The Decision (3)
Cha Tae-oh Transfer Saga Emerges… Spanish Media: “Player's heart leaning more towards Borussia Dortmund… but his resolve for the PL still lingers.” Where to?
Man Utd Desperately Needs Striker Boost… British Media: “Manchester United scouting loan attackers for winter window.” Cha Tae-oh out of the race?
‘GK and Top Reinforcement Essential’ Chelsea torn between Benfica GK Andrei Popa and Fiorentina GK Massimo Pirrola… British Media: “Andrei Popa's price tag too high, shifting towards Massimo Pirrola.” So what about the striker?
‘Cha Tae-oh Signing Candidate’ Tottenham Hotspur… Interest cooling with prospect ST Steve Towell netting 4 in last 3 games: “Buyout and sign? No way!”
Atlético Madrid Needs Attacker… Spanish Media: “Still interested in Cha Tae-oh, but key condition disagreements persist…”
‘Cha Tae-oh's Likely Destination’ Borussia Dortmund confident on signing! German Media: “Talks progressing smoothly—deal possible by late December!”
With the 21st round match against Villarreal B, the long La Liga 2 first half finally drew to a close.
In that final first-half game, I managed to bag four goals against Villarreal B. Even though I was subbed off relatively early in the 74th minute for Alejandro Rico, firing in four goals in just over 60 minutes was incredibly encouraging.
Those four goals against Villarreal B pushed me to the milestone of 50 goals. Season stats: 21 games, 50 goals, 9 assists. That averaged out to 2.8 attacking points per game. Compared to my 75 goals in 14 games in the fourth tier, it was about half the output—but considering the gap between pro and semi-pro, this was more than satisfactory.
“Everyone, great work.”
As all the players gathered in the dressing room after the match, Jordi Calavera scanned the room with a beaming smile.
“Not many people expected us to put up results like this. Even we didn't predict this 21-game unbeaten run.”
18 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses. That's what we'd achieved through 21 rounds. A whopping 57 points—15 more than second-place RCD Espanyol.
“Incredibly, you've delivered these results. You're rewriting club history. Hell, you're even challenging for the club's first-ever title and promotion. Outstanding work. As your coach, I salute you.”
Clap clap clap clap!
As Jordi Calavera started applauding, the teammates joined in one by one. The dressing room filled with the sound for a moment.
The atmosphere was warm and joyful. No trace remained of the drab mood when I'd first joined the A-team training last season.
“You've done great so far, so no training sessions during this 10-day break. Spend a joyful Christmas with your families, recharge your batteries, and come back strong for the second half. Let's grab that title and promotion we've all dreamed of. Great job, everyone.”
Jordi Calavera wrapped up his team talk with a grin. Smiles lit up the players' faces at the news of the 10-day holiday. Mine too.
I planned to visit Dortmund, celebrate Christmas with the folks at Corear, and enjoy the break. Oh, and Niela's concert too. Felt awkward going alone, so I was dragging the guys along: Miguel Amaro, Joni Montoya, and Tiago, naturally.
I'd offered a ticket to our team GK Mario Sanchez, Niela's diehard fan, but he flat-out refused—said true fans buy their own. Impressive dedication.
“Tomorrow, right? The Dortmund visit?”
As I packed my bag, Jordi Calavera's voice came from behind. I slung my Boston bag over my shoulder and nodded.
“Yeah, morning flight.”
Having heard through Borja Navas that Borussia Dortmund would wait until late January, the coach's expression was noticeably brighter than before. With five more games before the winter window closed, keeping this winning streak could net another 15 points—pushing us to 73. Over 80 usually secures second place comfortably, putting promotion within reach.
“Never been to Borussen's home ground, have you?”
“Nope.”
“I checked it out once… it's massive. Insane fan energy. Bundesliga's in break now, so no game, but you'll love the stadium.”
Jordi Calavera spoke like he was nudging me toward Dortmund. Other clubs in a rush couldn't afford that patience. Still, I wasn't planning to sign anything on this Germany trip—Dortmund might expect it, but Borja Navas said waiting wouldn't hurt. I agreed.
“Anyway, safe travels. See you when the new year hits.”
He patted my shoulder with a smile and walked off. Christmas was shaping up warm—my face broke into a grin too.
The day after the Villarreal B match, I flew from Madrid Airport to Dortmund International.
Borja Navas didn't join. A BN Agency staffer came along as interpreter and mediator. Bringing the agent would've signaled a deal was imminent—better to convey we were still watching options.
“Welcome, Theo.”
The Dortmund sporting director greeted me at the airport. Goblin powers let me speak every language, but I routed through the interpreter on purpose. Once signed, I'd fake a quick skill surge. Natives already marveled at my Spanish; adding flawless German out of nowhere would need another tall tale.
The director peppered me with questions en route to their home ground, BVB Stadion Dortmund, but no hard sell without my agent.
BVB Stadion Dortmund was… just as Jordi Calavera said—overwhelmingly grand. Third-largest in Europe after Camp Nou and Wembley, maybe. So vast, the empty stands felt eerily hollow.
“Our stadium's packed every game—fans fill every seat. Shame we can't show you that heat.”
The Borussia Dortmund president spoke, and I nodded instinctively.
“I'd love to see it.”
He grinned. “We can give you a taste… wanna see?”
Like he'd planned it, he led me somewhere in the stadium—a video room with wall screens. The director signaled, a staffer fired up the projector. Lights dimmed, speakers blasted eardrum-shattering cheers.
Borussia Dortmund home fan footage. Choreographed card sections, roaring crowds, belting chants—it hit like you were there. I stared, transfixed, unable to look away.
…After that, the director showed me around, but back in Madrid, only that video stuck. My heart was tilting hard toward Borussia Dortmund. The club's stature, fan passion, their patience with me and AD Alcorcon—all of it.
A few days later.
“Talked contract terms with Borussen.”
I met Borja Navas. Initial negotiations: €100k weekly base, plus goal bonuses, appearance fees, win bonuses, image rights—averaging near €150k. €50m buyout, 4.5-year deal. Perks: interpreter, sponsor car, first-class flights to Korea.
“Talks went very smoothly. Their intent is strong.”
Dortmund was perfect—Bundesliga aside.
“I'll use this to pressure PL clubs max.”
“Shape should clear in days.”
Boxing Day tomorrow, league games end of December— one of the three teams would bite. Borja Navas hoped so too.
“If none accept our terms…”
“Then I sign with Borussen. Wrap this saga quick, give Alcorcon my all till I go.”
“We'll go that route.”
Fate's day approached. Maybe deciding my future.