Chapter 263: You Also Think Eric Is Not a Good Person!

De Utrechtse Krant, front page headline — Utrecht announces plans to erect a statue for legendary 2015-16 season head coach Erik ten Hag, with construction to be completed within two months.

TheAthlete, front page headline, all text bolded — Chinese prodigy Tang Ye transfers to Manchester United, transfer fee of 180 million euros plus 20 million euros in variables, breaking the all-time football transfer record.

Dongqiu Di pinned post + splash screen poster: Summer transfer window king! Tang Ye transfers to Manchester United for 180 million euros — Will the Red Devils of Manchester replicate Utrecht's miracle season? (Comments: 103,142)

At 4 a. m. on August 6, opening the Dongqiu Di app, the first thing that met his eyes was a poster of Tang Ye in a Manchester United jersey, roaring.

Of course, this image was fan-edited; Tang Ye has not yet reported to Manchester United, so no photo of him in their kit exists.

After the five-second splash screen ended, a Q-version pinned poster appeared at the top of the app.

Ten Hag drove a Manchester United bus to pick up Tang Ye at the Utrecht training ground entrance.

On the side of the bus was written one line: 200M, meaning 200 million euros.

Baidu hot search:

1. Tang Ye transfers to Manchester United.

2. Tang Ye breaks the all-time football transfer fee record.

3. Chinese national team player officially joins one of the top five leagues.

4. Tang Ye reports to Manchester United.

5. Manchester United buys Tang Ye for 180 million euros.

【Finally! I can't believe it!】

【Said he'd transfer to United — King Tang boosts United's revival!】

【OK, from now on I'm switching from PSV to United — though I'll still watch PSV games, they're my first favorite team.】

Saint Ten Hag's hand has finally reached for Tang Ye — the Utrecht armor-clad army now wears the robe of a wealthy elite family.

【GGBond is the leader of the armor-clad army!】

【How about the Premier League work permit?】

How about the Premier League work permit?

Tang Ye had also thought of this question when the fans raised it.

"Tom, you're overthinking — this isn't even an issue."

On the phone, Pohl's tone was relaxed.

The six-month-long transfer saga was finally over!

A perfect transfer, breaking history!

"Just report to Manchester United at the agreed time — they'll apply for the genius clause for you, and you'll get your work permit directly."

"Apply? What if the application fails?"

Tang Ye asked quietly.

"You fail the genius clause application? Oh, Tom, if you fail, I'll twist off my head and kick it like a ball."

"..."

After ending the call with Pohl, Tang Ye received a message from Luo De.

Before preparing for his transfer to Manchester United, Tang Ye had informed his national team and club teammates half a day in advance.

At the time, Luo De had directly said he also wanted to join Manchester United, but his agent failed to reach an agreement with the club.

PSV wanted 30 million, but Manchester United thought Luo De wasn't worth that price, so the transfer stalled.

【Tom, if possible, could you speak to Ten Hag for me?】

Luo De wants to come too!

Tang Ye had played a full season with Luo De; he knew exactly how vital Luo De was to him.

Luo De was Tom's defensive shield!

But...

Tang Ye frowned and quickly typed a reply to Luo De.

【Luo De, I really want to help you, but I doubt I can do anything...】

【Can you at least try? I feel Ten Hag treats you well.】

Ten Hag treats you well?

Tang Ye burst out laughing.

【Luo De, you're overthinking — but I'll give it a shot.】

Persuading Mr. Eric to push Luo De's transfer!

This was exactly what Tang Ye wanted to do now!

Exiting the chat with Luo De, Tang Ye found the WhatsApp account labeled "Mr. Eric."

【Mr. Eric, can I talk to you? I have a friend who also wants to come here.】

Tang Ye placed his phone on the table and, while waiting for Ten Hag's reply, began packing his luggage.

The laptop must be taken; some gum too — otherwise nothing to chew on the flight.

And his passport!

Tang Ye pulled out the documents from his backpack and checked his passport and visa.

Then he saw a small photo tucked inside the passport.

It was a nude photo of Ten Hag.

Tang Ye held the photo in his hand, glanced at the trash bin beside the table.

He took a deep breath, then slipped the photo back into the passport.

"Ding!"

It must be Mr. Eric's message!

Tang Ye stood up and grabbed his phone.

【Ten Hag: The Spaniard? Luo De?】

【Yes yes!】

Tang Ye replied quickly.

Began typing.

【Mr. Eric, Luo De and I play very well together — could you consider...】

【Ten Hag: His ceiling isn't high, but I'll handle it — we need a defensive midfielder who can protect the backline.】

Ten Hag had originally planned to buy Amrabat as a defensive midfielder, but since Tang Ye wanted his little brother, he'd fulfill his request.

After all, in Ten Hag's view, Luo De wasn't much weaker than Amrabat.

Let's give it a try — after all, it's Tom's man!

