Chapter 48

Beijing, China, National Television Headquarters.

Wei Zhen sat at his desk, frowning as he stared at the document on his computer screen.

He had graduated from the most prestigious media school in China and joined the national television station after completing his studies. With a passion for sports, particularly football, he had worked as a reporter for the sports channel for two years. Now, he had been promoted to director and was independently overseeing a project for the first time.

In a few days, Wei Zhen would lead a project team to Europe to follow and report on several Chinese players abroad, covering their daily lives, training, and matches. The footage would later be edited and aired as a series of reports on the sports channel.

However, a recent piece of news from Europe had caught his attention, even though it had gone unnoticed in China.

The Ajax reserve team, led by Marco van Basten, had won a notable victory. They eliminated a leading team from the Eerste Divisie in the third round of the KNVB Cup, earning widespread praise for Van Basten's leadership.

Wei Zhen was not surprised by Van Basten's success; after all, he was a legendary superstar and one of the renowned "Dutch Three" alongside Frank Rijkaard and Ruud Gullit. With Rijkaard already a world-famous coach and Gullit managing the Dutch national youth team, it was natural for Van Basten's achievements with Ajax's reserves to attract media attention.

What truly piqued Wei Zhen's interest, however, was a name mentioned in the report: Yang Yang.

It was a distinctly Chinese name.

Wei Zhen felt as though he had heard the name before, but he couldn't quite place it. He had been so busy recently that many details had slipped his mind. Determined to learn more, he sought information from the Chinese Football Association, but no one there had heard of Yang Yang. One official even speculated impatiently, "Could he be an overseas Chinese?"

Undeterred, Wei Zhen reached out to Ajax through contacts at a domestic football newspaper. After a few inquiries, he confirmed that Yang Yang was indeed Chinese and seventeen years old. The club, however, declined to provide further details.

It was only after persistent questioning that an Ajax representative revealed, "He is currently one of our most promising talents. Both our technical director, Louis van Gaal, and our reserve team coach, Marco van Basten, are very optimistic about his potential. We hope he can develop in an environment free from media pressure."

Wei Zhen felt a surge of excitement.

He had uncovered a hidden gem overlooked by the media.

A seventeen-year-old talent highly valued by Ajax—what did this signify?

Hope.

The very hope that Chinese football desperately needed!

From yesterday to today, Wei Zhen had stayed up late gathering European news and creating a proposal. He hoped to take the production crew to the Netherlands to visit Ajax and learn more about this promising young player.

He wanted to use the show to let fans across the country know that Chinese football had produced a talented newcomer.

With this in mind, Wei Zhen took a deep breath, stood up from his seat, grabbed the documents from his desk, and walked to the office of his superior.

Ten minutes later, in the office, the proposal was pushed back to Wei Zhen.

"Wei Zhen, your intentions are good, but you must understand that our show is crucial this time. We want to report on players in the top leagues, not youth team players from a minor league like the Eredivisie."

"What if we focus on him now and he ends up not living up to expectations? What if Ajax is just being polite and doesn't truly consider him significant? We have to consider the potential consequences and impact."

Wei Zhen spent ten minutes explaining, but received a disappointing response.

He wanted to remind his superior that, although the Eredivisie isn't as prestigious as the top four European leagues, it serves as a springboard for many stars to enter those major leagues. Despite Ajax's recent struggles, the club remains a European giant with one of the best youth academies in the world.

Wei Zhen wasn't naïve; he could discern the truth from news reports and the statements of Ajax representatives.

How could a young player highly regarded by Ajax not warrant attention?

Especially since he was only seventeen.

But Wei Zhen didn't argue further, knowing that trying to convince a superior who didn't understand football would be futile. He quietly picked up the documents and left the office.

......

......

Netherlands, southeast of Amsterdam, outside the school gates.

It was noon, and as the students poured out of school, they noticed a sleek luxury car parked across the street—a Porsche. The car drew considerable attention.

