Chapter 156: Really Need to Pay an Extra 3 Million Euros

Dongqiu Di Match Preview: 3:45 AM on November 21, La Liga Round 12, Athletic Bilbao vs. Villarreal, Tang Ye's first match after receiving the award!

After a gap of nearly two weeks, Villarreal's second La Liga match of November has officially arrived.

In the match warm-up poster released by the club, Tang Ye, who had just won the Golden Boy Award, appeared alone; barring any surprises, he was set to start directly.

Besides this news, another story caught the fans' attention.

Utrecht Evening News front-page headline: Winning the Golden Boy Award triggered a hidden clause in Tang Ye's loan contract, requiring Villarreal to pay Utrecht an additional fee of 3 million euros before the end of December.

Upon seeing this news, the fans' immediate inner reaction was one of utter confusion.

Logically speaking, since Villarreal developed Tang Ye to win the Golden Boy Award, shouldn't Utrecht be paying Villarreal a development fee?

Why is it now Villarreal compensating Utrecht?

However, fans in the comment section soon provided the answer.

A loan fee of 3 million euros was sufficient for Tang Ye, but for Tang Ye, who had won the Golden Boy Award, it was slightly insufficient; Utrecht's contract ingeniously raised Tang Ye's loan fee from 3 million euros to 6 million euros.

It might seem like Villarreal suffered a loss, but upon closer thought, Utrecht's super Golden Boy would be staying in Villarreal's starting lineup for the next half of the season!

After clarifying the logic behind the additional fee, fans quickly discovered another issue.

3 million euros...

Why did this number feel so familiar?

That's right!

It was Ten Hag!

Ten Hag had once said that 3 million euros was merely the fee for renting one of Tang Ye's feet, and that Tang Ye's actual rent should be 6 million euros!

Hiss—

Thinking of this, fans from various countries suddenly became unsettled.

Two weeks before Tang Ye signed the loan contract, Ten Hag was still at the Utrecht club; Ten Hag must have known about the Golden Boy Award trigger clause in Tang Ye's contract.

Ten Hag predicted the Golden Boy Award!

Oh my god, he said those words precisely because he knew Tang Ye would win the Golden Boy Award!

Click-click!

After drawing 1-1 with Arsenal, Ten Hag attended a press conference at Old Trafford.

As expected, reporters soon asked about the 3 million euros.

"You once stated that Tom's loan fee should be 3 million euros per foot, totaling 6 million euros, and after winning the Golden Boy Award, Villarreal paid Utrecht an additional 3 million euros in loan fees; may I ask..."

"Is there any connection between these two matters?"

"Hmm..."

Ten Hag wore a smile.

This question from the reporter was clearly within his expectations; for questions within his expectations, Ten Hag could always resolve them easily.

"The Golden Boy Award... actually, I haven't paid much attention to the Golden Boy Award."

Ten Hag seemed to be trying to distance himself from the matter, but he immediately changed his tone.

"But I admit, I was aware that there was such a trigger option in Tom's contract."

Wow!

The reporters in the audience immediately became unsettled!

Ten Hag did not directly admit that he had previously predicted Tang Ye would win the Golden Boy Award, but he had stated that he actually knew there was a 3-million-euro trigger option in Tang Ye's contract.

This was no different from a direct admission.

Ten Hag had indeed predicted Tang Ye's Golden Boy Award!

He knew Tang Ye would win the Golden Boy Award!

"This..."

Watching the video of Ten Hag's interview on his phone, Escriba's face was filled with bitterness.

If, if only he possessed Ten Hag's judgment ability!

Perhaps before the Golden Boy Award was announced, Villarreal would have already completed the supplementary agreement with Utrecht regarding the buyout clause!

Unfortunately, Escriba did not possess Ten Hag's ability!

It was precisely because he lacked this ability that Villarreal missed the best opportunity to secure Tang Ye!

"Phew..."

Collapsing onto the sofa, Escriba's mood remained unsettled for a long time.

That's right!

Suddenly recalling something, Escriba, who had just been lying down, exerted effort and sat straight up.

He remembered Ten Hag had previously said that Villarreal still needed to pay him an additional 3 million euros in development fees?

So actually, the total wasn't 6 million euros, but 9 million euros?

Villarreal had already paid 6 million euros.

There was still 3 million euros remaining...

