From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Signing Bonus

Hans quickly printed out the loan contract, bound it together, and handed it to Ma’el and Gilbert.

It clearly stated the bonus and salary terms that Hans had mentioned earlier, as well as some other details.

Ma’el examined it carefully to ensure he was not being deceived.

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Arsenal and Sheffield United, it was just that he still had difficulty believing his identity had changed twice in one day.

From trial player to youth academy player, from youth academy player to first-team member!

And he even received a loan offer from a Championship team!

His hands trembled slightly, enveloped in surprise and happiness.

This contract, only a fool wouldn’t sign it...

Even though he still faced significant pressure to improve his skill level, even though he had just decided to enhance his crossing and dribbling skills in training.

But, whether it’s earning £800 weekly pay at the Korni Training Base honing skills, or earning £2500 weekly pay honing skills with the Championship first team at Sheffield United.

Anyone would make the same choice.

He didn’t hold the extravagant hope of playing in the Championship League right away; one shouldn’t aim too high, otherwise it will only lead to disappointment.

”Go there and gradually adapt, privately focus on improving the proficiency of different skills.”

As Ma’el browsed the contract, he made a decision: ”My first goal is to be selected for the team’s official match lineup, to experience the professional field up close.”

He wasn’t in a hurry, as his skill proficiency panel was his greatest confidence.

As long as he could remain disciplined and committed, he would keep improving, and opportunities would come eventually!

”Hmm...”

Ma’el suddenly placed his hand on his chin, mimicking a football star negotiating: ”Please convey to Sheffield United that I hope to receive a base weekly pay of £4000, as £2500 doesn’t meet my expectations.”

Gilbert suddenly turned his head, eyes wide open.

Hans was momentarily stunned, then with a speechless expression, he pointed his right hand to the door.

”Hahaha...” The three of them burst into laughter together, swaying back and forth with mirth.

As they laughed, the mirth in their eyes gradually diminished, though they still laughed out loud, their minds were already wandering elsewhere.

Hans was proud of leading his U17 team to produce two Championship loan players, affectionately patting their shoulders.

Ma’el and Gilbert, more so, were just coming to terms with their impending loan moves, feeling a mix of excitement and expectation about joining a professional team, along with nervousness about the uncertainties.

”Alright.”

Hans smiled with satisfaction, getting back to business: ”From moving up from the youth team to the first team, and then loaning to Sheffield United, these two ’transfers’ both come with a signing bonus.

”The bonus for joining the first team in your youth contracts isn’t included in these signing bonuses. This counts as your additional income, which Arsenal and Sheffield United will pay immediately.

”As for how you use it, I won’t say much, just hope you’ll use it wisely, perhaps find a nice place to live in Sheffield.”

Ma’el and Gilbert said nothing, just stared sharply at Hans, eagerly awaiting the amount of the signing bonus.

They didn’t yet have the qualifications to negotiate with the club, and it was their first time dealing with such matters, so they didn’t understand the ins and outs.

So the club could only offer, and they could only accept.

”Together, each of you will receive £50,000.”

Hans extended five fingers, did a simple calculation and continued: ”After taxes, you’ll have £30,000 in hand. This includes the £40,000 loan fee Sheffield United paid the club, and the club’s additional £60,000.”

”Nothing more to say.”

Gilbert suddenly stood up, as if afraid Hans might go back on his word, quickly extending his right hand: ”Pleasure working with you.”

Ma’el also rose swiftly, his smile almost splitting his face, ”Let’s sign it quickly.”

......

After completing the signing, Ma’el and Gilbert had only half a day to pack and prepare.

After leaving the administrative building, the two exchanged smiles without saying much and went off to their respective dormitories.

There were still many days ahead to spend together in the future, but for now, they needed to settle everything quickly for tomorrow’s departure.

In the night, Ma’el packed all his luggage and then strolled around the Korni Training Base, taking in the place where he had spent the past few months.

Especially the areas around the U17 training grounds, and the youth team’s gym... leaving now meant he likely wouldn’t return to these places again.

If someone has spent time sweating, experiencing various emotions in a place for a long time, they are bound to develop feelings for it.

Let alone, Ma’el gained the biggest opportunity in his life here and truly changed his fate.

The reluctance to leave surged into Ma’el’s heart at this moment.

Often, compared to leaving in pain, departing joyfully leaves a stronger sense of longing.

Because in the former, your memories of a place are painful, while in the latter, it’s quite the opposite; you leave behind the most beautiful and exciting moments.

”Leon, why did I hang up so quickly?”

Dialing his uncle’s phone, Ma’el decided to share his daytime joy with his family, also to dilute his current reluctance. A cheerful voice came from the other side, ”Is there another good thing?”

It seemed that they still hadn’t moved on from the joy of ’the nephew earning £800 weekly pay.’

For an ordinary family raising four children, indeed.

Having a child earn enough money through their favorite sport to support themselves and occasionally help out the family is truly a great joy.

”Sort of.”

Ma’el chuckled lightly, feeling the emotions conveyed from the other side, his voice slightly trembling: ”Sheffield United wants to loan me, the contract was just signed in the afternoon.

”My weekly pay will be £2500, plus various bonuses, and quite a hefty signing bonus. I’ll first send £3000 back home, you can use it to get some things for my little sister and the family. This time, I won’t have a chance to come back for Christmas.”

The UK professional league has no winter break, and usually, there is a ’Boxing Day’ match on Christmas Day.

Followed by the congested schedule of January, the hardest working league globally.

”Every week, £2500?! After tax, it’s... £1500, calculating annually over 52 weeks...”

Uncle’s voice became trembling, he deeply swallowed, ”Leon, don’t deceive me, is all of this really true?!”

”Ma’el’s call?”

”Big brother! Big brother!”

On the other end of the line came a noise, it seemed that Aunt and little sister crowded around Uncle.

”It’s true, and it’s also not the end.”

Ma’el took a deep breath and continued: ”If I can make 10 appearances for Sheffield, the weekly pay will be £8k, and 20 appearances will be £20k.”

”Oh...!”

On the other side, it seemed like someone was about to faint; after a commotion came the voice, ”Leon, supporting you in playing football is the greatest fortune of my life, Uncle often feels guilty for not providing you with the best conditions, but thankfully, you worked hard on your own. You must keep up the effort!

”Take care of yourself first, then think about the family. I’m... very grateful you’re still thinking of us. If there’s a match, be sure to tell us in advance!”

Aunt and little sister on the other end seemed worried, repeatedly asking Uncle what exactly happened, why he said so much.

After Uncle explained the whole matter, Aunt seemed to enter a state of shock, remaining silent for a long time.

Only little sister Eva, with a pure mind, just felt happy, jumping and saying, ”Big brother is awesome, big brother will buy me pizza!”

Listening to the sounds on the other end, Ma’el smiled knowingly, feeling immensely happy.

To give, makes him feel truly alive in this world.

Tomorrow, the journey begins!