Next to the Porsche stood three young men in their twenties. One of them was particularly tall, with long hair that he occasionally flipped back as the students exited the school. His presence was commanding.

"Wow, it's Ibrahimović!"

"Ah, it really is him!"

"Oh my God, what's he doing at our school?"

"And the other one with long hair—is that Maxwell?"

"It has to be him!"

"Oh my God, why are they here?"

"Isn't the one with the short hair Vermaelen from the youth team?"

"Yeah, that's him. I saw him at a reserve team game last time."

"Why are they here?"

"Ibrahimović is even taller and more imposing in person than on TV."

"I didn't realize Maxwell was so smooth-looking; he doesn't seem Brazilian at all."

The students murmured excitedly as they recognized the three Ajax players. It was unusual to see them at the school, even though the institution had ties with the club. Typically, only younger academy players visited, so seeing stars like Ibrahimović was a rare treat.

Despite their excitement, none of the students dared to approach the players.

On the other side of the street, the players had mixed reactions. Maxwell and Vermaelen seemed uncomfortable with the attention, feeling as if they were on display like zoo animals.

In contrast, the Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović thrived in the spotlight. He smiled at the students and occasionally flipped his long hair, clearly enjoying the attention.

"Come on, Zlatan, can you stop with all that hair gel? It's kind of gross," Maxwell grumbled, clearly annoyed.

"You don't know what you're talking about. The girls were loving it," Zlatan replied confidently.

"Don't you already have Helena?" Vermaelen interjected.

"I'm just trying to leave a grand impression on these students. What does that have to do with Helena?" the Swede replied with his characteristic swagger.

"Are you sure the girls these days like guys who pour gel on their heads?" Maxwell teased.

"Maxwell, are you questioning my impeccable sense of style?"

"I didn't say that." Maxwell shrugged casually.

"Yeah, let's be honest—do you even have a sense of style?" Vermaelen chimed in.

The tall Swede scoffed, "Are you two looking for trouble?"

"I just can't stand your narcissism." Maxwell and Vermaelen laughed together.

"You're just jealous, admit it," Ibrahimović retorted, flicking his long hair back dramatically, as if imagining the girls across the road swooning.

"There's nothing about you that warrants jealousy," Maxwell shot back.

"Exactly," Vermaelen agreed. "Besides, how do you explain that none of the girls have come over?"

"That's because you two are here, blocking me," the Swede replied confidently, as if that were the only plausible explanation.

"Please, there are plenty of guys more handsome than you. Take Yang Yang, for instance—I think he's more handsome than you."

"He's more handsome than me?" Ibrahimović questioned, eyebrow raised in disbelief.

The Brazilian nodded seriously. "Don't believe me? Ask Thomas."

Feeling the weight of Zlatan's intimidating gaze, Vermaelen hesitated but nodded. "Yang Yang is quite handsome, but you have your advantages—you're taller and stronger than him."

Even with this concession, the Swede's displeasure was evident, not just inwardly but also plainly visible on his face.

If the students across the road could hear their conversation, they'd likely be stunned. Is this really the elite Ajax star they idolize? Or just some guys messing around at the school gate?

Just then, Yang Yang appeared, slinging his backpack over one shoulder.

At school, Yang Yang had become a notable presence, with many students instinctively giving him space as he walked. As he headed towards the bus stop for his transfer from De Toekomst, he noticed three familiar figures waving at him from across the road.

"Why are you here?" Yang Yang called out, surprised.

It quickly became apparent to all the students lingering by the school gates that the three stars had come specifically for Yang Yang.

Many of those present realized they needed to reassess their understanding of this Chinese student.

"We came to surprise you and have you treat us to dinner," Ibrahimović said with a laugh.

Having known him for a while, Yang Yang had learned that, despite his shamelessness, Ibrahimović had a certain straightforwardness, which was perhaps one of his better qualities.

Yang Yang knew that both the first team and the second team had a day off. It was clear the trio had planned to pick him up from school, though it did seem a bit extravagant.