Escriba immediately widened his mouth in shock.

Could it be?

Was Ten Hag, far away in England, truly controlling all of this?

"Our opponent in today's match is very strong; they are currently ranked sixth in the league."

On the bus heading to the stadium, head coach Escriba was explaining the details of today's match to the players.

Tang Ye and Rodri leaned against their chairs, staring blankly.

Having just gotten off the train and now boarded the bus, the physical condition of these two starting players was not very good.

But there was no help for it; away matches were just like this. As long as it wasn't an international match, clubs would never let players travel a day early to stay in a local hotel.

"I'm about to die."

Tang Ye took the U-shaped pillow off his neck, held it up in front of himself, and said weakly.

Three hours on the train, and now another hour on the bus.

The most critical part was that Tang Ye hadn't even fallen asleep on the train; he had simply endured those three hours awake.

"So your match fitness is going to explode today?"

Escrivá didn't know when he had walked over; he looked at Tang Ye with a grin.

"He probably wants to be substituted."

Bruno said to Escrivá.

"No, no, no, I'll be fine once we get off the bus."

Tang Ye forcefully pulled his fully reclined seat upright, looked up at Escrivá standing in the aisle, while Escrivá was likewise looking at him: "Tom, are you carsick? Can you execute our tactics properly?"

"That's not a problem."

"Then tell me what I just said."

"That is a question worth pondering."

Tang Ye took a deep breath: "Mr. Ferran, how about you say it again, and then I can memorize the tactics firmly, how about that?"

……

"China Central Television! Here is the live broadcast currently being brought to you..."

"As you can see, the player in the black-and-gray number 99 away kit in the camera frame is Tang Ye, who just attended the Golden Boy Award ceremony."

"Seventeen years and eight months—this was Tang Ye's age when he won the Golden Boy Award, seven months younger than Messi was when he won it back then!"

The CCTV commentator was extremely passionate; the words 'Tang Ye > Messi' seemed written across the live broadcast screen, constantly stimulating the eyes of the fans watching the stream.

【Dominating the assist chart over the Messi-Ronaldo duo, dominating the young Messi for the Golden Boy Award—is there anything our King Tang Tang Qiuwang cannot do?】

【Let him finish his homework first.】

【How bold!】

"Beep!"

After the referee's whistle blew, the match began, and the CCTV commentator started introducing the starting lineups of both teams.

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper Kepa

Defenders: Boveda, Alvarez, Laporte, Valencia

Midfielders: Rico, Raul Garcia, Beiga

Forwards: Williams, Aduriz, Muniain

Head Coach: Valverde

"Athletic, Athletic, Eup! (Go Athletic Bilbao!)"

The cheers from the San Mamés Stadium fans were extremely loud; this was a match between the current 3rd and 6th placed teams in La Liga.

An indisputable clash of titans!

According to the current league situation, if the Yellow Submarine wanted to charge for the top two spots in the league, they absolutely had to defeat Athletic Bilbao in today's match!

On the first row of the away team's substitute bench, head coach Escrivá sat on his chair, his eyes slightly narrowed.

Today, the Yellow Submarine was playing a 4-3-3 formation instead of a 4-2-3-1; fans watching the match would only think this was a temporary adjustment by Escrivá targeted at their opponent.

However, Martí knew that Escrivá was not actually thinking along those lines.

Because of the hype surrounding the Golden Boy Award, the Yellow Submarine had almost lost the opportunity to buy out Tang Ye, which meant they had no way to transform Tang Ye from a loaned player into a so-called "one of their own."

Escrivá had no choice; he could no longer build the team with Tang Ye as the tactical core.

Not only that, he even needed to lower Tang Ye's tactical status within the Yellow Submarine squad.

Escrivá had to do this; otherwise, what would the Yellow Submarine do after Tang Ye left next summer?

Stare blankly at the empty attacking midfielder position on the field?

Impossible!

Escrivá had to lower Tang Ye's tactical status; he needed to make the other teammates within the Yellow Submarine squad exert their abilities as much as possible.

Athletic Bilbao was strong, but the Yellow Submarine's players were not inferior!

In the 20th minute of the match, the possession statistics of both sides were displayed on the live broadcast screen.

ATH: 42%

VCF: 58%

Seeing this data, the Yellow Submarine fans were already getting excited.

