From Arsenal to the Ball God

As July rolled in, transfer rumors were rampant, with many successful deals making headlines.

”Tottenham’s midfielder Modric officially transfers to Real Madrid! The deal reaches 30 million Euros!” — Spain’s Asi Bao

”Arsenal interested in Bell? During a show, Ramsey revealed that the team is advancing a deal with a Premier League top scorer, speculated to be his Welsh national team teammate Bell!” — The Times

”Tottenham faces the risk of being hollowed out? It’s rumored that Tottenham fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s management and owner, fearing the team will lack competitiveness next season!” — London Evening Paper

”Dort’s midfielder Shinji Kagawa joins Manchester United! Transfer fee reaches 17 million Pounds! Ferguson has always favored Japanese and Korean players!” — 442

”Giroud officially transfers to Arsenal! The French forward, who performed excellently in the European Cup, will become club teammates with his good partner Ma’el! The transfer fee is 15.5 million Pounds!” — The Guardian

”Portuguese fullback Joao Pereira joins Arsenal! Transfer fee is 7.5 million Pounds!” — The Times

”Thiago Silva is close to joining Arsenal! AC Milan’s asking price is 40 million Pounds! If the deal succeeds, he will be a strong contender for the top transfer in this season’s window!”

”Brother Xiaosha Berbatov leaves the team, the player will open in Fulham...”

In the latest aired episode by Sky Sports, the host detailed Arsenal’s operations in the transfer market this season.

They’re always like this, starting a new show to attract traffic for whichever team is trending lately.

”Wenger’s team’s summer window spending is astonishing, after acquiring Spanish midfielder Cazorla and German forward Podolski, the team is still aggressively seeking new players.

”The inclusion of Joao Pereira and Giroud proves that some of Arsenal’s transfer rumors were absolutely true.

”They are also pursuing Brazilian midfielder Oscar and Milan defender Thiago Silva, and even Bell, who has recently made headlines.

”The team’s spending in the transfer market has exceeded 50 million Pounds, and if Thiago Silva were to join, their total outlay would surely surpass 100 million Pounds, with Bell joining possibly pushing it over 200 million Pounds.

”This is truly amazing, knowing that in the past 5 years, Arsenal’s total transfer expenditure hasn’t surpassed 200 million Pounds, with net spending only at 103 million Pounds.

”Their operations have also been jokingly referred to by fans as Wenger and Kroenke’s revenge spending spree, a splurge after sudden wealth.”

”.....”

Just as the host was speaking, the radio director quietly reminded: ”Just now, Thiago Silva arrived in London, expected to be announced in the coming days!”

Her expression was startled, organizing the words: ”Latest news, Arsenal is about to finalize the signing with Thiago Silva, the Milan defender has arrived in London for final contract negotiations!

”The specific transfer fee for this deal is still unknown, but surely soon, related reports along with pictures and transfer data will be online.”

”.....”

In front of Arsenal’s Korni Training Base, a crowd of hurried journalists gathered, aiming their lenses at a business car.

Not long after, Thiago Silva, in a suit, walked out from the base with his agent. They didn’t avoid the cameras but smiled and greeted the media.

It seemed like his personal contract negotiations with Arsenal were progressing smoothly.

”Click, click!”

Under the flashing lights of the media, he boarded the business car, heading towards a hotel in the city.

The media journalists who put down their cameras all knew, everything was pretty much confirmed, just waiting for the official announcement!

Arsenal will sign this robust Brazilian center-back, greatly strengthening the defense line!

...

July 7th, Paris.

Ma’el met with Mendes in a hotel. After returning, he went to many places, participated in many business events, and finally had some time to rest and meet his agent.

”What’s the matter?”

Mendes looked at Ma’el’s tired appearance, smilingly said: ”Lately you seemed carefree and free of troubles, why do you look so haggard?”

”Don’t mention it.” Ma’el shook his head with a bitter expression, ”There are too many activities here, I’m preparing to return to London tomorrow to train well for the new season.”

Mendes nodded with a smile: ”Let’s go back together, you know, I’ve already compiled the new endorsement contracts for you, just waiting for you to return to London to sign.”

”Which ones this time?”

”Many.” Mendes took a document out from his briefcase, handing it to Ma’el.

After Ma’el read for a while, he was delightfully summarized: ”I accepted endorsements from 6 brands, 13 promotional ads, based on your current earning power, this is a multi-million Pound contract.

”The endorsements include Emirates Airlines, Ferrari Automobiles, Dior Perfume brand, and Procter & Gamble’s Head & Shoulders Shampoo, Camay soap, and Crest toothpaste.”

He crossed his legs, proudly said: ”See? Procter & Gamble, who were once reluctant to give bonus contracts, have now offered endorsement contracts for three of their brands.

”What does that signify? That in their assessment, your appeal to the female market is excellent, deserving of increased cooperation!”

He raised his head, paused for a moment, then made his prediction, ”If this endorsement goes smoothly, you might become the international image ambassador for Procter & Gamble, reaching the highest partnership with their headquarters.

”By then, you will not only be the first player with such an endorsement, but also get an unprecedentedly lucrative contract.”

Looking at the prices on the document, Ma’el instantly felt overjoyed, with Mendes quoting 1.35 million Pounds per promotional ad.

ads making it 17.55 million Pounds, with net income exceeding 10 million Pounds after tax!

As for endorsements, the Emirates Airlines contract was worth 4.25 million Pounds a year, Ferrari 3.5 million Pounds, Dior Perfume 3.25 million Pounds, and each of the three Procter & Gamble brands at 2.5 million Pounds.

Totaling 18.5 million Pounds a year!

Including previous endorsement brands, he can earn about 40 million Pounds annually from endorsements, with net income around 25 million Pounds, not including bonuses!

If not aware that Mendes likes to accumulate endorsements and advertisements, waiting for him to achieve significant accomplishments before raising the price to sign... he wouldn’t believe he could secure so many contracts in a day, it’s too astonishing.

From these numbers, he also saw the rise in his commercial value and influence, sometimes more directly than trending numbers.

”This contract is a 3-4 year deal, with options in our favor.”

Mendes stood up, took a sip of water, ”If I guessed right, you will opt for the shorter one again?”

”Yes.”

Ma’el put down the document, smiled: ”Last year, my base endorsement fee was just over 1 million Pounds, and this year the average is about 3.5 million Pounds, with this rapid growth, it’s hard to sign with them for more years.”

”Haha.....” Mendes looked at Ma’el, recalling this dreamlike month, finally sighed: ”Be ready, starting this month, your advertisement posters will fill every corner.

”If you find this shameful, it’s hard to walk the streets, because it will be everywhere with no dead angle.”

Ma’el extended his right hand to him, indicating a pleasant cooperation, ”I won’t find it shameful, I’ll only enjoy..... As always.”

”Clap!”

Their hands slapped together, following with laughter, ”Haha.....!”

Looking into each other’s eyes, they both knew that even if they ended their cooperation tomorrow, they had achieved the once dreamed goal — a great partnership.

The journey has just begun, and after reaching the Top 3 in the football world, Top 15 in the world sports commercial value and influence, next, it’s time to aim for Top 1 in both lists!