Deal Terms
Björn opened a black folder. "Let's dive right in. We've prepared a comprehensive contract that we believe reflects Luka's value and potential. Jonas, would you walk us through the financial structure?"
Jonas nodded, pulling up a detailed spreadsheet on the room's main display. "Certainly. We're proposing a five-year deal with a base salary of €6 million per annum, totaling €30 million over the contract duration. This places you, Luka, in our top tier of athletes globally."
Jorge leaned forward, his eyes scanning the numbers. "And the performance bonuses?"
"Of course," Jonas continued. "We've structured a multi-tiered bonus system. First we have Team Achievements. A Champions League win would net you €2 million, Domestic league title, €1 million and a Domestic cup win, €500,000. In terms of Individual Accolades a Ballon d'Or win would earn you €5 million while a top 3 finish would be €2 million. For the FIFA Best Men's Player and Domestic League top scorer you'll earn €3 million and €1 million respectively. Finally, International Success, so World Cup win, €3 million, European Championship win, €2 million and World Cup Golden or European Championship player of the tournament, €1.5 million. These bonuses are cumulative and paid annually based on achievements."
Jorge nodded, making notes. "What about image rights and commercial activities?"
Björn took over. "We're proposing a 60-40 split in Luka's favor for all Puma-related marketing and promotional activities. This includes billboards, TV commercials, social media campaigns, and event appearances."
"And the minimum guaranteed commercial income?" Jorge pressed.
"We're guaranteeing a minimum of €3 million per year in commercial activities," Björn responded. "Anything above that will be split according to the 60-40 arrangement."
Luka listened intently, his mind racing to keep up with the figures being discussed.
Maria chimed in, "Now, let's discuss the product development aspect. We're not just offering standard sponsorship here. We want to create a Luka Zorić line within Puma."
She pulled up some concept designs on her tablet. "We're envisioning a range that includes boots, training wear, and lifestyle products. The boots, in particular, will be a flagship product. We'll work directly with you, Luka, and your medical team to design a boot that not only enhances your performance but also provides the ankle support you need."
Luka leaned in, genuinely intrigued. "And I'll have input on the designs?"
"Absolutely," Maria nodded. "We want these products to be an authentic representation of you. We're also proposing to allocate 5% of the net profits from your signature line directly to you, on top of your base and bonus earnings."
Jorge raised an eyebrow. "That's generous. What about trademark and intellectual property rights?"
Björn cleared his throat. "We understand the importance of Luka owning his brand. We're proposing a joint venture for the 'Luka Zorić' brand. Luka will own 60% of the trademark and associated IP, with Puma retaining 40%. This ensures Luka has control over his brand while we can still effectively market and distribute the products."
The discussion continued, delving into the minutiae of contract clauses, exit options, and renegotiation terms. They talked about global marketing campaigns, social media strategies, and potential collaborations with other Puma athletes.
"We're also committed to supporting your off-field endeavors," Jonas added. "We'd like to establish a charitable foundation in your name, with an initial endowment of €1 million from Puma. You'll have full control over its direction and causes."
As the meeting progressed, they addressed the family package. Björn pulled up details of a luxurious property in Manchester. "We've identified this £2.5 million home for your parents. We'll handle the purchase and all associated costs. For your sister, we've arranged admission to Withington Girls' School, covering all tuition and expenses for the duration of your contract."
Luka felt a wave of emotion, thinking about what this would mean for his family.
The conversation then shifted to Luka's future club situation. Björn spoke carefully, "We know you're weighing your options for next season. While we can't directly influence your decision, we want you to know that we have strong partnerships with clubs like AC Milan, Manchester City, and Borussia Dortmund, the club you're at. If you're interested, we could facilitate introductions or discussions."
Jorge interjected, "Let's be clear - any club decisions will be made independently of this deal. But we appreciate the offer to make connections."
As the meeting neared its conclusion, they discussed activation events, product launches, and global ambassador roles. Plans for a grand unveiling in Luka's hometown were outlined, along with a proposed world tour to key Puma markets.
"Lastly," Björn said, "we want to offer you equity options in Puma itself. We're prepared to grant you stock options equivalent to €2 million at today's price, vesting over the five years of your contract. This aligns your success directly with ours."
Jorge nodded approvingly. "That's a strong show of commitment."
The numbers were staggering, the opportunities vast. Luka looked to Jorge, who gave him a subtle nod.
"This is a lot to process," Luka said, addressing the room. "But I'm incredibly honored by your faith in me. Can we have a day to review all the details before we move forward?"
Björn smiled warmly. "Of course, Luka. Take all the time you need. We believe this partnership will shape the future of football, and we want you to be completely comfortable with every aspect."
<>
As Luka and Jorge stepped out of Puma's headquarters, the crisp autumn air hit their faces.
They walked in silence for a moment, their footsteps echoing on the concrete. Finally, Luka turned to Jorge. "Jorge, am I really about to sign a deal this big?"
Jorge chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on Luka's shoulder. "It's real, kid. And it's just the beginning."
As they reached Jorge's black Mercedes, Luka paused, his hand on the door handle. "What am I going to do with all that money, Jorge? I mean, it's alot more than one hundred thousand."
Jorge's expression turned serious as he settled into the driver's seat. "First rule, Luka: don't be dumb with it. You invest, you save, you plan for the future."
Luka buckled his seatbelt, his brow furrowed. "But I don't know the first thing about investing. Stocks, bonds... it's all Greek to me."
The car purred to life, and Jorge eased it onto the road. "Then you learn, my boy. In the meantime, we save. I'll get you set up with a financial advisor, someone who can show you the ropes."