Indeed, Escrivá had found a way to counter Athletic Bilbao; the 4-3-3 formation made their passing and control more stable.

Up until now, Athletic Bilbao hadn't even found any decent attacking opportunities!

The match reached the 27th minute!

At this point, Tang Ye was already finding it somewhat uncomfortable to play.

In the 4-3-3 formation, his position was relatively deeper, which meant he needed to participate in defense frequently.

And whenever Tang Ye wanted to initiate his favorite attacks, he needed to run forward a certain distance to find a suitable passing position; sometimes, due to the opposing defensive midfielders pushing up, Tang Ye couldn't even get into his own position.

King Tang Tang Qiuwang had directly become a marginal figure!

However, the teammates on the field still trusted Tang Ye quite a bit; upon seeing an opportunity, Rodri passed the ball to him.

Okay, ready to receive the ball!

Tang Ye began observing ahead of time.

Although his current position wasn't ideal, that didn't hinder Tang Ye from executing his plan.

His experience back in Utrecht had taught Tang Ye a lesson.

That opportunities must be seized by oneself!

He stopped the ball with his right foot, then passed it to Bruno on his right!

Sprint forward immediately!

Tang Ye knew clearly that his current position was too deep; since it was an attacking phase, he needed to push his position as far forward as possible!

Bruno was waiting for Tang Ye to get into position.

Tang Ye's speed was awkward—neither fast nor slow—leaving Bruno unable to play a direct through-ball, yet unwilling to pass backward.

Just then, Muniain pressed up; with no other option, Bruno could only pass back to Musacchio.

He glanced forward.

Hmm, this position is quite suitable for Tom!

Pass it directly!

Crack!

"Musacchio launches a long pass from the back, and Tang Ye is watching!"

"Rico is right beside him, along with Bescós; Tang Ye needs to find a way to control the ball while being double-teamed by the two, which is extremely difficult!"

Fans familiar with Tang Ye all know his ability to control high balls is rather lacking, which is why he can distribute but not receive passes.

However, after acquiring the 【Anthony Ultimate Spin】 Star Template, Tang Ye's ball control attribute has reached 79 points!

!

The magnificent 【Anthony Ultimate Spin】 Template!

Tang Ye no longer fears high balls!

Full of momentum, Tang Ye directly extended his foot to stop the ball.

Thud!

The ball slammed onto the grass.

Okay, Tang Ye ultimately fell just short of controlling the ball.

But it doesn't matter!

As the ball rebounded off the grass, Tang Ye used his body to shield Rico's position, extended his right foot, and kicked the ball directly behind himself.

"Wow!!"

An incredibly imaginative way to handle the ball; the fans in the stands had already started screaming.

Tang Ye!

After turning, sprint forward immediately!

The ball is right behind Rico and Bescós; tap it with the left foot and drive it forward!

Keep running forward!

"Wow!"

Tang Ye felt as if he were a striker now, and moreover, a very stylish ball-playing striker!

Unfortunately, he had still overestimated his speed; Rico reached out from behind, grabbed Tang Ye's shirt, and yanked him straight to the ground.

Damn!

Tang Ye lost his balance and crashed onto the grass; the next second, he heard the referee blow the whistle.

"Rico receives a yellow card from the referee for a tactical foul."

"Correct, this position is quite dangerous, especially for a player like Tang Ye who can deliver threatening passes; you absolutely cannot let him run forward."

"However, for Villarreal, this play is somewhat regrettable; Tang Ye displayed excellent creativity, but ultimately failed to secure a passing opportunity."

Damn it...

Tang Ye climbed up from the ground; Bruno ran over and asked if he wanted to take this free kick.

Hmm, this was a question worth pondering.

Tang Ye didn't answer immediately; instead, he stood behind the line marked by the referee and observed.

If this were a free kick from a good position, Tang Ye would take it himself.

If the position wasn't good, Tang Ye would give this free kick opportunity to his good friend Bruno.

And according to Tang Ye's careful observation...

This was a free kick with a decent chance!

"I'll take it!"

Tang Ye said, taking the ball from Bruno's hands.

He placed it steadily on the white line the referee had just drawn.

Regarding how to handle this ball, Tang Ye already had an idea!

"Villarreal has a direct free kick opportunity; Tang Ye and Bruno are standing behind the ball, and it's currently unknown which of them will take this free kick."

