Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Signing Fee
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Hans quickly printed and bound the loan contract, then handed it to Maël and Gilbert.
The contract clearly outlined the bonus and salary terms Hans had mentioned earlier, along with some additional details.
Maël carefully examined it to ensure he wasn't being deceived.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Arsenal and Sheffield United; rather, he found it hard to believe that his status had changed twice in a single day.
From a trial player to a Youth Player, and then from a Youth Player to a First Team member!
He even received a loan from a Championship team!
His hands trembled slightly, and he was enveloped in a mix of surprise and happiness.
Anyone would sign this contract, wouldn't they?
Even though he still faced the pressure of improving his skills, and had just decided to add Crossing and Dribbling skills to his training regimen.
But, earning 800 Pounds Weekly Salary at the Colney Training Ground to grind for skill proficiency, versus earning 2500 Pounds Weekly Salary at the Championship First Team, Sheffield United, to do the same.
Anyone would choose the latter, right?
He didn't expect to play in the Championship League right away; one shouldn't be overly ambitious, as it only leads to disappointment.
"First, adapt to the new environment and privately work on improving your skills."
Maël flipped through the contract, making up his mind: "The first goal is to make it onto the official match roster and experience professional competition up close."
He wasn't in a hurry; the skill proficiency panel was his greatest confidence.
As long as he could maintain discipline and effort, he would continue to improve and eventually get his chance!
"Hmm."
Maël placed his hand on his chin, mimicking the serious demeanor of a star player during negotiations: "Please inform Sheffield United that I expect a base weekly salary of 4000 Pounds. 2500 Pounds does not meet my expectations."
Gilbert turned his head sharply, eyes wide open.
Hans paused, then raised his right hand, pointing toward the door with a speechless expression.
"Hahaha..." The three of them burst into laughter, leaning back and forth.
As they laughed, the genuine joy in their eyes gradually faded, though they still chuckled, their minds wandering elsewhere.
Hans felt proud that his U17 team had produced two Championship loan players, affectionately patting their shoulders.
Maël and Gilbert, on the other hand, were fully accepting of their upcoming loan, feeling both excitement and anticipation for joining a professional team, as well as nervousness about the uncertainties.
"Alright."
Hans smiled with satisfaction, getting back to the topic: "Moving from the Youth Team to the First Team, and then being loaned to Sheffield United, both of these 'transfers' come with a Signing Fee.
"The bonus for moving to the First Team, included in the youth contract, is not part of this Signing Fee. This is additional income, which Arsenal and Sheffield United will pay immediately.
"As for how to use it, I won't say much, but I hope you use it wisely, such as securing a good living environment in Sheffield."
Maël and Gilbert didn't speak, only staring intently at Hans, eager to learn the amount of the Signing Fee.
They were not yet in a position to negotiate with the club and were new to this process, so they could only accept what the club offered.
"The total for both transfers is 50,000 Pounds per person."
Hans held up five fingers, calculating quickly: "After taxes, you will receive 30,000 Pounds. This includes the 40,000 Pounds Loan Fee paid by Sheffield United to the club, plus an additional 60,000 Pounds from the club."
"No need to say more."
Gilbert suddenly stood up, as if afraid Hans would change his mind, quickly extending his right hand: "Pleasure doing business."
Maël also sprang up, his face beaming with joy: "Let's sign it quickly."
After completing the signing, Maël and Gilbert were given only half a day to pack and prepare.
They walked out of the administrative building, exchanged a smile, and then headed to their respective dormitories without saying much.
They had a long time to spend together in the future, but for now, they needed to settle everything and prepare for their departure the next day.
That night, Maël packed all his belongings and strolled around the Colney Training Ground, taking one last look at the place where he had spent several months.
Especially the U17 training grounds and the youth team gym, places he would likely never return to after leaving.
When one spends a long time in a place, sweating and experiencing the highs and lows of life, one naturally develops a deep connection to it.
Not to mention, Maël had experienced the greatest turning point in his life here, truly changing his fate.
The reluctance to leave welled up in Maël's heart.
Most of the time, leaving with joy is more likely to leave a lasting impression than leaving with pain.
Because the former leaves painful memories, while the latter leaves the most beautiful and exciting moments.
"Leon, why did you hang up so quickly?"
Dialing Uncle's number, Maël decided to share his joy from the day with his family, also to ease his reluctance. A cheerful voice came from the other end: "Is there some other good news?"
It seemed they hadn't fully recovered from the joy of 'nephew earning 800 Pounds Weekly Salary'.
For a family that had been supporting four children, having a child earn enough to support himself and occasionally help the family was indeed a great joy.
"There is a bit."
Maël chuckled, feeling the emotions coming from the other end, his voice slightly trembling: "Sheffield United wants to loan me. I signed the contract this afternoon.
"My weekly salary is now 2500 Pounds, plus various bonuses and a substantial Signing Fee. I'll send 3000 Pounds back home. You can use it to buy things for Younger Sister and the family. This time, I won't be back for Christmas."
The English professional league has no winter break, and on Christmas Day, there is usually a 'Boxing Day' match.
January is the busiest month, making it one of the most grueling leagues in the world.
"2500 Pounds per week?! After taxes, that's... 1500 Pounds, 52 weeks a year..."
Uncle's voice also trembled, and he swallowed hard: "Leon, don't joke with me. Is all of this really true??"
"Maël's call?"
"Brother! Brother!"
The other end was filled with noise, as if Aunt and Younger Sister had crowded around Uncle.
"It's true, and it's not the end."
Maël took a deep breath and continued: "If I can play 10 matches for Sheffield United, I'll earn 8000 Pounds Weekly Salary, and 20 matches will earn me 20,000 Pounds."
"Oh...!"
The other end seemed on the verge of fainting, followed by a flurry of sounds: "Leon, supporting your football career is truly the greatest fortune of my life. Uncle often feels guilty for not providing you with the best conditions, but you have worked hard and succeeded. Keep it up!
"Take care of yourself first, and then think about the family. I'm... very grateful that you still think of us. If there's a match, make sure to let us know in advance!"
Aunt and Younger Sister seemed anxious, repeatedly asking Uncle what was going on and why he was saying so much.
Only after Uncle explained the situation did Aunt fall silent, as if in a state of shock.
Younger Sister Eva, with her simple heart, only felt joy, bouncing around and laughing: "Brother is so awesome, brother, buy me pizza!"
Maël listened to the sounds from the other end, smiling with genuine happiness.
Giving back made him feel truly alive.
Tomorrow, the journey begins!
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