#111 The Decision(5)
The final candidates have narrowed down to two teams. Borussia Dortmund, which had been the most likely destination from the start, and Chelsea FC, who suddenly entered the race after Boxing Day.
Although the January transfer window hasn't opened yet, Borja Navas believed it was unlikely any better terms than the current discussions would come in. I, too, was starting to feel the urge to settle on a destination.
"First, the most important part: salary."
Chelsea FC's proposed base weekly wage for me was £150,000—about 250 million KRW. That was 100 million KRW more than Borussia Dortmund's offer of €100,000 (about 150 million KRW).
On top of that, Chelsea added a £30,000 win bonus (about 50 million KRW), £200,000 every time I hit 10 attacking points (about 330 million KRW), £300,000 for a PL title win (about 500 million KRW), and even image rights revenue as options.
"But there's a difference in the buyout. Dortmund's is €50 million, but Chelsea is demanding £50 million. That's about a €10 million gap in euros."
"Hmm..."
"Chelsea also conditioned that the buyout won't apply to PL clubs, and they want to raise it to £70 million once my military service issue is resolved."
As I opened my mouth to speak, Borja Navas continued quickly.
"In exchange, if the buyout increases, they'll raise the base wage to £200,000."
The buyout activation timing was the same for both: after the 2039-40 season.
"However, if Chelsea fails to qualify for the Champions League next season, the base wage drops 25%. This season is exempt, but from next season, if they miss out, it falls to £112,500."
Borja Navas added that a 25% wage cut for missing Champions League qualification is a standard contract clause.
"This is Chelsea's final offer."
"Final offer means... no more room to negotiate, right?"
"Yes, exactly."
I nodded slowly. As I rubbed my jawline, lost in thought, Borja Navas shrugged lightly and spoke up.
"Honestly, these terms are incredibly generous. Dortmund's offer was astonishing to begin with. It's not easy to offer a contract like this to a player who's only shone for half a season in La Liga 2."
Of course, it's possible because of your insane performances, he added swiftly.
"Both teams have huge expectations for you. Their high valuation isn't just from La Liga 2—your A-match exploits were decisive."
"Oh... really?"
"Chelsea conditioning the buyout increase on resolving your military service? That's because they calculate you can pull it off. They judge there's no Asian center-back who can stop you."
Even Iran's national team, Asia's strongest, couldn't contain me. The World Cup might be different, but next year's tournament tied to my military exemption isn't even the Asian Cup—it's the Asian Games. With only under-23 Asian players.
"So, Chelsea values my buyout at £70 million."
"Yes, pretty much."
£70 million. About 120 billion KRW. With astronomical transfers over £100 million happening every window, £70 million isn't extremely expensive. Still pricey, though. Only top European clubs can pay that upfront easily.
But there's a blind spot.
"Clubs rarely pay massive fees upfront. They usually go installments."
"But buyouts are upfront by principle, right?"
"Correct. Chelsea will likely insist on lump sum for your buyout. They could pay £70 million upfront, but then inserting the buyout clause loses its purpose."
The reason for the buyout: to position me as the 'strong' party in future transfers. A fixed buyout severely limits the club's leverage. Player value shifts to wages, so maximize salary, minimize buyout—that's the core of our transfer strategy.
"Chelsea isn't like Dortmund. They're not a selling club. They're lowballing now due to urgency, but they won't approve the transfer without upfront buyout payment."
"Then..."
"No need to worry too much."
Borja Navas grinned.
"That's when I shine."
I smiled back faintly.
"Hmm..."
I pondered deeply. A PL club was my top priority. The best stage to maximize my value, packed with lessons from a high-level league.
But I didn't see the PL as my final destination. Skyrocketing my value there—that was the real goal. And the ultimate clubs? The so-called 'LeBaMun': FC Barcelona, Real Madrid CF, Bayern Munich.
Simple reason: prestigious, and top 3 in UEFA Champions League history.
"One question, Borchi."
"Go ahead."
"If my value doubles beyond £70 million... no club would hesitate to pay upfront, right?"
Borja Navas nodded as if it were obvious.
"Upfront €100 million+ happens. Know Pedro Alkisa at Arsenal?"
"Of course."
"His buyout was €125 million. Bilbao said no installments or pay €200 million. I pushed Arsenal to get a bank loan—they did, with interest, but booked as installments."
"Ah..."
"Pedro scored 21 goals and 24 assists last season, dragging Arsenal to 2nd. Interest? Forgotten."
Borja Navas looked at me with confident eyes.
"I believe you'll be worth £70 million, more. PL Golden Boot? That's pocket change."
To be transfer market 'strong,' value must exceed buyout. Way exceed. PL is best for that.
Despite dominating La Liga 2 scoring, no strong love calls from LeBaMun. They don't need a ST now, and our demands are big, but Borja said they're watching.
Explode in PL like here? LeBaMun will throw cash and open arms.
"I've decided."
No need to rush, but my mind was set—no dragging it out.
"Sorry to Dortmund... but Chelsea's offer is too good to ignore."
Borja Navas smiled as if he knew, nodding.
"Don't take it to heart. Soccer's business. Your value is in the salary. Chelsea values you higher than Dortmund."
...Even if Dortmund matched Chelsea, I'd pick Chelsea. Can't ignore PL's prestige.
As 2037 drew to a close, I took my talent to Chelsea FC in London, England. Nearly a year after arriving in Spain.