บท 174: Contract Negotiation
34!
The day after the Eredivisie season concluded, the Netherlands' largest and most influential newspaper, De Telegraaf, featured the bold Arabic numeral "34" in red as its front-page headline. Beneath the number were photographs of jubilant Ajax players proudly hoisting the league championship trophy.
The headline reflected the widespread celebration of Ajax's triumph, but the focus of Dutch fans went beyond the title. Discussions centered on whether Yang Yang could claim the league's top scorer award, break Ronaldo's legendary record, and become the youngest-ever Eredivisie Golden Boot winner. These achievements had captured the imagination of fans across the nation.
To add to the excitement, De Telegraaf reported that Yang Yang had also secured the prestigious European Golden Boot, edging out Thierry Henry by a single point in the rankings. This triumph made Yang Yang the youngest player in history to claim the award, cementing his status as a phenomenon in European football.
In its second edition, De Telegraaf published an extensive feature on Yang Yang, praising his stellar season and analyzing his remarkable pursuit of Ronaldo's records. The article lauded Yang Yang as the brightest star in European football at just 18 years old. It declared him Ajax's talisman and the standout figure in Dutch football.
The report detailed his technical brilliance, emphasizing his exceptional balance and ability with both feet. Whether operating on the left or right wing, Yang Yang was equally capable of cutting inside or reaching the byline, offering Ajax significant tactical flexibility.
"Last season, Yang Yang was Ajax's super-sub. Now, he is one of the top scorers in European football," the article proclaimed. "Scoring 34 goals in 28 league matches is an extraordinary achievement for anyone, let alone an 18-year-old."
The feature drew comparisons to Ronaldo, although it acknowledged their differences. "It's difficult to pinpoint the precise similarities between Yang Yang and Ronaldo, but what is undeniable is the brilliance of a teenager achieving such feats."
The article also highlighted areas for Yang Yang's growth, particularly noting that none of his 34 goals came from headers.
"According to Ajax's registration last summer, Yang Yang was listed at 1.8 meters tall at the age of 17. He has likely grown since then, yet he has not scored a single header," the article observed. "This is not a flaw but an area for development. Even Ronaldo was not renowned for his aerial prowess at Yang Yang's age."
The analysis also discussed his limited role as a free-kick taker. Despite Wesley Sneijder being Ajax's primary set-piece specialist, Yang Yang's rare attempts at free kicks demonstrated potential. "From the few opportunities he has had, it's clear that free kicks could become a significant weapon in his arsenal with focused training."
Another recommendation was for Yang Yang to continue building his physical strength. "His physicality has improved significantly this season, but further development will not only enhance his threat on the pitch but also help him avoid injuries."
The article concluded with optimism, asserting that Yang Yang, still far from his peak, had the potential to become one of the greats in European football.
In a separate column, renowned Dutch journalist Aron Moi emphasized the importance of Yang Yang remaining at Ajax to continue his development. Moi argued that leaving the Eredivisie prematurely could hinder his growth.
"Ajax provides a unique environment for Yang Yang's development—one he is unlikely to find elsewhere in Europe," Moi wrote. "While the allure of joining a top club in one of Europe's major leagues is undeniable, Yang Yang must consider whether those clubs would be willing to build around an 18-year-old as a core player."
Moi warned that moving to a larger club without guaranteed playing time would be counterproductive. "What's the point of leaving Ajax if he's not a central figure in his new team? Staying in the Eredivisie will allow him to refine his skills and mature before taking on the next challenge."
...
...
If the Dutch media's in-depth analysis of Yang Yang's season caused waves, then the shock extended far beyond the Netherlands. Newspapers such as Germany's Bild, France's L'Équipe, Britain's The Sun and The Times, Spain's Marca and AS, and Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport all reacted strongly to Yang Yang breaking Ronaldo's legendary record.
In recent years, European football has seen the rise of numerous prodigies—Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, Antonio Cassano at Roma, and Arjen Robben at Chelsea—each celebrated as one of the brightest young talents in Europe.
Yet none of them, at the age of 18, have matched Ronaldo's extraordinary achievements.
But Yang Yang has done it!
At just 18 years old, Yang Yang has won titles in two major European leagues, claimed the Dutch Golden Boot, led the league in assists, and, in a stunning feat, became the youngest-ever recipient of the prestigious European Golden Boot. These accolades set him apart not only from his peers but also from players several years his senior.