Since Yang Yang started earning a salary at Ajax in September, Ibrahimović and Maxwell had stopped relying on Yang Yang's cooking but continued to join him and Vermaelen for training with the reserves every afternoon.

With training canceled for the day, the three decided to hang out, and Yang Yang wasn't about to object.

"So, where are we going to eat?"

"Let's go to your uncle's Chinese restaurant. You said his cooking is way better than yours. We want to try it," Maxwell suggested.

"Isn't it a bit far?"

"We have a car; what's the problem?" The Swede slapped the front of the car proudly. "Come on, get in!"

The four of them got into the car, driving away to the envy of countless students as the sports car roared off.

"Zlatan, what's with all the cologne and hair gel just for a meal?" Yang Yang, sitting in the back, couldn't help but comment as the Porsche 911 sped down the highway toward Almere.

"Seriously, did you use an entire bottle of gel?" Yang Yang added, making Maxwell and Vermaelen burst into laughter.

Annoyed, Ibrahimović shot back, "Shut up."

Maxwell chimed in, "Before we left, he took a shower, changed clothes, put on perfume, and spent an hour on his hair."

"Oh my God, that's intense!"

"Of course, he knows there are lots of girls around. Do you think he'd miss out on an opportunity like this?"

Yang Yang thought to himself, "This is so typical of Ibrahimović."

"Maxwell, if you don't want to get kicked out of the car, shut up," the Swede growled from the driver's seat.

But no one took the threat seriously.

"I even suggested we park further away since the school gate is so busy, but guess what he said?" Maxwell teased with a grin.

"Attention is all you need," Yang Yang laughed.

Everyone in the car erupted into laughter.

"Yes, I just enjoy being the center of attention. It's better than you, who get invited to parties by girls but don't even dare to go," Ibrahimović taunted.

"Hey, it's not that I'm afraid to go. I just don't like her type," Yang Yang defended himself.

"So what is your type?" Vermaelen asked with a hint of curiosity.

Yang Yang was taken aback; he hadn't really thought about it.

"Don't play dumb. All these excuses about not going—if it were me, I would have..."

The Swede trailed off as he noticed Maxwell, sitting in the passenger seat, pulling out his phone to record. Ibrahimović shuddered at the thought of this footage getting out, especially if Helena saw it.

"Forget it. I can't be bothered with rookies who've never been in love," he said with a dismissive wave, pressing the accelerator harder.

Since it was noon and traffic was light, Ibrahimović drove quickly and they soon arrived in Almere.

After exiting at Junction 5 and passing through the automotive district, they reached Shen Ji Chinese Restaurant.

The parking lot was nearly half full, but there were still plenty of seats available inside. It seemed the restaurant's popularity was indeed growing, just as Yang Yang's uncle had said.

Wei Zheng, who was responsible for welcoming guests, quickly approached when he saw the luxury car pull in, but Yang Yang hesitated to get out.

"Hey, Zheng," Yang Yang greeted him.

"Yang Yang! What are you doing here?" Wei Zheng was surprised and then noticed Ibrahimović and the others, looking confused. "Come on, let's get your friends settled inside."

Yang Yang, being polite, introduced Ibrahimović and the others as they entered.

Wei Zheng was an international student from China, studying media and marketing at the University of Amsterdam. He worked part-time at the restaurant. He was the same age as Yang Yang's cousin, Shen Yuzhu. When Yang Yang had been here before, he had noticed Wei Zheng's interest in his cousin.

Cousin Shen Yuzhu, who was in her mid-twenties and had a very pleasant personality, had been helping out at the restaurant since she arrived in the Netherlands last year. Yang Yang's uncle, Shen Ming, had hoped she would continue working here and perhaps find a suitable match, as Yang Yang's parents had suggested.

Shen Ji Chinese Restaurant had a special area reserved for Almere players. Even during busy times, this section was kept free as a special courtesy from the restaurant.

As Yang Yang led Ibrahimović and the others to the exclusive area, patrons began to take notice. Soon, the restaurant buzzed with excitement as people recognized Ajax's star players.

