Football singularity

Chapter 302 302 Choices

"Joining them might be a bit of a headache... Your Dad's family owns some of the teams shares," Mum said as soon as I finished reading the report she had prepared for the German giant's. "Don't get me wrong they're not major shareholders that can influence the happenings in the club, but you will probably interact with them sooner or later."

Her mentioning Dads Family thee me for a loop since despite living with them for almost a decade I've never met Dads side of the family. From what Emma has told me neither has she, as Dad had completely cut off contact with them.

So, them owning shares in my favourite football team is a little weird but given their wealth it's not all that surprising. Anyway, it's not like I have to interact with them as I've not once had to do so with the Celtic board or shareholders.

However, no matter how much I thought about it the Likelihood of drama arising because of this is high. I love my grandparents since there so supportive but from what I've gathered they are the exception not the norm. After all, not all grandparents encourage they grandchildren no older than 13 to go to a Highschool party.

"Let's just put a pin to it until we know what their offering," I told her not willing to dwell on the topic for longer than I have too. Since they haven't bothered to show up in our life I'll reciprocate the sentiment.

"Okay, the last two are from the premier league and the Eredivisie," Mum said before motioning to the prominent logos of Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax. "Right." I leaned back, letting the club logos sink in. Chelsea had been circling for a while, but Ajax? That was unexpected. Even when I was at the hight of my popularity before the shooting they never came knocking seemingly not trying to fight with the big teams.

Mum watched me closely, her fingers drumming lightly against the table. "I know you prefer Spain but both teams have shown great interest in actually using you in their first squad." She stated before proceeding to lay out how both team's plan from me following their preliminary meeting. "As we expected all teams are interested in your commercial value but Ajax in particular plans on preparing you for a bigger stage in the next two years."

That didn't suprise me much since the Dutch team is renowned for producing some of the fiercest players in the top 3 leagues. However, if I am being honest, I never imagined myself playing in the Dutch league, not because I look down upon i just never crossed my mind. I would get to play champions league football if I joined them though so that's a plus in their favour but the same goes for Chelsea.

I don't know how I feel about spending another two years developing my skill's in the high intensity pressure cooker that is Ajax. Much like the germen wasps they follow a philosophy of high intensity pressure for most of the match requiring a lot of physical output from their players. That is probably the reason they mainly focus on young player who can keep up with the high demand of their tactics.

Personally, I don't mind that kind of pressure every ones in a while especially for important games and competitions. However, doing it week in week out through out an entire season over at least 3 competitions will eventually take its tole no matter how you look at it. But I wouldn't mind playing under such a system for a little bit if it will make me a better player.

"Just like Bayern where both their star wingers are retiring, Hazard is set to leave the club this summer." Mum stated after seeing I was done checking the information on the Dutch Giants and their preliminary plans for mw. They pretty much laid out a 12 step plan on goals they want me to reach and some of aspects of my game they want to improve.

"Is it confirmed that he will leave this summer, I thought that was all just hype like last summer," I questioned her since I've learned to not believe whatever the media says until they present actual proof.

"Yes, he is, I met his agent Bico-Penaque when I visited Chelsea headquarters, they put in their notice to transfer, and the club is accepting offers. The most likely move for him will be Real Madrid especially with Zidane at the helm." She responded with a smile going into detail about how the deal was most likely going to be the highest transfer this summer.

That definitely piqued my interest. Hazard leaving Chelsea was big news, but the idea of him heading to Real Madrid and opening up a spot at Chelsea made things more real. "So, they're preparing to bring someone in to fill that gap…" I muttered, my mind spinning with possibilities. If I were to join Chelsea, I'd have to step into the shoes of someone like Hazard who has been amazing Stanford bridge since ethe age of 21.

Mum tilted her head, gauging my reaction. "You're right, it's a big move. But from what I've gathered, Chealsea is looking into a few young wingers to step into that forward role. They have Willian for now, but he is also past his prime and they are starting to look outward."

"Right, so they want me to be part of that transition," I said slowly, piecing it together.

Chelsea is probably looking for any means to bolster their attacking threat after their main talisman leaves. From what I have gathered their line-up is solid, the midfield is top tier with Jorginho, Mason Mount and arguably the best CDM in the world currently playing N'Golo Kante. With the German Rudiger and the French Zuma very little will get by them, so the only thing they will lack is a reliable left winger to support Pulisic and Giroud.

Mum nodded, her gaze steady as if weighing my thoughts before I even voiced them. "Exactly. They're restructuring, and they want you to be a part of that process. It's a big opportunity, but also a lot of responsibility."

Chelsea wasn't just a club—they were one of the biggest clubs in the world, competing on multiple fronts, and with that came intense pressure. If all of that pressure wasn't enough, I would have to deal with the British media at the heart of London. Although I love the spotlight, dealing with the BBC is like arguing with an ex-wife, you lose either way.

"You think they're betting on me filling that kind of role?" I asked, the doubt creeping into my voice despite my best efforts to stay cool.

Mum didn't hesitate. "I think they're betting on you making an impact to what ends leaves to be determined, as I am not sure if it's the commercial appeal that's driving them or genuine appreciation for your talent." Her words hit hard. No fluff, no sugar-coating. Just the truth. And she was right, as usual. The Commercial incentive that I bring to them after their number one player with the most shirt sales is obvious to see.

"But Ajax..." I started, my voice trailing off as I looked back at the logo of the Dutch giants. The contrast between the two offers was glaringly easy to spot. Ajax wanted to invest in my future and the Londan blues wanted an immediate player and if that wasn't an option for a commercial cash cow. It is a more of a sink-or-swim environment. Immediate impact, high expectations. The kind of pressure that could either make or break a player.

Before I could delve deeper into contemplation Mum spoke up again bringing an end to my musings. "Anyway, these are just preliminary talks things will heat up when the transfer window open, plus you will have another chance to impress them at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship's this summer. You decided who you want to represent yet?"

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To Be Continued...