"Related to me?"
Maël was well aware that Gareth Speed's deliberate approach to discuss this matter placed him on equal footing, showing ample respect.
There was no treating him like a child, nor was he hindered by his coaching position; instead, it was akin to a casual chat between friends.
Most of the people on the train were wearing headphones and dozing off. The two were sitting in the last row, and only Gilbert and a few others could possibly hear their conversation.
"Arsenal will most likely recall you mid-season, that's obvious."
Gareth Speed took off his suit jacket and said in a deep voice, "If you leave mid-season, then I might choose to leave as well.
"I don't want to say something so serious and cheesy in this setting, but I have to say it: you carry the hopes of this team, everyone has expectations of you."
He paused, then continued, "With you here, everyone feels that maybe we can do something this season.
"But if you leave, the players, already without any relegation pressure, will likely slack off and indulge themselves, ultimately ending the season as a mid-table team with nothing to show for it."
Gareth Speed spread his hands slightly, as if to say that if that were the case, there would be no point in him staying here.
Maël was taken aback. He hadn't realized that he was so important to this team and to Gareth Speed.
Sometimes people's perception of themselves isn't very clear.
"Whether I leave or not isn't up to me."
Maël replied, feeling slightly confused and wanting to deal with it later.
"Yes."
Gareth Speed still wanted to get to the bottom of it. He stared at Maël's face. "Whether you leave or not isn't up to you, but you can decide whether to stay.
"Think about it, Maël. Before you came here, you had nothing. Now, if you leave, besides those dazzling stats, two Monthly Best awards, you still have nothing else.
"If you have the opportunity to pursue excellence, to chase great success, such as leading the team to Promotion to the Super League, winning the Season's Best Player or Assists Leader title, why wouldn't you go for it?"
After speaking, he added, "Of course, you also have a chance at the Golden Boot. All of these will increase your value, adding a rich and colorful stroke to your resume."
Maël fell silent. Gareth Speed's face showed anxiety as he continued to persuade him, "The club must have the idea of Promotion to the Super League. They can complete reinforcements and signings in the winter transfer window, and design huge Promotion to the Super League bonuses.
"I've talked to the board members. As long as they can keep you, they are willing to set up individual bonus clauses for you.
"Maël, think about it carefully. Arsenal needs your future, while Sheffield United needs your present."
"I'll think about it carefully." Maël's heart was surging, and he didn't make a decision on the spot. He needed time to think.
...
The next day, after finishing his recovery training, Maël went to the club cafeteria for a meal, looking at his phone messages along the way.
Over a period of time, he had gained more than ninety thousand fans, which could be considered a certain level of influence.
With more people following him, the number of people sending him private messages naturally increased.
A Strip Club Dancer, a divorced young woman who liked Sheffield United, and a University Sports Department Cheerleading Captain had all sent messages and left a deep impression on him.
As for many others, they weren't memorable.
Following the success of the autograph gift event at Kodall's old shop, he had received many similar invitations, with fees ranging from £5,000 to £10,000.
He didn't plan to go. On the one hand, he was busy now, and on the other hand, his salary and bonuses were high, and he didn't lack that bit of money.
Maël had also received some endorsement invitations from small brands, but it was difficult to tell whether they were genuine. With his current influence and attention, it was unlikely that he would attract a proper endorsement contract.
"I need an agent."
He thought of this. Having reached this point, he did need an agent to help him solve problems and increase his income in the future.
Plus, he and Arsenal were about to sign a new contract, and an agent who understood the industry could help him get a more generous and reasonable contract.
Currently, besides Mendes, the only ones who had contacted him were ordinary agents whose names he had never heard of.
In that case, Mendes was truly the only and best choice.
He found the phone number of Pepino, the person in charge of Mendes' agency, the one he had met last time.
In their message history, he saw many unread messages from the other party, some were long paragraphs of persuasion, and some were hoping he would answer the phone.
Had he not received the other party's calls?
Maël opened his missed calls and saw many, including Pepino's number.
"Still too busy."
He smiled, about to return the call, but stopped at the last moment, exiting the dialer and going to the messaging app.
--"Meet before the first league match next month."
A few minutes later, a quick reply came: "Mr. Mendes will be coming in person this time to show his respect and recognition of you."
Mendes is coming in person?
Maël wasn't too surprised. Last time they met, he only had 10 goal contributions, considered just starting out.
But now, he has over 20 goal contributions, showing efficient and stable ability, so his value is naturally different.
--"Let's set it around December 8th."
After setting a time, Maël went to the cafeteria, putting these matters aside for the moment.
"November 29th, keep grinding. No rest. The proficiency panel gives me far more than just what's in front of me.
"Cherish your feathers, make full use of your time. Every additional lv3 skill improves performance, and every additional lv4 skill brings you closer to the top!"
"December 1st, the last month of the first half of the season. It's a pity the English league doesn't have a winter break.
"Thankfully, there are only 4 matches this month, so the schedule isn't too dense. After it ends, the Mid-Season Best Player should be selected. I wonder if I'll be nominated.