Yang Yang also spotted a few acquaintances and exchanged greetings. Shen Ming and the rest of the staff quickly became aware of the situation and came out to greet the guests, praising Yang Yang's uncle's culinary skills.

Yang Yang playfully teased Ibrahimović and the others about their lack of manners, while the group enjoyed the meal.

After eating, they lingered, chatting and joking, and eventually, the conversation shifted to discussions about the first team.

Ajax's first team had significantly improved in performance. After an initial confidence crisis at the start of the season, Koeman's team had started to show promising results. In the Eredivisie, their performance was strong, and they were currently leading their Champions League group.

AC Milan had drawn with Celta Vigo in their second group-stage match and then suffered an unexpected loss to Bruges in the third round, allowing Ajax to secure a two-game winning streak and top the group.

Despite the team's impressive performance, Yang Yang noticed something unusual in Ibrahimović and Maxwell's demeanor.

The Swedish forward glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping, then leaned in to whisper, "Yang, Thomas, if you trust me, be prepared. From now until the winter break, stay injury-free."

"Why?" Yang Yang asked, intrigued.

"You could be moved up to the first team at any moment."

Vermaelen's eyes widened with interest but also showed some concern. "Is that really possible?"

"Absolutely," Maxwell confirmed, his tone reassuring.

The Brazilian left-back seemed more convincing than the typically bold Ibrahimović.

"Even though the first team is winning now, the situation isn't as stable as it seems," Ibrahimović said.

Maxwell nodded in agreement.

"This season, the management is under immense pressure. They need to advance from the UEFA Champions League group stage and win the league, which is creating significant psychological stress for the team. Recently, the situation has been particularly tough. Van der Vaart has been showing his frustration, often getting red cards, including the one against Eindhoven."

Yang Yang frowned. "Doesn't the management realize that selling Chivu and Van der Meyde has weakened the team? It's tough to match last season's performance."

"Of course they understand," Maxwell said, shaking his head. "But Ajax has been struggling financially for several seasons. Last season, despite earning €76.5 million mainly from the Champions League, the club still ended up losing €4 million."

Ajax had reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League the previous season before losing to AC Milan.

"By selling Chivu and Van der Meyde, the club could afford to renew contracts for several players, but the financial strain is considerable. If they don't advance from the Champions League group stage, the club will lose a lot of revenue."

Yang Yang fell silent, beginning to grasp the management's challenges. Ultimately, it all came down to financial constraints.

"Management puts pressure on the technical director, the technical director puts pressure on the coaching staff, and the coaching staff puts pressure on the players. You think the pressure on the first team players isn't significant?" Ibrahimović said with a cold smile. "But we're not the only ones feeling the heat. Van Gaal has been clashing with Cruyff recently. Cruyff, who invited Van Gaal to be the technical director, is very dissatisfied. They've been at odds several times, which has only added to the turmoil."

Yang Yang had seen some of the Van Gaal-Cruyff conflict in the media, but he didn't realize the depth of the issue. In such an environment, it was difficult for players to perform their best, and many were likely contemplating leaving the team. Ibrahimović, in particular, seemed to be reflecting this sentiment.

"Recently, the team's offense has been poor and the defense is lacking. One major issue is that Trabelsi's contract on the right is expiring. Clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, AC Milan, and Inter Milan are all interested in him, and his contract with Ajax expires next summer."

"What?" Yang Yang and Vermaelen exclaimed in surprise.

Does this mean Trabelsi could sign with another club immediately?

"Don't worry," Maxwell reassured them. "The current contract includes a clause giving Ajax the first option to renew. In theory, other teams would need Ajax's approval to finalize a deal. The club hopes to renew his contract and then sell him for a higher price if he leaves in the summer."

Yang Yang remembered John van 't Schip mentioning Ajax's past struggles with player contracts due to the Bosman ruling in the late 1990s. Many players left at very low prices, causing significant financial losses for Ajax. The club's investment in Ajax Cape Town in South Africa for youth development yielded little return and further strained finances.