The Sun, front page headline — Tang Ye's transfer to Manchester United triggered FIFA's youth training compensation clause; Luneng Taishan Football School, which developed Tang Ye, received 9.4 million euros in transfer fees, slightly below the initial valuation of Shandong Luneng Taishan Club.

Manchester United reporter Solhekol: Rashford wants to wear the number 10 jersey next season, but was denied by Ten Hag.

【Fluent English】

Price: Reverse Points *2872

Expensive, but this is essential.

English is crucial — not just for playing in the Premier League, but also for future award ceremonies.

【You purchased Fluent English】

Account balance: Reverse Points *437

"Huh..."

Exhaled deeply — suddenly felt broke...

Maybe I shouldn't have eaten so many burgers during my vacation?

Now Tang Ye regretted it — he hadn't expected crossing from 84 to 85 control to be this hard.

He ate nearly twenty +5-level burgers and got no reaction!

But no matter — take it slow.

New team, new beginning!

【Carrington Training Centre】

Getting off the car, seeing the sign at the entrance, his newly acquired Fluent English let him understand the phrase without needing to translate.

Carrington Training Centre...

Manchester United's first-team training ground — Tang Ye had heard his classmates talk about it when he was at football school.

Today, he'd finally arrived here!

"Tom!"

"Welcome to United!"

Manchester United's fan base was truly impressive — at least thirty fans greeted Tang Ye outside the facility, including several reporters.

The airport staff parked the car, then led Tang Ye — who had just finished signing autographs — into the training center.

Looking at the flashy sports cars in the parking lot, Tang Ye studied the secrets of British license plates.

Left-hand and right-hand drive cars both here — what a strange country.

"Hurry up, we can start shooting now!"

At that moment, noise came from the entrance; after staff notified everyone, three photographers rushed out and began snapping photos of Tang Ye nonstop.

Tang Ye had gone through this process when he joined PSV last year, so he promptly handed his luggage and backpack to the staff and walked toward the training center.

Manchester United's head coach Ten Hag and six members of the management team have been waiting at the office entrance for some time!

Clap, clap, clap!

Seeing Tang Ye approach, Ten Hag and the others applauded.

On camera, the Manchester United head coach wore a broad smile.

Only he knew how delighted he truly was.

"Mr. Eric"

Opening his arms, Tang Ye embraced Ten Hag.

"Welcome to United!"

Ten Hag patted Tang Ye on the back, repeating the exact words the fans had just said to him.

After Tang Ye shook hands and embraced the other Manchester United executives, Ten Hag led him to the team's press room.

Click, click!

The cameramen followed him the entire time.

"Hmm…"

Tang Ye stretched his neck, curiously observing the press room of the training base.

Manchester United's training base, office building, and press room were all much larger than those of Utrecht and Huang Qian.

But Tang Ye noticed something strange—Manchester United's press room seemed somewhat worn-out?

Before Tang Ye could think further, Ten Hag sat him down on a chair.

The Manchester United head coach picked up a pen and pushed the contract documents and the pen toward Tang Ye.

Under the cameras, Tang Ye signed quickly, then Ten Hag handed him the Manchester United home jersey taken from a staff member.

Y. Tang

The number is… 10!

Manchester United's number 10!

Even before the transfer details were finalized, Ten Hag had assured Tang Ye he would receive the number 10 jersey.

Tang Ye didn't particularly care about jersey numbers, but since Ten Hag offered it voluntarily, there was no reason to refuse.

Tang Ye held the Manchester United jersey in one hand and extended the other to shake Ten Hag's hand.

Click, click!

Dongqiu Di reprinted: Manchester United officially released Tang Ye's preseason photo, the player wearing number 10. The previous wearer of Manchester United's number 10 was Rooney, who left the team a month ago.

The Sun front page headline—Manchester United offered Tang Ye a post-tax weekly wage of £265,000, far exceeding Barcelona's promised €200,000 weekly.

Manchester United reporter: Manchester United has appealed to the FA regarding Tom's work permit. "Manchester United seeks to activate the genius clause; the player will receive Premier League eligibility within two weeks."

【Gives him number 10 right away—is this the status of a hundred-million-euro man?】

【GGBond isn't just a hundred-million-euro man—he's a two-hundred-million-euro man!】

【Wasn't number 10 supposed to go to Rashford? The club's crown prince!】

【Tang Ye is Ten Hag's man—what does the club's crown prince matter?】

【Awesome, I've already followed all Manchester United matches.】

【So this summer window, Manchester United only signed one new player? No one else?】

【They say Saint Ten Hag still wants Amrabat.】

Tang Ye's transfer to Manchester United caused a huge stir across the global football scene.

Without doubt, this is the most valuable transfer of this year—and possibly the next several years!

A base transfer fee of €180 million, plus €20 million in add-ons—that's the financial power of a traditional Premier League giant!

…

"Puff, puff… puff…"

Under the supervision of the team's photographer and fitness coach, Tang Ye underwent his physical tests; Ten Hag was present.

