Fate (5)
I initially thought Borja Navas had announced our contract. But after thinking it over, I realized he wouldn't jump the gun like that. Sure, I'd appointed him as my agent, but we hadn't even signed the papers yet.
Next, I figured maybe Getafe CF's director had leaked it to the press in advance. But in the end... neither was the case.
The real source turned out to be someone from AD Alcorcon.
"Whoever it was, an Alcorcon staffer must've tipped off their reporter buddies that I stopped by the club house today. And they mentioned my meeting with Getafe's director too."
The next day, after a wild night with Yuko—three rounds of raw, no-condom sex—I headed straight to BN Agency's headquarters as soon as dawn broke.
The place was buzzing with reporters in the lobby, drawn by its reputation for churning out the hottest transfer news in European soccer. But I took the private elevator straight to the top floor where Borja Navas's office was, flanked by security, so I didn't run into any of them or have to deal with interviews.
There, I got the full story from Borja Navas himself.
"Once word got out that Getafe's director visited Alcorcon to sign you, it naturally spilled over into the news that I'd been appointed your new agent."
I nodded slowly. No big deal that it leaked— I'd planned to sign with him anyway.
"I'll sign right now. Like I said yesterday, looking forward to working together."
Borja Navas flashed a grin at my words.
"You won't regret signing with me for the rest of your life. And I'll do everything to make sure of it."
With that, the agent contract was official. Worth the wait. After all, I'd landed the guy currently rated as Europe's top agent.
"We'll put out our own official announcement too. A bit of a leak, but now everyone will know for sure that you're my client, Theo."
In Borja Navas's office on the top floor of BN Agency, I finished signing the papers, we snapped a few photos, and then dove into future plans.
"Like I mentioned last time, I handpick the players I take on personally. The best prospects, or ones already proving themselves. That's who usually ends up as my clients."
"I'm a bit of an exception, huh."
I gave an awkward laugh, but Borja Navas shook his head firmly, his expression dead serious.
"I have no doubt you'll soon be the most valuable client I have. And the clubs will know it too. Me signing a La Liga 2 player—and a 22-year-old at that—sends a clear message: I see massive success ahead."
"Haha..."
"Of course, not every client I pick hits it big. But my batting average is high."
He added, "I only take on players based on pure talent. Personality isn't always perfect, of course. But one thing they all have? Burning passion for soccer and rock-solid work ethic."
I nodded in agreement, staying quiet.
"As a player's agent, I still need good relations with clubs. Building trust with them makes it easier to pitch my clients."
"Makes sense."
"External drama? I can handle that on my end, no problem. But laziness? That's unsolvable. It's a core flaw."
Borja Navas grinned wolfishly.
"Long story short: the clients I choose are ones clubs can trust and watch closely. I'm damn proud of that. Earning trust from both players and clubs—that's my goal."
Curiosity struck as I listened.
"So you vetted me on all that too?"
"Naturally. Information gathering is key for any top agent. Though... saying it out loud feels a bit embarrassing. I got ridiculously lucky stumbling on a talent like you. Haha."
Borja Navas chuckled sheepishly before getting down to business.
"That's why Getafe's director jacked your weekly wage offer from 4,000 to over 10,000 euros the second he saw me yesterday. He knows the future value and success odds of my clients are sky-high."
Funny—in a predictable way—Getafe's director had flipped his attitude on a dime the moment he met Borja. Right there, he upped the offer to 10,000 euros a week and said if that still wasn't enough, talk to the player and he'd match whatever, within reason...
Hearing that didn't sit well with me, honestly. Borja zeroed in on it immediately.
"A quick chat made it obvious. He hadn't even properly watched your play, Theo. Probably some scout pushed hard, and with your buyout clause at just 1.5 million euros, they figured why not swing."
He gestured dismissively at the phone on his desk, smirking in disdain.
"Called again this morning. Asked if I'd talked to the player yet."
"Hm..."
"Seeing me as your agent made them realize you're worth more than 1.5 million. And with the news out, they're worried other clubs might swoop in—that's why the early morning call."
My expression hardened, and Borja pressed on.
"That's exactly why I'm against the Getafe move. Their director still doesn't grasp your true value. Raises the wage just because I showed up? To a measly 10,000 euros?"
He scowled deeply. I couldn't quite wrap my head around it. A La Liga club acting this sloppy?
Borja waved it off like it was par for the course.
"It's standard, really. Whether it's a director or coach holding the signing power, no one can scout every player in the world. That's why they hire scouts and send them everywhere."
"Fair enough."
"They deep-dive on their main targets, but for others, it's scout reports or bust. Can't land every priority, so to build a squad perfectly, they have to consider scout recs too."
"Mm."
"Big clubs are the same. Hell, often worse."
He gave an example.
"One of my clients—a top prospect back then—wanted to join his dream club. I reached out, obviously. Massive club, top ten in the world. But they passed. Guess why?"
I shook my head, and Borja continued, still incredulous.
"The kid's grandfather had heart disease. That's it. They passed on a steal of a special-grade prospect over that. Even though the player himself was fine."
"Jeez..."
"Big clubs are like that. Picky as hell on signings. But that player made it big anyway. His dream club came crawling back later with massive transfer fees. Laughed my ass off inside during that deal."
Borja said, "Don't get down about this, Theo. Plenty of big clubs are already eyeing you."
"...What?"
"Since our contract news broke, directors from several big clubs have reached out. They were already watching you."
"...!"
My heart started pounding again. Didn't sound like empty flattery to cheer me up.
Multiple big clubs are watching me. Could anything be more thrilling?
"Big clubs are ultra-cautious on signings. Even cheap ones—they don't rush. Young prospects? Yeah, they snap those up fast. Unscratched lottery tickets with killer odds."
Borja went on, "Plus, you had that one flop in Korea. And you've only been lighting it up in Spain for half a year. They'll factor that in."
"Gotta prove that failure's got nothing to do with now."
I said it with resolve, and he nodded.
"Just make that your sole focus—give everything every match. I'll turn you into a big club's star striker for sure. Leave the transfer stuff to me."
"...!"
"Won't even be hard. 1.5 million euro buyout? Pocket change to them—basically free agent money. Haha."
Confidence dripped from his voice. I mulled it over briefly.
Finally, I made up my mind.
"No move this summer unless it's a big club. If I can draw their eyes staying here... I don't want to jump to a first-division side just to fight for minutes right now. This team's built around me—best environment for me to shine."
"Hm."
"Deciding now is the respectful, loyal thing for the club, teammates, and fans. Alcorcon's the one truly recognizing my worth right now."
"..."
"But keep talks open with European competition clubs before winter. We'll reassess based on what value they put on me then."
Borja listened quietly, then smiled and nodded softly.
"If that's your call, gladly."