As they cruised down the autobahn, the streetlights flickering to life around them, Jorge continued. "We'll start by putting a significant chunk into a high-yield savings account. It's not glamorous, but it's safe. Your money grows slowly but steadily, and you can't lose it."
Luka nodded, trying to absorb all the information. "Okay, that makes sense. But what about the rest?"
Jorge drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "Diversify. Some in stocks, some in bonds, maybe even some real estate. But do it smart, spread the risk. And always, always keep a healthy emergency fund."
As the car ate up the miles, their conversation shifted. Luka's expression darkened slightly, and he turned to Jorge. "There's something else I wanted to talk to you about. It's... it's about Marco Rose."
Jorge raised an eyebrow, keeping his eyes on the road. "What's going on?"
Luka sighed, running a hand through his hair. "He's been... difficult. It feels like he's intentionally making life harder for me at the club. Extra drills, harsh criticism in front of the team, he benched me for that Biefield game as well when I was originally scheduled to play."
Jorge's grip tightened on the steering wheel. "Has he changed your game time for future matches as well?"
"No, not yet at least," Luka admitted. "But it's getting to me, you know? I spoke to Dr. Braun about it, and he helped me see that I just want to move past it, to squash this animosity and focus on football. But..."
"But you're worried it might escalate," Jorge finished for him.
Luka nodded, his gaze fixed on the passing landscape outside.
Jorge was quiet for a moment, considering. "Look, Luka, here's what we do. For now, we be patient. You keep your head down, work hard, and play your best football. But," he paused, his tone becoming more serious, "if this starts to seriously impact your game time or development, we may need to start fielding contract offers in January."
Luka's head snapped around. "Really? But I thought—"
"It's just a precaution," Jorge assured him. "Speaking of which, Manchester United came in with an offer last week."
Luka's response was immediate. "Not interested."
Jorge chuckled. "I thought you'd say that. Don't worry, I didn't like the terms anyway. But it's good to keep our options open."
<>
As the door closed behind Luka and Jorge, a palpable sense of relief washed over the Puma executives. Björn Gulden's shoulders relaxed, a smile spreading across his face as he turned to his team.
"We've got him," he whispered, as if speaking too loudly might break the spell.
Jonas Dössler was already reaching for the champagne bottle chilling in an ice bucket nearby. The pop of the cork echoed through the room, followed by the gentle fizz of bubbles cascading into crystal flutes.
"To Luka Zorić," Björn toasted, raising his glass. "And to the future of Puma."
As they clinked glasses, Maria Länger was already pulling out her tablet, her mind racing with the tasks ahead. "We need to move quickly," she said, taking a sip of champagne. "The reveal needs to be spectacular."
Björn nodded, his expression turning serious. "Agreed. Jonas, I want you to start assembling a team dedicated solely to Luka. We need the best minds in marketing, product development, and brand management."
"On it," Jonas replied, already tapping away on his phone. "I've got a few names in mind. We'll have a dream team assembled by tomorrow afternoon."
Maria chimed in, "I'll reach out to Dortmund's medical team first thing in the morning. We need to get started on those custom boots immediately, it would take a while so we'll make a temporary boot for now, that should take about 2 weeks or so."
"Excellent," Björn said. "And what about the logo? We need something truly unique, something that captures Luka's essence."
The room fell silent for a moment, each executive lost in thought. Then, Maria's eyes lit up. "I've got it," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "Picture this: we call it 'The Celestial Nexus.'"
She grabbed a nearby tablet and began sketching furiously. "Imagine a swirling vortex of stars, each one a different size and brightness. They're all being pulled towards a central point, but that point isn't just empty space. It's a small, incredibly detailed rendition of a football."
Jonas leaned in, intrigued. "Go on."
"The stars represent Luka's diverse skills and cultural influences," Maria continued. "As they swirl towards the center, they become more defined, more vibrant. It's like watching raw potential coalesce into something extraordinary."
Björn nodded approvingly. "I like it. It's dynamic, it's eye-catching, and it tells a story. But we need to push it further. Think CR7. We need that level of uniqueness, the football may be a bit bland."
Maria's brow furrowed in concentration. "What if... what if the football at the center isn't just a static image? What if it's subtly animated, slowly rotating, catching the light in different ways depending on the angle?"
"Now we're talking," Jonas said. "We could use lenticular printing for physical applications, make it seem like the logo is alive, always in motion."
Björn clapped his hands together. "This is exactly the kind of thinking we need. Maria, I want you to work with our design team to refine this concept and create new ones. I want to see prototypes by the end of the week."
As the excitement in the room continued to grow, Björn's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his eyebrows raising slightly. "Interesting," he murmured.
"What is it?" Jonas asked.
Björn looked up, a gleam in his eye. "That was Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the chairman of Manchester City. He's been very interested in our young star, and ecstatic to hear he would sign with Puma."
The room fell silent, all eyes on Björn.
"Luka didn't seem too keen on the idea of us facilitating club discussions," Maria said cautiously.
Björn nodded, his expression thoughtful. "True. But it would be advantageous to have him at a Puma-sponsored club. The synergy would be incredible."
Jonas leaned back in his chair, swirling his champagne. "We can't push too hard. Luka's trust is crucial at this stage. But perhaps we could... gently nudge things in the right direction?"
"Exactly," Björn said, a sly smile playing on his lips. "We don't make any moves now. But we keep the lines of communication open. If Luka expresses any dissatisfaction with his current situation, we'll be ready to present some very attractive alternatives."
The executives nodded in agreement, the air thick with possibility.
"Alright," Björn said, setting down his glass. "We've got a lot of work ahead of us. I want daily progress reports on all fronts - the reveal plan, the custom boots, the logo design, everything. This is our moment, people. Let's make it count."