A transfer is far too important a matter to decide after hearing from just one club.
Weighing the options is not a choice, but a necessity.
That's why Lucci, as Ho-young's agent, stood before Real Madrid's board.
He had to negotiate the best possible conditions.
Opposite him sat President Florentino Pérez and Chief Financial Officer Sanchez.
The ensuing negotiations proceeded in a friendly atmosphere.
Pérez, sitting across from him, adjusted his rimless glasses and spoke.
"Let's not bring up São Paulo. We concluded talks with the club four months ago."
"Yes, I've heard. You agreed to pay the full buy-out clause in cash."
As Ho-young's representative, Lucci needed to clarify all matters related to the buy-out.
Some clubs, bypassing formal procedures, often tried to acquire players illegally, which could later negatively affect the player.
However, if Real Madrid was planning to pay the full fee in a lump sum, there would be no issue.
The next topic was the player's relocation.
This was more important than salary and required serious discussion.
CFO Sanchez spoke.
"Here is our offer. Article 3 of the Youth Protection Policy to prevent violations of youth transfer laws. The club will fully support the business ventures of the player's parents in Spain and help them settle. Please share your thoughts on this."
This was a common proposal made to promising youth players.
For example, Lionel Messi moved from Argentina to Spain with his family at age 14, and FC Barcelona provided significant support, which prevented future issues.
From that perspective, Lucci was quite satisfied with the offer.
However.
"That's not the direction the player wants."
"I came here to buy a player. Let's stop beating around the bush."
Pérez spoke directly, and Lucci took the chance to reveal his position.
"The player's maternal family lives near Madrid's outer ring road, in a small town called Zorica. Moreover, Ho-young's maternal grandfather has already been designated as his legal guardian, so there's no issue there."
Pérez raised his chin, holding back his words.
Sanchez stepped in to ask a question.
"How far is it from the training ground?"
"It's nearly a three-hour round trip by car. Plus, his grandparents are living modestly on their retirement funds. Moving isn't realistically possible."
"Hmm."
Tap!
Pérez lightly tapped the table and let out a chuckle.
"Then we'll find them a house. Just tell them to bring themselves."
It was a bold offer to fully support their relocation.
A generous proposal, very fitting for Pérez.
Still, it wasn't something he could decide recklessly.
He was a president elected by public vote, not the club owner.
As a public club, Real Madrid had no owners.
Yet, Pérez could make such decisions thanks to the club's internal policy of full support for youth signings.
That's how much Pérez wanted to bring in Ho-young.
His star power.
The potential return in value he could bring to the club was immense.
After all, this was Ho-young, winner of the U-17 World Cup Golden Ball.
"Very well. I'll inform them accordingly regarding the relocation."
From there, Lucci took the lead in the discussions.
The negotiations weren't difficult.
President Pérez had already opened his heart completely.
As the contract was nearing its conclusion, Lucci brought up a meaningful request.
"We would like a senior team tutor assigned to Ho-young."
"Hmm... That's a tough one. We can assign him a personal coach, but..."
Sanchez trailed off.
That was beyond his authority.
It was Pérez who responded once again.
"There's a condition."
"I'm listening."
"By 2008, he must be promoted to Real Madrid C."
"!"
"I want to see that boy at the Bernabéu as soon as possible. I have no intention of sending him to England."
If it was Ho-young, it might just be possible.
Lucci didn't back down either.
"We have a condition too."
"What kind of condition?"
"Assign a tutor to Ho-young. That way, he'll be ready for promotion to the C team by 2008."
"Ha. Why are you so hung up on a tutor?"
"The player wants it."
"Haha. I'll see what I can do."
The negotiations were complete.
All that remained was Ho-young's decision.
Lastly, Lucci asked.
"Is there anything you'd like me to tell Ho-young?"
"Tell him to come quickly. Where else should a handsome player go, if not here?"
Early October.
Having absorbed Carlos Vela's [Composed Finishing (B+2)], Ho-young wrapped up the World Cup and returned to São Paulo, Brazil.
There, he received a call from Lucci.
It was time to make the final decision.
'Alright, let's go to Real.'
He made up his mind and went to see Coach Carlos.
Coach Carlos offered him valuable advice.
"You made the right choice. Spain, with its focus on technical play, suits you well. You'll learn a lot there."
"Thank you."
Feeling lighter in spirit, Ho-young repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
But Carlos wasn't finished speaking.
"Do you remember what I told you at the beginning of last season?"
"Of course. You said wherever I go, I'll experience a new kind of football."
"Exactly. You need to remember those moments. That experience will become a valuable asset. And finally..."
A gentle smile appeared on Carlos's lips.
"I believe in you."
It was the brightest smile Ho-young had ever seen from Carlos.
Before he knew it, December had arrived.
The moment Real Madrid paid the full buy-out clause, the pre-contract between Ho-young and São Paulo FC was voided.
[Select the talent you wish to obtain.]
- Tactical Understanding (A+2)
- Leadership with Charisma (A)
- Excellent Eye for Youth Talent (A-)
Carlos's talents.
