Soccer System: All the Skills, One Player!

When Lucas and Raphael arrived at the training center, they sensed that the atmosphere was a little different. There was a certain buzz among the staff. Lucas tried to ignore it, but the feeling that something was going on was undeniable.

As soon as he stepped onto the pitch for morning training, he was called over by Alex, the assistant coach.

"Lucas, the youth director, wants to talk to you. Right away."

"Me?" Lucas asked, surprised.

"Yes. Come with me. He's in the meeting room."

Lucas quickly glanced at his puzzled companions. Raphael shrugged, while Miguel said with a smile, "Good luck, Captain."

The main meeting room of the training center was elegant and familiar to Lucas. A large, dark wood table dominated the space, surrounded by black leather chairs. The walls were decorated with historical photos of Brighton, highlighting important moments in the club's history.

On entering, Lucas found three people waiting for him. Eddie was there, sitting next to Alex, the assistant coach. But in the center of the table was an imposing figure:

William McGonagall, Brighton's youth director. He was an old man with gray hair and shrewd eyes. His posture exuded authority with that expensive suit.

"Lucas, please sit down," said Mr. McGonagall, showing a chair in front of him. His voice was firm, but not rude.

Lucas obeyed. He looked at Coach Eddie, who gave him a slightly encouraging smile.

"Before we start, I want to say that we've been very impressed with your recent performance, especially in the game against Everton," said McGonagall. "You showed maturity, leadership and, of course, technical ability. These are rare qualities in such an inexperienced player."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Thank you, sir," replied Lucas in a normal tone, although his heart was beating fast.

McGonagall gestured to Alex, who placed an envelope on the table. "Let's get straight to the point. As you know, your current contract with Brighton is valid for two years, until you turn 18. However, based on your performance and the growing interest you've generated, we believe it's time to review this contract."

Lucas blinked, surprised. "Review? What do you mean?"

McGonagall opened the envelope, took out a piece of paper and placed it on the table, revealing a new contract. She nuzzled it against Lucas.

"This is a new contract we'd like you to accept. It lasts for four years, with a significant increase in your salary, based on performance targets. It also includes a termination clause worth 100 million euros."

Lucas's eyes widened. "A hundred million? But... I'm not worth that."

McGonagall smiled slightly. "We know that, Lucas. The clause is not a reflection of your current value, but a measure to protect the club. We want to ensure that if another club wants to take you, and of course you want to leave, we have the bargaining power to negotiate good terms. It's common practice."

Lucas picked up the contract with trembling hands and leafed through it. He knew little about legal language, but a few things caught his eye: the bonuses for goals scored, assists and even awards for collective achievements and also the increase in the main salary when he became a professional. The salary offered was several times higher than what he currently received, reaching 20,000 euros if all the targets were met.

It was a lot of money, but, at the same time, it seemed barely less than what he imagined he would earn when he became a professional.

"I... I don't know what to say," Lucas admitted, looking at Eddie.

The coach intervened, his voice calm. "Lucas, no one is pressuring you to make a decision now. We want you to read the contract calmly, talk to your family and your agent, if you have one. But we think this is an opportunity to show how much we value you at the club."

McGonagall added: "We also want to clarify that this contract is not just about money. It's about our commitment to you. We believe you can become one of Brighton's big names in the future, and we want to give you the stability and support you need to grow."

Lucas nodded slowly, trying to take it all in. "Thank you for your confidence, sir. I'll take the contract and think about it."

"Of course." said McGonagall, standing up and holding out his hand. "We look forward to hearing your response."

Lucas shook his hand, still feeling the weight of the situation. When he left the room, his hands were shaking.

-:-

Later, back in the dormitory room, Lucas sat on the bed with the contract in hand. He called his parents in Japan to tell them the news.

"A new contract?" asked his father, his voice full of pride and surprise. "That's incredible, Lucas!"

"Yes, but it's also scary," Lucas confessed. "It's a big step, and I don't know if I'm ready."

