Football: Starting with the Crescent Moon Slash

Chapter 113 Jürgen Klopp

"Klopp?"

The man who would later be known as the godfather of Liverpool joined Liverpool in the English Premier League after leaving Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2015.

During his time coaching Borussia Dortmund, he frequently used 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations. He excelled at quick cut-throughs and wing breakthroughs, emphasizing high-intensity running and a very fast pace. His team's operation relied heavily on midfield dominance.

The core tactic is high pressing, which means that after losing the ball, all players immediately swarm and press to regain possession within 3 seconds, and then launch a quick counter-attack without giving the opponent time to set up their defense.

Jiang Yan watched Dortmund's matches during Klopp's era more than once. The team under Klopp had an extremely fast pace and a very impactful style of play. His style was described by many fans as "heavy metal rock football".

Klopp called him at this time, presumably because he had heard the rumors that Jiang Yan had submitted a transfer request.

At this moment, Qin Wanyu walked out of the room, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

"What's wrong?"

Upon seeing Qin Wanyu come out, Jiang Yan grabbed her and pulled her over.

"You've come at the right time, Wanyu. My English isn't very good, could you translate for me?"

For a moment, Qin Wanyu didn't realize what was going on, but her professional ethics as a reporter allowed her to quickly get into work mode.

"Jiang, I heard you want to transfer. I asked someone I know to get your private phone number. I hope I haven't bothered you."

"It's alright, Mr. Klopp, I'm quite surprised."

A hearty laugh came through the receiver.

"Jiang, I've been watching you for a long time. Real Madrid hasn't given you enough respect. On behalf of Liverpool, I formally invite you to join us."

Klopp didn't beat around the bush, but went straight to the point: "I need a player like you. Your running, physical strength, explosiveness, long-range shooting, one-touch passing, and that beautiful free kick of yours all impressed me."

He paused, then emphasized, "Come to Liverpool, you are the future of Liverpool, and the core of the team!"

"Come to Liverpool, and I'll make you a midfielder the whole world fears! Are you willing to come to Anfield and change the Premier League with me?"

Jiang Yan had no choice but to admit it.

I was indeed moved by Klopp's words.

However, he was not clear about the specifics of the transfer, so he sent Klopp's phone number to his agent team.

"Mr. Klopp, I will have my agent team contact you. The relevant matters need to be discussed in detail by both teams."

After hanging up the phone, Qin Wanyu, who had participated in the entire translation, was still somewhat incredulous.

"Is it settled like that?"

Jiang Yan nodded.

"Klopp's trust and Liverpool's respect are things I haven't felt at other teams."

Qin Wanyu scrolled through her phone.

"Liverpool finished eighth this season?! No European qualification next season!"

Jiang Yan smiled: "With me here, Liverpool's goal for European competition—no, next season—is the Premier League title!"

The reason he chose the Premier League was precisely because the recently concluded 2015-16 season was the most turbulent time for the Premier League.

-

Leicester City – a small club – won the Premier League title with a score of 1-5000.

But smaller clubs always share the same fate; even if you win the Premier League title, you can't avoid losing your core players.

In the upcoming summer transfer window, major European clubs will likely snap up Leicester City's key players, sparking a frenzied arms race in the Premier League.

Whoever wins their first Premier League title after this turbulent season will dominate the Premier League!

His goal is to become the ruler of the entire Premier League, the king of the Premier League!

Klopp, who was in Liverpool, excitedly pumped his fist after hanging up the phone.

One punch! Two punches! Three punches!

He's a smart man. Since Jiang Yan is willing to let his management team talk to him, it means there's a good chance!

At least Jiang Yan did not show any hostility towards Liverpool.

Klopp didn't dare to linger for a moment, fearing that Jiang Yan might change his mind, and immediately called sporting director Michael Edwards.

"What?! Jiang Yan is really willing to negotiate with us?"

"That's right, we hit it off really well. He's already given me the contact information for his agent team. Now it's just a matter of dealing with the agent team and Real Madrid."

"Leave the transfer to me, Mr. Jürgen. Well done!"

During the rest of the holiday, besides taking pictures of GG, Jiang Yan spent all his time with Qin Wanyu learning English.

His agent team has been in contact with Liverpool.

In addition to the transfer news, Jiang Yan also received two contracts.

These are individual sneaker sponsorship contracts between Nike and Adidas.

Nike and Adidas are the two largest sports brands, and they basically monopolize the global sports apparel and equipment market.

Thanks to the extensive media and commercial resources held by these two companies, players who sign with either of them can obtain a wealth of promotional resources, which is of great benefit to building their personal brand.

His performance in the first half of the La Liga season and his brilliant contribution to two goals in the Champions League final have already garnered this young man from China a great deal of attention worldwide. Moreover, he is still young and has a lot of room for future growth. In addition, with the huge Chinese market behind him, these two sports brands know that as long as they sign Jiang Yan, they will definitely be able to create considerable value.

Of course, compared to Nike's offer of $80 million for five years to Jiang Yan, Adidas was even more ruthless, offering $30 million annually for a five-year contract.

Signing a 19-year-old star to a contract worth $1.5 million is an unprecedented move in the history of world football.

It's worth noting that even top football stars are extremely rare to secure sponsorships worth around $30 million annually. Adidas's move undoubtedly demonstrates that they are betting on Jiang Yan as their star player for the next decade, showing their full commitment and highlighting Jiang Yan's current commercial value.

Since Adidas is so sincere, choosing them is perfectly fine.

After all, who would turn down money, and who would complain about having too much money?

On the day the partnership was confirmed, Adidas sent a team to China and held a grand signing ceremony.

The specific details of the contract were quickly disclosed by the media.

[A record-breaking contract! $1.5 million over 5 years! Jiang Yan signs with Adidas – the beginning of a new era?]

This message spread like wildfire online.

The news of Jiang Yan signing with Adidas spread throughout the country and even the world.

Chinese fans went wild.

【No way, Jiang Shen, what are you doing? That's 1.5 million! US dollars!】

[Oh no, Jiang Shen is going to become a capitalist now!]

[Damn it, these unscrupulous media outlets! Their headline said Jiang Yan signed a contract, I thought the transfer was finalized!]

[1.5 million! That's 1.5 million! More than you could spend in a lifetime!]

Jiang Shen is now truly China's number one football star.

[I'm not saying anything more, I have to support Jiang Shen a lot when he releases his collaboration! After all, I still owe him quite a few jerseys!]