty more plans in the works, but I think I can discuss those after coordinating with the club side.”
If things go according to plan, we should be able to finalize negotiations during preseason after this season ends.
“It won't take long.”
“Even a little explanation would help us understand.”
“There's no need to run the overseas study project under the Korea Football Association banner, right?”
——
My talk with Executive Director Lee Daeyong wrapped up just as smoothly as I'd anticipated.
We can't fully commit and trust each other yet, but we're at a point where, whenever the right time comes and I prove myself, we can go all-in together.
‘An honor...’
His expression when he received my jersey looked the happiest, but anyway, that's a good sign too.
Now I just need to wait until the right moment arrives.
To seize it firmly when it does, first comes the full revival of Manchester United.
The first obstacle to championship in League Two is round 36's opponent.
Leicester City, sitting third and hot on Manchester United's heels.
——
Ban Yeager's league goal contributions stand at 23 goals and 7 assists as of round 35.
Despite joining mid-season at the winter transfer window, he's leading the scoring charts.
Two goals ahead of second-place Chris Wood.
Fans who've witnessed Ban Yeager's overwhelming goal-scoring prowess firsthand are already convinced he'll win the golden boot.
Plus, with 7 assists, he's just 3 behind league assist leader Abdul Fateh Issahaku of Leicester City.
With Lucas Cruijff's emergence, Ban Yeager notched 2 assists in one FA Cup match against Fulham, sparking talk of a double crown—top scorer and assist king.
In this matchup against Leicester City, home of the assist leader.
Of course, both the insanely talented Lucas, who bagged a multi-goal debut, and team pillar Ban Yeager start.
[First, a quick look at Leicester City's key players!]
[Now, let's check the starting lineup for Manchester United, the strong favorites for league glory~?]
Madueke Murcia, who started for the first time against Fulham last match, and Lucas Cruijff, who debuted as a sub, both make the starting XI.
This puts all new signings since 2029, including Ban Yeager, in the starting lineup.
The winter transfer window can now be called a resounding success.
‘Solid~ as a rock.’
Lucas Cruijff prepares the kickoff pass.
Usually, I'd be up front or Benjamin Sesko, but not anymore.
He proved it against Fulham to earn a start, and to keep it, he needs at least one goal involvement today.
Beep—!!
At kickoff, a player glares straight at me and bursts forward like a bullet.
Oliver Skipp.
As today's mark man, he'll let in two goals, no doubt.
——
Manchester United kicks off.
Leicester City surprisingly presses high up front.
The ball gets passed back repeatedly until it reaches keeper Mike Maignan.
Bam—!!
Maignan safely hoofs it forward.
Where it drops, Lucas Cruijff is already shielding it from approaching Leicester players with arms wide.
Thud—
Lucas headers it down firmly.
I take it and sprint forward.
Thanks to Lucas winning the aerial duel, only the back four stand between me and goal.
Skipp chases from behind, but there's still distance.
Leicester's four defenders close in to block me.
Pressure mounts centrally, but space opens wide on the flanks.
Bam!—
Judging Antony better at possession than Mount on the left, I slip it right.
Antony receives with his signature spin, warding off pressure.
As he drags the ball and time—drawing in Leicester's left back—the right back Jaidon Kamason overlaps.
Iyaaaaah!!!—
Perfect timing from Antony opens the right flank.
Kamason slows, composes, and whips a cross into the box.
I spot the landing, check behind—Lucas is dashing to it.
I veer outside the box instead, passing Lucas.
As Lucas leaps high at the drop zone.
‘Bring it...!!’
Bam—
Just before contact, he heads it my way.
But as a header pass, it doesn't drop perfectly at my feet.
Resolved to turn this into a goal for an easy win, I dive in.
Bam—!
Sliding across the turf, I connect.
The shot's path is blocked by the Leicester center back in front.
But.
Iyaaaaah!!!—
From the away end corner—Red Devils' roar and red wave—I know it's in.
“Yeager!!!”
Stalwart partner Lucas rushes over, confirming the goal.
A fairy tale without its protagonist can't endure.
The forcibly upheld fairy tale's new title: Fox Hunt.