"Lucas, remember why you started playing soccer? You have talent, but you also have courage. Trust yourself," said Ayumi. "If you're not comfortable with this contract, don't take it."

Lucas slid his finger over the numbers on the contract. Four years. One hundred million euros in the termination clause. Twenty thousand euros in potential. It was enough money to help his family, but not enough.

Just as he was about to say goodbye to his parents and hang up the phone, he heard his father shouting on the other end:

"Wait, Lucas!" He exclaimed and grabbed the cell phone from Ayumi's hands. "I might help with that."

"What do you mean, Dad?"

"I know someone in the UK. He's worked with a few players in the past. He's not a big manager or anything, but he knows how things work. I'll get in touch with him. Maybe he can introduce you to a reliable agent."

Lucas widened his eyes. "Really? You know someone like that?"

"Yes. He's an old friend from work, Peter Collins. He's British, but lived in Japan for a few years. We got on well, and he always talked about soccer and how he knew people in the industry. I told him I had a son who loved soccer. I'll call him and see what I can do."

Lucas felt a weight lifted off his shoulders, as an agent could advise him on what to do.

"Thanks, Dad. I even thought about looking for someone before, but... I get so many emails every week and it's hard to know who to trust. I don't want to make the wrong decision."

"I understand, son. I'll make the call right now."

"Okay. I'll wait for you to talk to this Peter. Let me know when you have an answer."

"Of course, Lucas. Now get some rest. Tomorrow's another busy day."

Lucas smiled slightly. "Good night, Dad. Thanks for everything."

"Good night, Lucas. We're proud of you."

He disconnected the call and looked at the contract once more. It was strange how that piece of paper seemed so insignificant and yet so imposing.

-:-

The next day...

The sound of boots echoed across the pitch as the Brighton players warmed up. Lucas tried to focus on training, but his mind was still stuck on the contract. He kicked the ball harder than necessary, sending it flying wide.

"Hey, Lucas! Easy there!" shouted Raphael, laughing as he ran to retrieve the ball. "What happened? You're playing like you're going to knock over the goal!"

Lucas sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry, Raphael. It's just... a lot on my mind."

Raphael stopped next to him, holding the ball. "What is it? Is it about the contract you mentioned yesterday?"

"Yes. I don't know what to do. It seems like a wonderful opportunity, but... it's a big step. I don't want to make any mistakes."

Raphael gave Lucas a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Look, I'm no expert, but you're one of the best players I've ever seen. I don't want to know the numbers, but I know they don't give astronomical contracts to youngsters like us and so we can feel that it's too little. But renewals happen every year. You can get a sum now, and maybe you'll get another renewal offer when you excel in the pros."

Lucas smiled, feeling a little lighter. "Thanks, Raphael. You're a good friend."

"Sure, man. Now let's get back to training before Eddie yells at us."

That late afternoon, as he was leaving the Training Center, Lucas' phone rang. It was an unknown number. He answered, cautiously.

"Hello?"

"Lucas? This is Peter Collins. Your father asked me to call you."

Lucas relaxed a little. "Oh, yes. My father mentioned you. Thanks for getting in touch."

"No problem. Your father talked about your situation, and I understand that you're overwhelmed. Decisions like this can be tricky, especially at the start of your career. But that's what agents and consultants are here for: to make sure you make the best decision possible."

"I get a lot of emails from agents. I just want someone I can get references from."

"Clever of you," replied Peter. "There are many moral agents, but there are also opportunists. If you want, I can introduce you to someone I know. He's an experienced agent, he's worked with promising young people like you and he's reliable. We can arrange a chat so you can get to know him and see if you like him."

"Sure, why not?" Lucas shrugged. Experience more content on empire

"Good. Then please go to the Mount Café in the center of Brighton. He's already waiting for you."

"What? Already?"

"Yes, when I called him and told him about you, he immediately got in his car and left London. Incidentally, he can have a slightly agitated personality. Please try to overlook that."