Learning from this, Ajax now aims to renew contracts before selling key players, hoping to secure a higher price. Trabelsi, being one of the world's best right-backs, was not someone Ajax wanted to lose easily.

"What about Trabelsi? What does he think?" Vermaelen asked with concern.

Ibrahimović chuckled. "A few days ago, he made it very clear to the head coach and management that he wants to leave and will not renew his contract. He's hoping the club will let him go."

Both Yang Yang and Vermaelen were surprised by Trabelsi's firm stance.

Yang Yang realized that Trabelsi must have been in touch with several clubs and likely received some assurances. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so adamant about leaving Ajax. He recalled that AC Milan, one of the teams interested in Trabelsi, had tried to poach Ajax players before. Now, with Trabelsi available and AC Milan in the same Champions League group, they were probably eager to acquire him.

"What about the club's attitude?" Yang Yang asked with concern.

"This issue is beyond Ronald Koeman's control. While he doesn't want to lose his players, Trabelsi's stance is quite firm. Koeman is powerless in this situation. The technical director, Van Gaal, and the management are still undecided. However, I've heard that Van Gaal is inclined to sell."

"Sell?" Yang Yang was taken aback but found it reasonable. In the current European football market, with Trabelsi's contract nearing its end, holding on to him would be risky and could lead to a less favorable outcome for the club.

For Ajax, the best course of action would be to renew Trabelsi's contract and then sell him in the summer. This approach would give the club time to find a replacement and secure a better price. However, Trabelsi seems determined to leave in the winter, which would lower the transfer fee but allow him to negotiate a higher salary with his new club.

As for AC Milan, with their substantial financial resources, the timing of Trabelsi's transfer—whether in winter or next summer—might not matter much to them. However, creating disruption within Ajax's ranks could be highly advantageous for the Rossoneri.

"It may not be easy to sell, especially with a faction led by Cruyff vehemently opposing Van Gaal. They criticize his radical ideas, whether it's about reforming the club's internal management or changing its overall philosophy. They believe these changes are unacceptable and could be destructive for Ajax."

"But in any case, Trabelsi has been sidelined. Officially, he's out due to a knee injury, but everyone knows the injury isn't severe. He's fit enough, but he can't play a match."

Yang Yang sighed inwardly. The so-called family troubles were becoming evident.

Back in Almere, he viewed Ajax as a top Dutch giant, almost untouchable. Yet now, he realized Ajax was more of a small hill in the broader European football landscape.

Whether AC Milan truly intends to buy Trabelsi remains unclear, but this unsettled transfer saga has thrown Ajax into turmoil.

Trabelsi's decision isn't wrong. At twenty-six, he's in his prime, and if he doesn't transfer now, who will seek him out in two or three years?

From Ajax's perspective, it's understandable why they would resist letting Trabelsi go. It's akin to repeating the mistakes of the 1990s. More importantly, what message does it send to other players?

Does Ibrahimović want to leave? What about Van der Vaart?

If the club falters at this critical juncture, how should they manage the team?

Of course, from the viewpoint of giants like AC Milan and Manchester United, they are merely pursuing their own interests. Trabelsi's departure is insignificant to them; their focus is on their own gains.

Yang Yang realized that what was unfolding before his eyes was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of professional football.

"Currently, many first-team players are injured. Sonck has a back issue, O'Brien a knee problem, Pienaar an ankle injury, and Van der Vaart is also affected. With Trabelsi out, the right side of the defense will be a significant problem."

Maxwell turned to Vermaelen. "If Koeman shifts Heitinga to the right, that will leave a central defender spot open. This is your chance."

Vermaelen felt the allure of the first team beckoning him. Despite Ajax's current issues, this could be an opportunity for young players like him.

Sneijder has already established himself as a key player at a young age. Van der Vaart was made team captain early on, and Heitinga and De Jong have also stepped up. Aren't these opportunities a result of the team's various issues?