"The trophy cabinet already has 5 Man of the Match awards, 2 Monthly Bests, and a commemorative ball from a Hat-trick. If I could put a Mid-Season Best Player trophy there, this first half would be quite remarkable.
"If I could add the Golden Boot and Assists Leader... Season's Best Player, tsk... Don't think so far ahead, consider the present."
"December 4th, tired, tired, tired.
"Planning to find a personal therapist to handle diet and post-training massages to relieve Muscle Fatigue... Hmm, put it on the agenda. I'm not short of money now!
"Speaking of money, has Arsenal made a decision yet? Every week they delay, I lose ten or twenty thousand pounds. Are they still discussing it?
"Didn't Philip mention the Signing Fee last time? How much should I ask for? This is one of the major sources of income.
"I should let Mendes handle these matters as soon as possible and let him negotiate. I believe in his abilities."
"December 7th, my Cross proficiency has broken through 500. If I allocate more time, I should reach lv4 this month!
"The second lv4 skill, not easy, not easy. With the overall ability at that time, playing in the Premier League shouldn't be a problem at all, but the highlights are a bit monotonous.
"This is only the first year, maybe I really don't need to rush? In the second half, I can train a lv5 technical skill and take it to conquer the Premier League. A trump card from the start."
"..."
...
December 8th, after morning training, Maël went home to shower and change clothes, then headed to a restaurant.
This was an extremely luxurious restaurant, filled with people in suits and extraordinary demeanors, speaking elegantly and without clamor.
Maël was led to the third floor by a waiter, passing through a magnificent corridor to a small VIP room, where he saw a giant golden carpet and a huge, luxurious chandelier.
Whether in his previous life or this one, he had never been to such a place.
However, the increase in income and value didn't make him feel awkward or embarrassed.
He walked in calmly, at most a little curious.
"Seeing is believing, my friend."
A middle-aged man in an expensive black suit walked from the front of the long table, warmly opening his arms to him. "I arrived this morning, rushing here without delay. How about it?"
He wasn't tall, but he had a great presence, giving off a very shrewd and capable feeling.
This was the brokerage giant who controlled Portuguese football and was slowly extending his reach to European football, the agent of Ronaldo and Mourinho, Jorge Mendes.
Maël hugged him and came to the table, pulling out a chair while laughing, "Me neither."
"Haha..."
Mendes laughed a few times, pointing to Pepino sitting next to him and saying, "This is Pepino, you've met."
Maël nodded to him, then exchanged the usual pleasantries with the two, ordered some food and drinks, and prepared to talk about the main topic.
"Pepino has told you a lot."
Mendes steered the conversation back on track, patting his chest as he said, "Please forgive my presumptuousness, but I'd like to ask you a question first: what do you think I can bring to you?"
"Increased income."
Maël didn't think long before stating directly, "And at critical moments, solve some problems for me and create some momentum."
"More specifically?"
Mendes exchanged a smile with Pepino, then turned to look at Maël without saying anything, and continued, "Let me put it this way. This season is your debut season. When you first came here, you were still on the youth team's salary."
"It should have increased since then, but the rate of increase certainly can't keep up with your growth in the team."
"If you choose me to handle these matters for you, then I guarantee that you only need to focus on the field, and everything else can be left to me."
"You only need to wait for my call, wait for contracts, salaries, endorsements, etc., that match everything about you, and then smile as you write your name and receive endless amounts of money."
"Remember, you must be smiling!"
"I've indeed been thinking about this recently."
Maël nodded in agreement with what he said, thought for a moment, and then asked, "Mr. Mendes, what kind of salary do you think my level deserves?"
"It needs to be looked at from multiple angles."
Mendes didn't hide his expertise and explained generously, "The length of the contract, the amount of the Signing Fee, the level of the release clause, and the club's tactical positioning of you, as well as the total bonus clauses, all need to be considered."
"What about a release clause of £40 million and a one-year contract extension, making the total contract term four years?" Maël asked, providing a precise figure.
Mendes pondered for a moment and replied, "If the Signing Fee is around £700,000 to £800,000, I think the Weekly Salary should be in the range of £40k to £48k. Your age is a factor here, making you worth the club's investment."
£40k-£48k Weekly Salary, Maël's brain briefly short-circuited. And there could still be a £700,000 to £800,000 Signing Fee. This clearly exceeded his expectations once again.
Indeed, professional matters should be left to professionals.
"Mr. Mendes means..."
Pepino, who was sitting beside him, spoke up with a firm tone, "If he were to negotiate, he could conservatively secure that price."
"I believe it."
Maël nodded, expressing his interest, "It was said before that Mr. Mendes would take 2.75% of the player's salary as a reward and 15-20% of the endorsement fees."
"If I can decide today, I wonder if Mr. Mendes can also be straightforward and cap the endorsement fee commission at the minimum of 15%?"
He doesn't have any endorsements yet, but that doesn't mean he won't in the future. It's always good to fight for more for himself at this time.
Mendes exchanged another glance with Pepino. He didn't hide his joy and his desire to represent Maël's agency affairs.
He has always considered himself a sincere and straightforward person, so he said directly, "Of course, let's settle on that!"
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