"Players from both sides are already in position inside the penalty area!"

"Bruno!"

"Run-up!"

As a left-footed player, Bruno started his run-up from the right side; upon reaching the ball, he suddenly lifted his foot.

Letting it pass directly through.

Bruno's feint disrupted the defensive wall that the defenders had just formed inside the penalty area.

Having finished his observation, Tang Ye began his run-up!

He pinpointed the spot!

Faced with this free-kick opportunity from a rather long distance, Tang Ye's choice was decisive: to chip a topspin ball.

Crack!

The ball speed was quite fast; it soared over the first small wall of opponents, then the second wall of grown men.

After reaching the space above the second wall, the ball, having hit its apex, began to descend.

Tang Tang Qiuwang's free kick was, of course, no simple drop; this was a descent carrying topspin!

It found Ale's position with pinpoint accuracy!

Ale clashed with Alvarez!

They leaped into the air!

A direct header strike!

Boom!

"Goooooaaaaalllll!!!"

"Goal!"

"Goal!"

"Tang Ye's set piece delivers a direct assist!"

"Ale scores with a header!"

"Beautiful!"

"This combination can be called perfect!"

Tang Ye's set piece accurately found Ale, who was making a forward run on the left.

For a pass of such quality, ability alone is not enough; it also requires tacit understanding and coordination with teammates!

Simply put.

Tang Ye knew exactly how his good friend would position his run.

That was why he could deliver the ball to that very spot!

"Vamos!"

Ale let out a furious roar toward the home supporters' stand.

He had actually learned very little Spanish, but that didn't matter.

At a moment like this, no one cares whether your pronunciation is standard.

As long as you shout loud enough, you're awesome!

"Haha!"

Tang Ye and Bruno ran together toward Ale's location, and after Ale finished shouting, they followed up with a cry of "Vamos."

The home fans of Athletic Bilbao were acting far too arrogantly.

They definitely needed to be taught a proper lesson!

"Villarreal!"

"Villarreal!"

Seizing the opportunity of the home fans' silence, the away supporters began to exert their force.

Although at the start of the match the Yellow Submarine had nothing but possession, that did not prevent them from launching their attack!

The fans had a feeling.

That this season's Yellow Submarine was even stronger than last season's Yellow Submarine!

Last season, the Yellow Submarine had been suppressed by Atletico Madrid.

But this season, that would not happen.

They were going to suppress Atletico Madrid!

Pin them firmly to the ground!

"Move forward, move forward!"

"You can pass it now, pass, pass, pass!"

"Good, good, good, give it! Hurry and give it!"

Head coach Valverde was now under considerable pressure.

By all rights, his side should have been creating more chances at the start of the match, yet somehow the Yellow Submarine had suddenly scored!

Damn it!

The match reached the 40th minute of the first half, and at this point, the Yellow Submarine's possession rate was still leading.

Moreover, their lead had grown even larger!

61%!

"An attack from Villarreal's side; Rodrigo is running very fast!"

"A long pass directly finds Bacambu on the right; let's see what Bacambu does!"

"He controls the ball and passes it toward the center!"

With a cross from the right touchline, Bacambu's intention was surely to find Ale.

However, his pass seemed a bit too rushed; the ball arrived before Ale had even turned around.

Laporte surged forward to intercept, kicking the ball straight to Besga ahead of him!

This is bad!

This was Tang Ye's immediate thought; not daring to delay, he quickly sprinted in Besga's direction.

But after running for a bit, Tang Ye realized something was wrong.

He couldn't quite catch up!

With no other choice, Tang Ye began searching for possible passing options for Besga.

Imagining himself as Besga, and then...

Damn!

Before Tang Ye could finish thinking, Besga launched a long pass, sending the ball straight forward!

Williams reached the right-wing baseline, stretched out his foot, and controlled the ball steadily.

After adjusting, he cut inside immediately.

Applying slight pressure on Villarreal's defensive line.

Finding an opening, he crossed the ball directly into the penalty area!

Between Ruiz and Musacchio, Athletic Bilbao's number 20, Aduriz, surged forward, turned his right foot sideways, and wrapped the ball with the inside of his foot.

Shooting straight!

"Bang!"

Goal!

In the 42nd minute, the home team, Athletic Bilbao, equalized the score!

(End of Chapter)