THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Club Management Concerns

Simultaneously in one of the conference rooms at Rosenborg Headquarters in Brakka—

A Rosenborg Club management meeting is underway to finalise Zachary's contract terms.

Boyd Johansen, the newly appointed head coach of Rosenborg's senior team, sits to the left of Ivar Koteng, the club's chairman. Half a smile adorned his face as he listened to Mr. Daniel Malvik, the club's chief legal adviser, made his argument. Mr Malvik sought to prevent management and board members from agreeing to Zachary's high-paying contract.

"We are taking a big risk by offering that kind of money to players who are just coming out of the academy" said Mr. Malvik, his tone is without further ado. "I'm aware he's been performing well but that doesn't guarantee he'll continue playing at the same level when he joins the senior team. We could suffer a considerable loss if we continue with this deal. "

"Such arguments are unfounded," Ivar Koteng, the club's chairman, cut, his tone downplayed. “I've watched videos of Zachary's performances during Riga, SIA, and Norway Youth Cups. I can say this with a hundred percent confidence. Zachary's level was well above that of average players in Tippeligaen. What do you think, Coach Johansen?" The chairman asked, glancing towards him.

Coach Johansen cleared his throat before replying. “I have coached Zachary since he arrived here in Trondheim. I support the chairman's decision. In just two years, he has perfected his skills to become one of the most promising young players in all of Europe. The child has unlimited potential. He's one of the few players with the ability to claim a place among the greats."

"For those of you who are not sure should watch the video of the match from SIA or Riga Cups. He's up against some of the best young teams in Europe." Coach Johansen smiled gently, letting his gaze explore the other executives on the table. "Zachary has always managed to maintain his composure and score goals even when his other team-mates have performed poorly."

"I'm very confident that he will continue to improve even after joining the senior team. If I was assigned to draft a contract, I would offer him more money to motivate him more during his time at the club." He added in a serious tone.

"I'm not trying to argue that Zachary has no talent" Mr. Malvik interrupted, shaking his head. "My main concern is about the terms of the contract. Although the new deal firmly ties him to the club over the next two years, it also leaves us committed to keeping him in the — squad whether he performs or not. If the latter happens, and we want him off the initial list, we'll have to pay an excessive penalty fee."

The head legal advisor locked a gaze with Coach Johansen before continuing. "Coach, you must have received Zachary's medical results. You should have noticed a few things of concern in his report."

"Is there a problem with Zachary's fitness?" The club chairman cut, frowning.

"No, not at all," Mr. Malvik hurriedly corrected, waving his hands to give emphasis. "No problem with his fitness. In fact, he's one of the fittest young players I've ever met."

"Then what's the problem?" The chairman investigated, throwing a cursory glance towards Coach Johansen.

"There's only one concern about Zachary," Coach Johansen cut, to clarify. “She appears to have entered a late growth spurt over the past few months. In just six months, Zachary has grown a few inches. He should be 6.4 feet at the moment. We are not sure yet if he will continue to improve." the coach explained.

"But I guarantee this growth spurt will not affect Zachary's performance when he joins the senior team" he continued. "We will adapt it to a special training routine to help him adjust to his growing physique. You can hold my word about this." He added with great enthusiasm.

"In 2007, Italian giants AC Milan signed Alexandre Pato from Internacional for €24 million. Pato was one of the most promising talents from Brazil that year. During his first game against Napoli, he scored an incredible goal. Everyone— sure that he will have a brilliant career. Like our Zachary, he is fast, skilful, precise, and one of the most clinical young players. He seems to have the potential to win at least one Ballon d'Or in the course of his career. "

"However, just six months after his debut in AC Millan, things started to go wrong" Mr. Malvik lowered his voice to give emphasis. Despite this, it was still brought to everyone in the room.

"Some factors led to a marked decline in performance. Arguably, he did not meet the challenge in the top league. Or maybe the temptation fostered by making a lot of money, much higher than the previous income, lowers the focus."

"However, what had the most negative impact on him was his late growth spurt that messed up his running and dribbling posture. Mr. Johansen, as a coach, should understand this matter better than I do."

"As a result, he started getting injured all the time due to his dribbling posture and chaotic running. That was the real beginning of his setback."

"I'm not saying that accelerating growth is the only thing that can affect Zachary" added the chief legal adviser. "There are many other things that can go wrong and affect his appearance. Perhaps, a bad boyfriend, an unknown illness, etc. We should not offer such lucrative contracts before observing his performance and attitude at a professional level. That's all I have to say."

Ivar Koteng, the chairman, nodded. "I understand your concern, Mr. Malvik. However, any investment is often risky. You can buy real estate only for an earthquake that damages your property the next day. You can buy shares of a listed company, but the next month, it goes bankrupt."

The chairman locked a gaze with Mr. Malvik and added. “I believe that Zachary Bemba is a worthwhile investment. What's more, we haven't paid much in the grand scheme of getting his services. Just imagine if we bought a player of his class from another academy.have to pay? I'd say probably a lot." He laughed, shaking his head. "Are you right, Coach Johansen?"

"Yes, Chairman," Coach Johansen replied as he nodded. "A player of his calibre is valued at around 20-25 million Euros in the current transfer window. We're lucky to be able to pick him up for free."

The nine executives in the conference room, except Mr. Malvik, laugh at that.

"By the way," the chairman interrupted, leaning back in his chair. "I am of the view that we maintain the terms of Zachary's current contract." He stopped, glancing towards the legal counsel. "Mrs. Malvik, I am aware of the legal implications of this deal. However, I am willing to risk Zachary's talent in this case. If he performs, we will make a big profit. If he doesn't do it," t, we'll consider this another small loss for the club. No need to worry too much about that. Okay?"

"Yes, Chairman," replied Mr. Malvik.

"Good," the chairman nodded, grinning. "Let's get ready for the signing ceremony. Zachary and his agents will be here in about an hour. Since he is a locally grown talent — directly from the academy, we should do our best to welcome him to the senior team."

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