While the future remains uncertain—just as no one foresaw Ronaldo's sharp decline after the peak of his teenage fame—Yang Yang's trajectory suggests he is on course to establish himself among Europe's elite players for the next decade.
Despite this, skepticism persists in some corners of the media. Critics argue that Yang Yang's achievements lack the "gold content" of Ronaldo's.
"Ronaldo dominated the Eredivisie. His sheer impact on the pitch, the shockwaves of his performances, and his extraordinary individual ability are unmatched by Yang Yang at present," some commentators wrote.
These detractors also pointed to a perceived decline in the Eredivisie's overall quality in recent years.
"If Van der Vaart's struggles at Real Madrid can be attributed to systemic issues within the club, then Mateja Kežman's struggles at Chelsea, despite excelling in the Eredivisie, cast doubt on the league's ability to prepare players for the highest level," one analysis noted.
"Yang Yang's performance this season has indeed been exceptional, but it may not warrant the overwhelming praise he's received. He has yet to prove himself in the Champions League, and his only Champions League title was earned from the bench," another pointed out.
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...
Yang Yang never paid much attention to the media, whether it was their praise or criticism. Such external opinions had little significance for him. Even the congratulatory newspaper clipping given by the owner of the breakfast shop on the corner of Oude Kerk didn't hold much weight in his eyes.
When Yang Yang returned home with breakfast that morning, he noticed a familiar car parked outside his house. It belonged to Mino Raiola.
The night before, Raiola had called him while he was celebrating Ajax's Eredivisie victory with his teammates. The two hadn't had a chance to speak in detail, but later that evening, Ajax's director, Arie van Eijden, had informed Yang Yang that he and Raiola were expected to meet at the Amsterdam Arena's office this morning to discuss some matters.
With this in mind, Yang Yang had bought an extra breakfast on his way home.
"Yesterday, you won the league title, and the season has just ended, yet you still refuse to relax," Raiola remarked as Yang Yang walked in, breakfast in hand. The young forward was already dressed for training, his appearance as meticulous as his discipline. Raiola didn't need to ask to know Yang Yang had gone out to train again that morning. The Italian agent couldn't help but admire his client's self-discipline.
"If you keep working like this, I'm worried that as your agent, I'll soon be unable to keep up with you," Raiola joked.
Yang Yang chuckled. "No way. Look at you—you eat more, get rounder, and still refuse to exercise. As a friend, I couldn't just stand by, so I've been training the part that you've neglected."
Raiola and Vermaelen, who was visiting, exchanged amused glances and burst into laughter.
"Then, in recognition of your 'heroic efforts,' I'll gladly take this breakfast as repayment," Raiola quipped, standing up quickly and rushing to the table. For a man his size, his speed was startling—truly reminiscent of "spherical lightning."
Before Yang Yang had arrived, Raiola and Vermaelen had been discussing Chen Tao and the upcoming FIFA World Youth Championship. Chen Tao had flown to Amsterdam to watch Yang Yang's final league match of the season. Though not playing, he had been there to support his friend and to soak in the atmosphere of European football. After the game, Chen Tao returned home to finalize transfer talks.
Anderlecht had expressed serious interest in signing Chen Tao, and the transfer fee proposed by his domestic club seemed reasonable. Chen Tao's primary goal was to ensure the deal was completed quickly so he could begin his European career.
Raiola, for his part, was optimistic about the transfer and assured Yang Yang that he would personally attend the World Youth Championship to scout for talent.
"If there are interesting players in the Chinese team during the tournament, I can arrange trial training sessions for them," Raiola said.
Yang Yang knew that while Raiola's network within European football wasn't as vast as some other agents, his strengths lay elsewhere. He excelled in crafting strategic career paths for his clients and was an exceptional negotiator. This was a key reason Yang Yang had chosen him as his agent. Raiola's roster of players was small but of high quality, with most competing in the top leagues.
As they finished breakfast, Raiola offered a final piece of advice. "Arie van Eijden is no Van Gaal. When we get to Ajax's office, you stay quiet. Just listen. Leave the talking to me. Whatever you think about what's said, keep it to yourself until we can discuss it privately afterward."