"There are also problems in the attack. Koeman has recently paired Sonck with me, but he's struggled to find a convincing right-winger."

Ibrahimović grinned and said, "I'm really looking forward to seeing us all on the field together. You and Maxwell on the wings, Vermaelen in defense, and me up front. With the four of us working as a unit, let's see who can stop us."

The Swedish forward's boldness and confidence were palpable.

Yang Yang, Vermaelen, and Maxwell were all excited by the prospect.

There was no doubt about Ibrahimović's determination. He had clearly been working diligently over the past few months, striving to produce impressive stats and to leave the Dutch league as soon as possible. His commitment was evident in both training and matches.

Ajax's first team boasted remarkable talent with players like Van der Vaart, Sonck, Sneijder, Pienaar, Escudé, Galásek, De Jong, Maxwell, and Trabelsi. If they could truly come together as a cohesive unit, advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals once again wasn't out of the question.

For Yang Yang, joining the first team no longer seemed like an unattainable goal.

......

......

Entering November, Dutch football remained optimistic about Ajax.

In the tenth round of the Eredivisie, Ajax faced AZ Alkmaar at home. Despite the home advantage, Ajax conceded a goal in the fifth minute. Ibrahimović equalized in the twenty-first minute, but two minutes later, Alkmaar scored again.

The game was challenging, and it wasn't until the 77th minute that Ajax's De Jong managed to level the score. Alkmaar's resistance finally broke in stoppage time when Tim de Cler fouled in the penalty area, earning Ajax a penalty and a red card for his second yellow. Galásek converted the penalty, securing a 3-2 victory for Ajax.

Ajax remained the league leader, and with recent strong performances, including their midweek UEFA Champions League fixtures, the team's morale was high.

Facing Celta Vigo in midweek, head coach Ronald Koeman was confident. At the pre-match press conference, he even joked that during his playing days at Barcelona, he faced Celta Vigo twelve times without ever losing.

Koeman's confidence extended to his lineup changes, introducing front-line player Mitea and Ghanaian Yakubu, who was deployed on the right side, switching between winger and full-back roles.

The clash between the technical director and the legendary Cruyff had reignited. Van Gaal expressed full confidence in Ajax's strength before the game. "We have all the factors to win; why can't we win?" he asserted.

Cruyff, residing in Spain, was quick to criticize Van Gaal's remarks, labeling them as blind arrogance. "Apart from impetuousness, I see nothing beneficial from Van Gaal for Ajax," he claimed.

The game, however, defied expectations. Ajax, having won their first two group-stage matches, faltered at the Estadio de Balaídos. In his first Champions League appearance, Yakubu fouled in the 25th minute, resulting in a penalty for Celta Vigo, which was converted by French midfielder Peter Luccin.

Ajax's captain, Van der Vaart, reacted aggressively to the situation and received a yellow card, which will force him to miss the crucial fifth match against AC Milan in the Champions League group stage. Ajax's difficulties increased when Sylvinho broke through Yakubu's defense and assisted Milošević, extending Celta Vigo's lead to 2-0.

Sonck scored for Ajax at the beginning of the second half, but Yakubu's error in the 63rd minute led to another goal for Celta Vigo, making it 3-1. Despite Van der Vaart's late goal in the 82nd minute, Ajax lost 3-2, and the absence of their captain for the next match against AC Milan loomed large.

Post-match, Dutch media criticized Ajax extensively, focusing on Koeman's tactical choices. Mitea's lackluster performance and Yakubu's role in Celta Vigo's three goals drew particular ire, with some media satirizing Koeman and Yakubu, humorously suggesting that Yakubu deserved the best player award for his "contributions" to Celta Vigo's goals.

"The 27 fouls committed by Ajax, three times more than Celta Vigo, expose the impetuousness and loss of control among the young Ajax players. Van der Vaart's actions are a prime example," the media commented.

With two group-stage games remaining, critics urged Koeman to stabilize his team's performance and curb their defensive vulnerabilities if Ajax hoped to advance further in the Champions League.