The Decision(1)
The three Premier League clubs—Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur—that had been aggressively pursuing Cha Tae-oh had all rejected inserting a buyout clause, causing the deals to fall through. At this point, with Borussia Dortmund stepping up and signaling they'd accept just about any conditions, they were emerging as the frontrunner.
But.
'That doesn't mean we can just give up.'
Borja Navas had no intention of letting Cha Tae-oh slip away to Borussia Dortmund so easily. Of course, it wasn't because he thought Dortmund was a bad destination. It was simply that, considering Cha Tae-oh's demands—a transfer to a PL club—and the player's star power, moving to the Premier League offered far more upside than the Bundesliga.
"Liverpool too?"
In the office, Borja Navas slowly nodded instead of answering the reporter Sergio Suarez, who had asked with evident surprise.
"Ho. That's unexpected. You're saying Liverpool wants to bring Theo in this winter?"
Sergio Suarez reacted with mild bewilderment, and for good reason. Liverpool's starting striker spot was solidly held by Enrique Garnero, the 32-year-old who had spent nine seasons with the club.
"Well, they do need attacking reinforcements. Enrique's confirmed to head to Al Hilal next season, after all…."
Al Hilal SFC. The powerhouse of the Saudi Pro League and Enrique Garnero's virtually confirmed next destination. Garnero had a somewhat underwhelming 36-37 season, and wanting to pocket a hefty sum in his later years, he'd decided to spend one final season with Liverpool before departing.
But this season, his farewell flames were burning brighter than expected, making him the core of Liverpool's attack. Local media and fans were even calling for a contract extension. However, neither the club nor Garnero himself had any intention of renewing—he was set on leaving at the peak. The chances of re-signing were effectively zero.
"Has Liverpool agreed to the buyout clause?"
Borja Navas shook his head slightly at the question.
"There has been contact, yes. But no specifics on the buyout or wages."
"Then…?"
"Liverpool wants Theo next summer."
"Of course," Sergio Suarez muttered softly, finally nodding in understanding.
"Just say Liverpool's interested—that's it. Keep the details under wraps."
"Got it."
Sergio Suarez knew exactly why Borja Navas was sharing this intel.
"Oh, and one more thing."
"One more?"
"Yeah. Newcastle's showing interest too."
Sergio Suarez's eyes widened again.
"Newcastle?"
It was a natural reaction. Newcastle United, battling for 4th or 5th in the PL alongside Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham, already had two central strikers in their early 20s. Adding Cha Tae-oh would make three. They'd shelled out big for those two already, so there wasn't an urgent need for him.
But it wasn't entirely without reason—one was a classic 'glass cannon', injury-prone. For squad depth and a title push, bringing in Tae-oh wasn't a bad move.
'And his market value's only 1.5 million euros—cheap at that.'
As Sergio eyed him, Borja dropped another bombshell.
"Additionally, Newcastle's pushing to sign my client Marco Villar this winter. Negotiations are well advanced, and Marco's leaning toward joining."
"……!"
Sergio's pupils dilated further. Marco Villar, the 22-year-old center-back from Real Sociedad, rated as Spain's 3rd-4th option in their 'Invincible Armada' national team. With an 80 million euro buyout, he'd been linked to FC Barcelona before the season, but they balked at the fee. Newcastle on the verge of snagging him? That was red-hot news.
With the first half winding down, the PL top 1-3 were nearly locked in. UCL's 24-25 revamp added extra spots for the top two leagues by prior European performance—usually PL and La Liga—so finishing at least 5th was mandatory for UCL qualification. The two 'BIG7' teams fighting for 4th-5th risked dropping to Europa League, hurting prestige and revenue.
"Theo and Marco Villar… Landing them would make Newcastle even stronger."
Sergio had caught on. Borja was just slipping Tae-oh into the Villar deal as bait—neither side seriously wanted the other. Borja's real play was pressuring the original three PL clubs by dragging Liverpool and Newcastle into the mix.
Borja knew Sergio had figured it out. But with his top-tier rep, no need to ask for favorable coverage—it was implied.
Soon after Sergio left, he posted on his personal SNS.
Borja Navas sipped his coffee, pleased with the posts.
'Things are about to get busy again.'
His prediction hit the mark.
Ring-! Click-!
"Marco to Newcastle? Is that for real? Didn't they say they'd think about it in the summer?"
"Situations change. Newcastle massively upped the wage offer."
"Damn it. We've invested so much in Marco. We were set to bring him to Barcelona. Spill it—what the hell did they offer to make him want Newcastle?"
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Miguel Amaro asked, sounding frustrated.
"So where the hell are you going, anyway?"
He wasn't the only one. Joni Montoya, sitting beside him, was staring at me with curious eyes too.
"I don't really know yet."
"Don't bullshit us. You know. Navas wouldn't keep you in the dark."
"Theo, Atleti's terms that bad? Why's Borussia always the frontrunner, damn it."
"Yeah, Theo. Go to Atleti. That way we can see you more."
"…Then you'd face me next season?"
"Uh…?"
"Hm…?"
"Oh ho. Pretty confident against me, huh?"
I teased, and the two averted their eyes slyly. Teammates eavesdropping nearby glared at them, their looks screaming 'Tell him to go abroad, you idiots.'
Well… I was getting regular updates from Borja Navas. Regrettably, Dortmund was still the most aggressive. Liverpool would keep using their legend striker through winter; Newcastle meant fighting for a spot, and their interest was lukewarm anyway. Borja had pitched me to them as part of the Villar deal, though they'd shown prior curiosity.
"We'll know for sure after the first half ends. Can't say more right now."
Two games left: away at CD Lugo, home vs. Villarreal B. Week 3 ends the half; week 4 is rest, second half starts early January.
"And right now, focus elsewhere."
They didn't get it at first, then nodded slowly.
"Focus on today's game."
"Yeah, got it."
"Just… curious, that's all."
Need five goals in two games. With transfer window opening, better break the scoring record before leaving. Not too tough—Lugo's relegation fodder, Villarreal B mid-table.
But to boost chances… hat-trick today against Lugo.
"Theo."
Prepping for the match, Jordi Calavera called me over. He grinned and spoke low.
"They'll park the bus. We'll push the line high. Be selfish today—no need for assists. Just score. Show us how many you can bag when you want."
I nodded silently.
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