Ho-young chose [Tactical Understanding (A+2)] and parted ways with Carlos.
It was an emotional day.
Mid-December, 2005.
Ho-young, planning to stop by Korea before heading to Spain, had become temporarily unemployed and found himself with free time.
He had four days left before departure.
That morning, he took the opportunity to enjoy a light outdoor workout.
Next to him, Monica was stretching deeply, her body twisting gracefully.
Ho-young stopped exercising a little after 8 a.m.
"That's enough for today."
"Already?"
"Yeah. That's good enough for now."
[Select the talent you wish to obtain.]
- Balanced Body Coordination (B+3)
- Fancy Dance Step Combinations (B-)
(See More)
After completing 500 minutes of joint morning workouts, he had met the condition.
Ho-young selected [Balanced Body Coordination (B+3)] and then asked:
"What do you want to eat?"
"Sure."
Monica looked slightly downcast.
It was written all over her face.
But this wouldn't be the end of their connection.
That's what Ho-young believed.
And he was deeply grateful to her.
The linguistic ability she had given him was an extremely important talent in his career.
He had been studying Spanish on and off since last month, and it was already proving to be very helpful.
Grip.
Ho-young took Monica's hand.
Her large eyes trembled slightly.
"Let's get something delicious."
"Alright~"
Even though she needed to watch her weight, Monica decided not to worry about it today.
There weren't many days left before she wouldn't be able to see Ho-young anymore.
The day of departure approached quickly.
Before leaving, Ho-young visited those who had helped him and said his farewells with gratitude.
Director Victor of São Paulo FC and Emily.
And his family.
"I owe you so much over the past three years, noona."
"Owe me? Don't be silly…"
Choi Maria, whose job involved frequent hellos and goodbyes, looked especially saddened this time.
"Don't ignore me later, okay?"
"Haha. If I ever visit Brazil again, I'll definitely come see you."
Next, it was Monica's turn.
"I'm going to Spain too~"
That comment reminded Ho-young of their conversation three years ago when they first met.
She had said that if she performed well, she might be able to study rhythmic gymnastics in Spain, one of the sport's powerhouses.
"Alright. Take care until then."
Ho-young gently patted Monica's head.
It was a warm and affectionate farewell.
After a short stay in Korea, Ho-young boarded a flight to Madrid, Spain as scheduled.
As soon as he exited the arrivals gate, a flurry of camera flashes greeted him.
Spanish journalists, who had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner and Real Madrid's new signing, were there in full force.
Standing ahead of them was a man with a pleasant expression, welcoming Ho-young.
"Welcome to Madrid."
It was Michelle, the head of youth development at Real Madrid.
A brief press conference was held in a makeshift setup shortly after.
As expected of a player in the spotlight, Ho-young faced a barrage of questions.
Some of them were quite pointed.
"As a foreigner, do you think you can survive among Spain's youth talents?"
A few journalists let out chuckles at the question.
Understandable, as no Asian youth player had ever joined Real Madrid before.
Ho-young understood their reaction.
'It's only later that players like Lee Kang-min, Lee Seung-hoo, and Baek Seung-oh would begin to break that barrier.'
At this point, La Liga still felt distant from Korea.
Even Lee Chan-soo, who joined Real Sociedad after impressing in the 2002 World Cup, had returned to the K-League without making much impact.
That's how steep the wall of Spanish football was.
Perhaps it would have been more realistic to go to a club like PSV Eindhoven, where Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo had played.
But Ho-young answered confidently, with a sincere expression.
And in fairly fluent Spanish.
"I will accomplish what no one else has."
"…Oh-ho."
"Hahahaha."
That short answer filled the room with laughter.
It was the kind of bold reply only Ho-young could give.
After the press conference ended, the group boarded the prepared vehicle and headed into the heart of Madrid.
Only then did Michelle reach out for a proper handshake.
"We didn't get to greet each other properly earlier. Good to meet you. We'll be seeing each other often."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Everything proceeded smoothly.
The club had already arranged a home close to the training center, so there were no issues with accommodations.
'This place is huge.'
It was a house spacious enough for a family of three.
After reuniting with his grandparents, Ho-young headed to the stadium with Michelle for the signing ceremony.
The official name: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
The second-largest stadium in Spain, with seating for over 80,000 spectators.
'Still as impressive as ever.'
Ho-young had visited Madrid once before his regression, but seeing the Bernabéu from a player's perspective was an entirely new experience.
"Wow."
No matter how many times he looked, its grandeur was overwhelming.
"Alright, how about holding the jersey up and striking a pose?"
The new white kit with the Adidas logo on the chest.
On the back, the name 'H. Y. WOO' and the number 43 were printed.
It was a number reserved for the club's top youth prospect.
"But youth players don't usually do this, right?"
"We're putting out a big article. So you can't run away."
"Hahaha."
"Alright, say cheese. Give us a big smile."
Click!
The sound of the camera shutter echoed through the Santiago Bernabéu.
It was the moment Ho-young's second act began.
(To be continued.)