Chapter 102

After playing three consecutive games in just five days, the China U20 team finally had a rare break—though it was only two days. The organizing committee of the Toulon Cup arranged a day for excursions, allowing the Chinese team to explore the region around Toulon. 

The south of France and the western Mediterranean are full of renowned tourist destinations. Heading west from Toulon, you can reach Marseille and the scenic Provence, known for its stunning lavender fields. To the east lie the world-famous coastal gems of Cannes, Nice, and Monaco, all of which are top tourist spots. 

After discussing among themselves, the team decided to head east. 

By 7 a.m., the group set off from Toulon for their first stop—Nice, the pearl of the Côte d'Azur. 

The players had endured a grueling schedule, traveling to Toulon and playing three tough matches in just five days. Everyone was feeling the strain, even someone as tireless as Yang Yang, who had been competing since last August. So, the chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Nice, with the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and the relief of qualifying for the semi-finals after three straight wins, lifted everyone's spirits. 

For an hour and a half, the players enjoyed the beach, playing in the sand and sea before reluctantly moving on. 

Just before noon, the team arrived in Monaco to witness the famous changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, followed by a scenic walk through the palace gardens. The players and staff took time to browse the palace's souvenir boutiques, where Yang Yang picked up a few thoughtful gifts for his family and friends back home. 

While buying souvenirs, Yang Yang noticed that most of his teammates were being cautious with their money, opting for cheaper items like small medals. Players like Chen Tao and Feng Xiaoting were among the better-paid on the team, but even their monthly income was modest—only around five or six thousand yuan. Others earned even less. 

Yang Yang, however, was in a much different position. As the highest-paid player in the squad, he earned over 400 euros per week at Ajax, not counting bonuses. Seeing how his teammates were constrained by their budgets, he decided to be generous, buying a small, meaningful gift for each member of the team, as well as for the coaches, staff, and accompanying reporters. To top it off, he treated everyone to lunch. 

This gesture was particularly appreciated, as the team's budget was limited. Originally, they had planned to make do with some hot dogs and fruit for lunch, saving their main meal for dinner back at the hotel in Toulon. Yang Yang's treat allowed them all to enjoy a proper meal and take away a positive memory from their day out. 

After consulting with the team leader, head coach Zhang Huarong gave the go-ahead for Yang Yang's dinner plan but asked to keep it quiet to avoid unnecessary attention. The team's respect for Yang Yang grew even further after this act of kindness. 

Yang Yang's agents, Mino Raiola and Marco van Basten, were both based in Monaco. Van Basten owned two luxurious homes in the exclusive hillside area of the city, and Yang Yang had been a guest there many times. While Van Basten was currently in the Netherlands, Raiola was in Monaco, and Yang Yang gave him a call to help find a restaurant for the group. 

Soon enough, the team arrived at a high-end restaurant near the Monaco Palace, where Raiola had already reserved a large private dining room to welcome them. 

The difference in status and resources became clear as soon as Raiola entered the picture. While the agents handling the Chinese U20 players did their best, it was obvious that they lacked the same level of expertise and connections as someone like Raiola. When the players learned that Raiola was not only Yang Yang's agent but also represented stars like Pavel Nedved and Zlatan Ibrahimović, they were stunned. 

Several of the players, particularly those with dreams of playing in Europe, couldn't resist asking Raiola about the process of securing a transfer to European leagues. With Yang Yang at the table, Raiola was happy to offer free advice and answer their questions. 

After everyone had finished their meal, Yang Yang and Raiola had a private chat to discuss their own business matters. 

... 

... 

"Van Gaal has officially left Ajax," Raiola announced, bringing the latest news from Amsterdam. "He's confirmed that he'll be taking over as head coach of AZ Alkmaar." 

Yang Yang nodded in response. He had already heard about this, but the confirmation still left him feeling a bit down. 

"Do you know who will replace him?" Yang Yang asked, clearly concerned about the future direction of the club. 

"From what I've gathered so far, after Van Gaal's departure, Ajax's board plans to divide the responsibilities of the technical director. Much of the decision-making, especially around transfers, will be handed over to the board's managing director, Martin van Geel. Danny Blind, who is currently coaching the U19 team, will be taking over the youth academy." 

Danny Blind, an Ajax legend, had been a key player during the club's glory years under Van Gaal, playing for Ajax for 15 years. Since his retirement in 1999, he had worked with the youth teams, and his promotion to oversee the entire youth development program signaled the club's confidence in his abilities. 