Raiola knew Yang Yang was deeply attached to Ajax and grateful for the opportunities they had given him. But such emotions were a liability at the negotiating table. He needed to ensure Yang Yang's interests were protected, whether that meant staying at Ajax or leaving. After all, Raiola's success depended on securing the best deals for his clients.
"Don't worry. I won't say a word. I'll leave it all to you," Yang Yang reassured him.
Raiola smiled, satisfied with the response. Yet deep down, he understood that Yang Yang was not as pliable as he sometimes seemed. The young forward had his own ideas and wasn't easily swayed. Raiola could only hope that, as his agent, he could guide those ideas toward the best possible outcome.
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...
When Yang Yang and Raiola arrived at the Amsterdam Arena, a group of reporters was already stationed outside, eagerly awaiting any signs of drama.
This was standard fare in professional football. The day after Ajax's league triumph and celebratory revelry, the club's attention had shifted to pressing issues. Chief among them was securing Yang Yang's future. His contract renewal had become the top priority for Ajax this summer.
Nothing was more important to the club than ensuring their star player remained in Amsterdam.
Raiola drove straight into the internal parking lot, avoiding the reporters, who were left with little more than photos of Yang Yang and his agent entering the stadium. The details of the negotiations, and whether the two sides would reach an agreement, remained a mystery.
It was clear that over the coming weeks, Yang Yang's renewal and potential transfer would dominate the headlines, not just in the Netherlands but across international football media.
At the club's office, the receptionist was already expecting them. She greeted Yang Yang warmly and led the pair to a meeting room.
Inside, a group of senior Ajax officials awaited. The club's technical director and head of transfer negotiations, Arie van Eijden, chaired the meeting. Joining him were Ajax chairman Michael van Praag and the director of financial management. To Yang Yang's surprise, head coach Ronald Koeman was also present.
"Good morning, boss!" Yang Yang greeted Koeman with a friendly handshake from across the room. He then greeted the chairman and other directors with polite handshakes and exchanged a few lighthearted pleasantries.
Once everyone was seated, and the female assistant had brought hot drinks and closed the door, the meeting began in earnest.
Arie van Eijden spoke first, offering thanks to Yang Yang for his immense contributions over the past two seasons. He emphasized that Yang Yang had become the team's core player and expressed the club's deep desire for him to stay and continue his growth at Ajax.
"The restructuring last season was partly aimed at improving our financial health. This season, we've seen significant improvement, which now allows us to allocate more resources to strengthen the team," van Eijden explained.
He handed Yang Yang a document outlining the club's summer transfer plans.
"Our board has unanimously agreed that next season, our primary focus will be the UEFA Champions League. To achieve better results, including qualifying from the group stage, we are committed to retaining all key first-team players this summer."
Yang Yang was surprised by this declaration. Retaining all the team's main players? If true, it would be a substantial commitment from Ajax. He knew the squad was strong, young, and full of potential. Keeping the team intact would undoubtedly boost their chances of success.
Still, Yang Yang turned to Ronald Koeman for confirmation. He trusted the head coach more than the directors when it came to such matters. Koeman nodded, signaling his agreement with van Eijden's statement. It seemed Koeman was a key participant in this plan, perhaps even having been granted greater authority by Ajax to ensure his and Yang Yang's continued involvement with the club.
Yang Yang opened the transfer plan document. The outlined strategy prioritized strengthening the midfield, ideally with a balanced player capable of contributing both offensively and defensively.
The current setup featured Galásek and De Jong as the double pivots, with Sneijder in an advanced role. While this arrangement offered solid defensive coverage, the offensive burden on Sneijder was immense. Despite his excellent playmaking skills, Sneijder often struggled to carry the midfield's creative load alone.
Another potential solution involved moving Steven Pienaar, who had performed well on the left wing, into a central midfield role alongside Sneijder. While this would bolster Ajax's attacking options, it would leave the team vulnerable defensively.
Ajax, a club with a storied history of attacking football, sought to address these issues in the transfer market. According to rumors Yang Yang had heard, the club was interested in Anatoliy Tymoshchuk from Shakhtar Donetsk and Demy de Zeeuw from Go Ahead Eagles. Tymoshchuk was an elite option but came with a hefty price tag—reportedly over €15 million—far exceeding Ajax's budget.
