Surviving the Winter (1)
“They’ve forgotten what defeat even feels like.”
It was the opening line from the host of a popular Spanish broadcast program recapping the week's La Liga news, with a panel of experts joining to discuss the matches. He was introducing AD Alcorcon.
“In round 13 against Almeria, Alcorcon trailed 3-2 until the 91st minute, when they equalized to escape defeat. And the player who scored that goal? The hottest man in La Liga 2, Theo Cha.”
After their 3-1 victory over CD Tenerife in round 12, round 13's midweek clash had pitted them against UD Almeria, freshly relegated from La Liga last season. Despite a grueling away fixture, AD Alcorcon held firm, extending their unbeaten streak to 13 games.
“Almeria's defense has been rock-solid this season—more than ever before. They conceded three, but no one can blame their backline for it.”
The host nodded calmly at the words from a former star footballer on the panel. The others nodded in agreement too.
The ex-player continued. “Let’s be honest. Without Theo, Alcorcon wouldn’t be putting up these miraculous results. Just imagine that Almeria game without him—what would the score have been? I’d bet my life on a 3-0 loss. Almeria dominated them in every way.”
It was true. UD Almeria’s manager had relentlessly targeted Alcorcon’s weaknesses, seizing control through high-energy quick attacks and rapid defensive transitions.
But.
“Almeria fought tooth and nail to contain Theo, but the result was 3-3. They played a great game and still couldn’t hand Alcorcon a defeat.”
In the end, UD Almeria couldn’t stop Cha Tae-oh. His haul that match: two goals and an assist. And that assist? He’d bulldozed through the defense alone to lay it on a teammate in space—realistically, all three goals were his creation.
“This draw has the other La Liga 2 clubs trembling in fear. They’re realizing that even their best performances can’t shut down Theo.”
The host turned to the effusive panelist. “That brings up an intriguing question. We all agree there’s a clear gap between La Liga and La Liga 2. So, could Theo Cha pull off these feats in La Liga proper?”
The panel split here.
“That kind of form in La Liga? No way. Even the top performers from La Liga 2 struggle to shine there. That’s the level La Liga is.”
“Hmm. I disagree. I think Theo could establish himself as a successful striker in La Liga. He’s the kind who creates something from nothing. Take Real Madrid’s Nacho Derapuente—could he drop to La Liga 2 and bag 30 goals in 13 games like Theo? Sure, nothing’s impossible, but I wouldn’t bet on it.”
Their opinions varied, but one thing united them: Cha Tae-oh had what it took to compete as a striker even in La Liga.
The host pressed on. “Before we move on, one more thing. There’s talk Theo might transfer this winter. Before speculating on destinations, could Alcorcon keep this unbeaten run going without him…?”
Beep! Iñigo Chapé switched off the TV. He scowled, clearly displeased.
“They can’t say anything nice—gotta spout that bullshit speculation. Damn it.”
He didn’t even want to think about it. Cha Tae-oh leaving the team.
But like a terminal cancer patient awaiting their final days, the fateful deadline was closing in fast.
He’d already heard the gist from Borja Navas. …If a suitable offer came, he might leave.
Of course that’s natural.
Iñigo knew it. Everyone did. Cha Tae-oh was operating light-years beyond La Liga 2 level.
The harsh winter winds will hit soon enough.
They had to prepare. If Cha Tae-oh left in January, the team would wobble badly. But this season was a once-in-a-lifetime shot. Riding the massive points haul he’d delivered, they had to hold a top-two spot for promotion—the club’s first ever.
First round of preparations is done, at least…
Iñigo Chapé let out a small sigh of relief as he eyed the documents on his desk. With the team cruising and promotion tantalizingly close, contract renewals with key players had gone smoothly. He’d rushed them before winter to prevent cheap buyouts—not just for Cha Tae-oh, but for the others too.
It was a gamble for AD Alcorcon. Raising salaries to hike buyout clauses meant financial pain if promotion slipped away.
The club owner had approved pay bumps but rejected transfer fee increases for the same reason. …Though he was stingy with investments anyway.
At least he greenlit reinvesting any winter transfer profits…
Only two players seemed likely to leave with decent fees: Gustavo Rosa, now sidelined with the B team, and the European darling, Cha Tae-oh.
Even selling both, the max haul was around two million euros.
With Maurinho already out for the season, losing Cha Tae-oh too would leave two starter spots vacant. Filling those gaps with two million?
Impossible.
Scouts were scouring Europe for strikers and central midfielders, but no suitable targets. Plenty he wanted, sure—but the budget was laughably short.
That’s when the pressure hit hardest.
Knock knock! His secretary entered: the president wanted him.
As technical director, Iñigo focused solely on the squad. Business fell to president Pino Morales.
Iñigo straightened his clothes and headed to the president’s office.
“Sit.”
The white-haired middle-aged man, Pino Morales, stubbed out his cigarette. “You’re busy, so straight to it. Thanks to Theo, our club’s exploding in popularity in Korea lately.”
Jersey sales spiking there said it all. Mostly Cha Tae-oh’s kits, of course.
“As you know, we need a new main sponsor next season. A Korean car company’s bidding.”
“Good news.”
“The Korean broadcaster airing our games is planning a summer friendly invite too.”
“That’s great ne…”
“But it’s all falling apart.”
“Pardon?”
He got it instantly.
“With Theo’s winter exit looking more likely, they’re pulling back. If he really goes, this Korean buzz dies fast.”
Iñigo nodded silently.
“We need Koreans watching even after Theo leaves. Promotion odds are boosting sponsorship deals, but the Korean car firm’s offer is the biggest.”
Pino Morales leaned in. “How about shopping the transfer market in Korea?”
“Pardon?”
“Bring in another Korean if Theo goes—keeps the visibility. Interest won’t vanish. If he performs, even better.”
It made sense.
“Gustavo leaves, number 7’s open. Find a Korean for it. Cheaper than Europeans, right?”
“Probably.”
“Exactly. Perfect.”
Transfers were the director’s absolute domain—especially in a club like AD Alcorcon, with clear separation from business. But the president outranked him positionally. And it wasn’t a wild idea.
“I’ll look into it.”
“Hope for good news. If this signing works, next season’s budget grows too. Won’t hurt your squad-building.”
One issue, though: no PR stunt signing. Promotion was priority. Needed a Korean who aided promotion, filled gaps, and wasn’t pricey.
Easier said than done.
Still, worth a shot. Nail it, and they’d catch two rabbits with one stone.
A week later.
In round 14, AD Alcorcon beat FC Cartagena 2-0 at home on Cha Tae-oh’s brace, closing out October.
Then November arrived. Amid the international break, European soccer paused.
…Found him!
Faster than expected, one player pinged on Iñigo Chapé’s radar.