Yang Yang had thought that Blind might be promoted to the second team, replacing Van Basten, but it seemed Ajax had even bigger plans for him. However, now that Yang Yang was in the first team, these changes didn't affect him directly. 

"As for the first team, Ronald Koeman has decided to stay on as head coach, along with Ruud Krol and the rest of the coaching staff. But for the players, several have received offers from other clubs—including you." 

Raiola noticed Yang Yang's reaction and smiled. 

"Don't worry, I've already turned them down. Staying at Ajax is your best option for now." 

Yang Yang nodded. He didn't want to be pushed toward a transfer just yet, and he trusted Raiola to act in his best interests. 

"Ajax's summer transfer window has already begun. From what I've gathered, Nicklas Bendtner should be joining the club. He turned down an offer from Arsenal because Ajax promised him a spot in the first team and significant development opportunities." 

"Zlatan Ibrahimović is almost certain to leave, but he won't make a decision until after Euro 2004. Juventus, Inter Milan, and AS Roma are all interested in him, so he has plenty of options. The same goes for Rafael van der Vaart—his future is still up in the air." 

"Escudé is also likely to leave. Several clubs are after him, and Ajax is considering bringing in Ron Vlaar from AZ Alkmaar to replace him." 

Yang Yang's ears perked up at the name "Vlaar." He quickly remembered the young center-back from the AZ Alkmaar youth team, someone he had encountered during a summer amateur competition. Vlaar had made quite an impression. 

"Ajax is very optimistic about him," Raiola continued. "Last year, they went with Escudé, but with the team restructuring this year, Vlaar is on their radar. Thomas Vermaelen will also get more opportunities." 

Vermaelen had shown promise last season, though he made some mistakes. But with Escudé possibly leaving, Vermaelen would likely be given a bigger role in the squad. The only concern was that both Vermaelen and Heitinga were relatively short for central defenders. 

"Vlaar's physicality should balance that out," Raiola reassured. 

"Also, I've heard that Ajax is negotiating in Brazil to sign both a left-back and a right-back. They might also bring in another striker, given that Anastasiou's performances have been underwhelming." 

Yang Yang listened intently, gaining a clearer picture of Ajax's summer plans. The club, once a European giant, had become accustomed to selling its star players to keep its finances afloat. Winning the Champions League gave them some breathing room, but selling talent for the best price and replacing them wisely was still crucial for maintaining competitiveness. 

"For your contract extension, I've been negotiating with Van Geel," Raiola continued. "He's a bit easier to deal with than Van Gaal, but still tough. It'll take some time to finalize. Also, both Adidas and Nike have reached out to me." 

Yang Yang raised an eyebrow. "What do they want?" 

Raiola chuckled. "They want you." 

Yang Yang was caught off guard but quickly realized that top players often secured sponsorship deals, especially for shoes. Ibrahimović and Van der Vaart had deals, so perhaps it wasn't too early for him to think about the same. 

"Van Geel told me that Adidas is currently negotiating with Ajax to renew their partnership. They're planning to fund an indoor training facility and collaborate on testing and data analysis. But they also want to tie your endorsement contract into this deal. Adidas is very optimistic about you." 

Yang Yang smiled, unsure of how to respond. 

"Nike, of course, is trying to poach talent from Adidas," Raiola continued with a grin. "The two companies are fiercely competitive when it comes to signing players, not just established stars but young talents like you. Nike would love to see you in an Ajax kit sponsored by Adidas but wearing Nike boots." 

Yang Yang laughed at the irony. He wasn't well-versed in marketing deals but trusted Raiola to handle the details. 

"You can take care of all that, but I do have one request," Yang Yang said. 

Raiola nodded, understanding that this was the main reason for their conversation. 

"My father runs a sportswear company in China, and I know that in most endorsement contracts, players are required to wear the sponsor's shoes and clothing both on and off the pitch. I'd like to exclude that clause from my deal." 

Raiola thought it over and nodded. "That shouldn't be too hard to negotiate. Plenty of players push back on that clause." 

"Other than that, I'll leave everything to you," Yang Yang said with a smile. 

Raiola grinned in return. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you're well taken care of—and I promise you'll be pleasantly surprised this time." 

Yang Yang, while focused on improving his game, certainly didn't mind securing his personal interests. After all, Raiola's commission depended on it.