From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Joyful Troubles! Weekly Pay Increase!

Half an hour later, in the head coach’s office of the Sheffield first team.

Since it wasn’t suitable to negotiate the salaries of adult team players together, Ma’el first walked into the office and sat opposite Garrispeed, while Gilbert waited outside temporarily.

”I know, Mr. Wenger... but I think we still need to communicate more.”

When Ma’el came in, Garrispeed was talking to Wenger on the phone and just gestured for him to sit down.

After he sat down, he observed that Garrispeed’s expression was somewhat solemn, and his tone was quite low: ”Raising salaries during a loan period is a somewhat complicated matter. Many regulations with The English FA aren’t complete, and the specifics depend on the clubs involved.”

”The opinion I’ve put forth benefits both sides, and I hope Mr. Wenger can adopt it.”

Initially, Ma’el thought Sheffield had to bear part of his salary increase, which might explain Garrispeed’s reaction.

However, on second thought, this didn’t seem very likely.

Since joining the club, he had a clear sense of how Garrispeed treated him, and given his recent performance, Garrispeed shouldn’t be opposed to a raise.

From the perspective of the player market, it’s a fundamental rule that more capable players earn higher wages.

When income doesn’t match ability, it can easily lead to an imbalance in a player’s mentality, causing performance to decline in the long run.

Of course, the club wouldn’t skimp on this small amount. They are eager to retain better players with higher salaries and may even actively seek such opportunities.

Arsenal’s decision to proactively propose a raise is the best example of this.

”Yes, Sheffield United is willing to bear the full salary increase of the player.”

Garrispeed prepared to light a cigarette in the office, but stopped when he saw Ma’el. ”I just hope Arsenal doesn’t recall the player halfway through and removes the recall clause.”

So that’s how it is... Ma’el instantly understood. His contract included an agreement giving Arsenal the right to recall him halfway through the season.

This time, using his salary increase as a leverage, Sheffield wanted to remove this agreement by bearing the full salary cost.

They wanted to keep him, at least for one season!

Ma’el then saw Garrispeed clench his teeth and nod helplessly: ”Alright, then... let’s see what the player’s opinion is.”

After hanging up the phone, Garrispeed was about to say something but was interrupted by Ma’el’s smile: ”Sir, I understand what both sides mean now.”

After saying this, he didn’t add anything more, and Garrispeed didn’t respond either, leaving the office atmosphere in a silent pause where you could hear a pin drop.

”I’ve figured it out.”

After a long time, Garrispeed seemed to understand Ma’el’s thoughts. Sometimes conversations don’t need many words, ”Then let’s talk about the salary. Mr. Wenger’s idea is to increase the weekly pay to 10k.”

”And remove the previous contract term of 20k for 20 appearances, replacing it with ’20k for 15 goal contributions.’

”Someone should bring the contract to Sheffield tomorrow. I’m mainly here to ask for your opinion on their behalf.”

Ma’el didn’t intend to bargain. He simply nodded and agreed with a smile, ”I think it’s great, no problem at all.”

The club taking the initiative to propose a pay raise represented their sincerity. If he hesitated at this point, it would make him seem too greedy.

Moreover, increasing from 2.5k to 10k was indeed very good.

After playing only two professional league games, no matter how impressive, there would still be doubts about his long-term potential.

At the beginning of a career, when dealing with the club, it’s better to strive less and focus more on strengthening the relationship, fostering amicable cooperation.

When he eventually achieves certain accomplishments and his personal value and reputation are relatively stable, it wouldn’t be too late to fight for comprehensive protections for himself.

”Ma’el.”

Before leaving, Garrispeed’s eyes showed a hint of bitterness, but he was smiling, ”Do you think I should hope for you to keep being this dazzling, or should I hope you perform conservatively, with occasional contributions?”

”That’s obviously a delightful dilemma, and no matter which I choose, it feels off.”

”Having two clubs like this is quite a delightful dilemma for me too.” Ma’el shook his head with a smile and frankly said.

This might be something he would inevitably experience in his growth—it’s not like one won’t have any troubles just because they’re on a continuous winning streak.

And there’s no need for indecisiveness; if he wants to play in the top league sooner, he must make choices and endure the pain of parting in the future.

......

After leaving the office, Ma’el waited for Gilbert for a while, and only then did he clear his mind and savor the moment.

A salary of 10k, with a monthly pay of over 40,000 pounds!

After paying taxes and other expenses, there would still be over 20,000 pounds left, significantly improving his income level!

This provides a strong sense of security—money is the courage that makes a hero, after all.

Calculating his savings, he initially received a signing bonus of 30,000 pounds. After over two months, his post-tax salary was around 15,000 pounds.

Including the 6,000-pound bonus from his first appearance, the 9,500-pound bonus from playing, and the recent 4,000-pound endorsement fee.

His total income was around 65,000 pounds. After deducting the rent deposit and daily expenses, as well as money sent home, he had over 50,000 pounds left.

”With a few more months of salary and bonuses, it’ll be enough to buy a sports car.”

He chuckled, and since he was waiting for Gilbert, he made a call to his uncle to share the good news and confirm when the family would come to the United Kingdom.

His salary would definitely increase, and spending a bit on his only family in this world, as a gesture of gratitude, was certainly worthwhile.

”How much?!”

Uncle Clément’s voice had a hint of shock, taking a sharp intake of breath on the other side, and after a moment of silence, he sighed: ”I have been watching your matches. I suspected you would achieve something great, but never expected it to happen so quickly.

”It’s been such a short time, Ma’el. I feel like I’m living a dream, watching you go from 800 pounds to 2,500 pounds to a 10,000-pound weekly pay. It’s simply incredible.

”I’m afraid that if I go to sleep and wake up, you’ll suddenly have raised your salary to 30,000 pounds.”

Ma’el genuinely smiled. After coming to this new world, he had gradually fully accepted his uncle and aunt, treating them like family.

People need something to hold on to, something to care about.

Now, he hadn’t started a family and didn’t know many people. Clément’s family was very important to him.

After discussing this, he brought up the family’s visit to the United Kingdom.

”It might have to be October. Eva is having conflicts with her classmates at school, and she’s a bit withdrawn when home. Lately, I’ve been talking to her teacher about this.”

After hearing his uncle’s words, Ma’el slightly nodded and thought about the match schedule. ”Then let’s aim for early October. There will be a home game then.”

After finishing the discussion, they hung up the phone.

Ma’el thought for a while and planned to send a few thousand pounds back later to help his uncle find psychological counseling for Eva.

His uncle and aunt’s family lived a fairly modest life, both working until late every day, with limited time spent with their children.

As his income gradually increased, it could relieve some of the family’s pressure, allowing them to spend more time with the children.

Soon after, Gilbert came out of the office with an excited expression, ”8k, although not as much as yours, it’s still very good.”

He excitedly hugged Ma’el’s shoulders and, once outside the administration building, took a deep breath of fresh air and shouted: ”Earning over 30,000 pounds a month at 17, do you know how awesome that feels?”

Seeing the youthful energy on his face, Ma’el touched his own youthful face. Indeed, he was only 17.

How could all of this not feel exhilarating?