Ajax's financial prudence meant their focus was on cost-effective signings. De Zeeuw, a 22-year-old Dutch midfielder, had impressed in the Eredivisie and attracted attention from multiple domestic clubs. His affordability and familiarity with the Dutch league made him a preferred target for Ajax.
Another intriguing option in the plan was Yaya Touré, a 22-year-old Côte d'Ivoire midfielder currently playing for Metalurh Donetsk. Ajax scouts had discovered him while observing Tymoshchuk. Touré had previously played for Beveren in Belgium and briefly trialed with Arsenal in 2003, though he failed to secure a contract. Since joining Metalurh Donetsk in 2004 for €1.8 million, Touré had showcased his versatility, excelling as a midfielder, defensive midfielder, and even as a central defender.
Touré also participated in the UEFA Cup with Metalurh Donetsk, but the team was eliminated in the first round after losing 3-0 on aggregate to Lazio. Despite the defeat, Touré's performances in those matches left a strong impression. His physicality, height (1.87 meters), and athleticism made him stand out, especially given Ajax's need for a physical presence in midfield.
Ultimately, the document revealed Ajax's preference for De Zeeuw due to his lower cost, Eredivisie experience, and suitability for the team's needs.
Ajax's approach remained pragmatic: identifying high-potential players who fit within their financial constraints. The successes of previous signings, such as Maicon, who had become a key player on the right flank, showed that astute, cost-effective transfers could yield significant rewards.
Yang Yang listened intently as van Eijden and Koeman elaborated on the plan. It was clear that Ajax's ambitions for the coming season hinged on balancing their limited resources with their aspirations for domestic and European success.
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...
After reviewing the transfer plan in its entirety, Yang Yang began to understand the club's intentions. Ajax aimed to strengthen the midfield by introducing a powerful player to enhance the team's control and boost its attacking firepower. The plan centered on building an offensive system with Yang Yang as the focal point.
The club's investment in the transfer market would be modest, kept between €3 million and €5 million. However, Ajax also planned to renew the contracts of key players, including Pienaar, Sneijder, and Yang Yang himself. Among these, Yang Yang's renewal was the top priority.
As Yang Yang examined the plan, Arie van Eijden presented Ajax's offer as a gesture of their commitment. The team was prepared to double Yang Yang's current salary. This would bring his weekly wage to €20,000 after tax—on par with the highest earners at the club, such as Van der Vaart and Ibrahimović.
Following the renewal, only Sneijder would share Yang Yang's salary tier, cementing Yang Yang's status as Ajax's undisputed star.
In addition to the increased base salary, Ajax offered substantial bonuses, including performance incentives for appearances, goals, and assists, as well as team performance bonuses. If Yang Yang performed at his current level, his total income would significantly exceed his current earnings.
Chairman Michael van Praag reinforced the club's commitment, promising that if Yang Yang stayed, Ajax would allocate all necessary resources to ensure his development. The team would prioritize his position and tactical role, guaranteeing he could maintain and improve upon his stellar performances from the past season.
Yang Yang could sense the sincerity in Ajax's proposal. Yet, he was fully aware that the club stood to gain significantly from his continued success. If Yang Yang performed well in the coming season, his eventual transfer would command a substantial fee—not a few hundred thousand euros, but tens of millions.
Current media valuations placed Yang Yang's worth at a minimum of €25 million, though anyone familiar with the transfer market knew Ajax would never sell him for such a sum. His true value far exceeded that figure, especially given his age and potential.
Yang Yang understood all this but chose not to voice it. He left the negotiations entirely in Raiola's hands.
After more than an hour of discussion, the two sides exchanged their views. Neither Yang Yang nor Raiola made any firm commitments during this first meeting, and the session concluded without resolution.
As Yang Yang and Raiola left, Arie van Eijden shook his head with a sigh. "This Italian mercenary is a tough negotiator."
Dealing with Yang Yang alone would have been straightforward. The club could appeal to his sense of loyalty and reason. But with Raiola involved, the situation became far more complex. It was clear that Yang Yang trusted his agent completely, leaving Ajax to contend with one of the sharpest negotiators in European football.
Nevertheless, the club had no choice but to continue working with Raiola. Securing Yang Yang's renewal remained Ajax's top priority this summer.
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