"He's become even better—I noticed it back during the Europa League final."

Ten Hag said to Craig, who was watching the instruments.

"Better? You mean his endurance?"

Craig turned to look at Tang Ye far away—the new signing was on the treadmill undergoing a maximum oxygen uptake test, a metric reflecting overall endurance.

Endurance is part of it, but not just endurance. Hmm… it's everything involved.

Ten Hag kept his hands in his pockets, nodding continuously as he spoke.

Craig frowned.

Tang Ye's physical test data wasn't particularly impressive, yet Eric was clearly satisfied.

And…

The two had worked together for a full year; Craig had never seen such a smile on Ten Hag's face before.

A pure smile!

He truly liked this new player!

…

"Marcus, grab me a soda—ice cold!"

Martial called out to Rashford by the window.

After training, the Manchester United players slumped into their chairs in the canteen.

This afternoon's session was Manchester United's final endurance training before the match; Ten Hag's high-intensity drills nearly exhausted the players.

Tang Ye felt somewhat relieved.

The timing of this transfer was perfect!

Speaking of Tang Ye, Rashford handed Martial the ice-cold soda and sat beside him: "Tom, aren't you eating?"

In front of Tang Ye sat a plate full of macaroni, but he only had his fork between his teeth and held a phone in his hands.

Rashford and Martial leaned in together—Tang Ye was watching the live broadcast of the UEFA Super Cup.

It was the match between Champions League winner Real Madrid and Europa League winner Villarreal.

The 86th minute: Real Madrid led 2-0!

Rashford focused intently on the live feed on Tang Ye's phone.

Bang!

Kroos delivered the corner!

Casemiro headed it in!

Goal!

"Holy shit!"

Tang Ye, who had been silent until now, suddenly shouted: "Back post, Matéo!"

Only then did he notice his teammates staring at him. He rubbed his nose, embarrassed, and placed the phone on the table.

By the 87th minute, Real Madrid led 3-0; Villarreal had no chance left.

Though he stopped watching the live feed, Tang Ye could imagine the expression on Ferán's face.

"... A bit unfortunate."

Rashford didn't know what to say, so he patted Tang Ye's back and offered him his cola: "I remember you like this?"

"Oh, thanks, Marcus!"

Taking the ice-cold cola, Tang Ye's mood improved instantly.

Sitting ahead were his new teammates Martial and De Gea. After gulping down several big swallows, Tang Ye explained to his teammates: "I felt Villarreal weren't in good form today—such a pity, they're actually a strong team."

"It's mainly because you've left—Villarreal don't even know how to play anymore."

Ma Ta suddenly spoke—he'd also been watching the Super Cup, but had stopped after the first half.

Villarreal seemed to have shed their status as last season's La Liga dark horse!

"It has little to do with me."

Tang Ye tried to defend his former teammates: "Matéo and Sebastián weren't in form—otherwise they wouldn't have let Casemiro get that chance."

The players chatted for a full half-hour, then went home.

Tang Ye began packing his things, but Rashford stopped him.

"What's up, Marcus?"

Tang Ye sat back down; Rashford walked around and sat opposite him.

They had known each other since the Golden Boy award ceremony and were fairly familiar—Tang Ye was happy to listen to his new teammate.

Rashford placed a hand on his head, wanting to say something but unable to speak.

"It's fine, Marcus."

Hearing Tang Ye's reassurance, Rashford took a deep breath and finally said: "Tom, I just want to ask—how did you get along with Eric before?"

"I mean… is there a good way to communicate with Eric?"

After speaking, Rashford lowered his head, avoiding Tang Ye's gaze.

"How to get along with Mr. Eric?"

Tang Ye thought for a moment and realized: "You mean when I was in the Netherlands?"

He pulled a piece of gum from his pocket and put it in his mouth, recalling his time at Utrecht.

Finally he said: "I think Mr. Eric isn't a good person."

"You think Eric isn't a good guy too!"

Rashford suddenly stood up, startling Tang Ye: "W-what's wrong...?"

"Oh oh, sorry sorry, my bad, my bad, Tom."

Realizing he had overreacted, Rashford patted Tang Ye on the shoulder and sat back down. "I was just joking. What I meant was, why do you think Eric isn't a good guy?"

As if he'd found a kindred spirit, Rashford fixed Tang Ye with an expectant gaze.

After a moment's hesitation, Tang Ye finally told him about his time in Utrecht with Ten Hag.

"Couldn't enter the cafeteria, no heating either..."

Rashford sucked in a sharp breath.

Leaning forward, he pressed: "When Eric barred you from the cafeteria, did he give any warning signs?"

"Signs? What are you talking about, Marcus?"

Tang Ye clearly didn't understand what Rashford meant.

"Hss..."

"It's like this—I've lately noticed Eric staring at me in a weird way during lunch. Am I going to be banned from the cafeteria?"

Eyes wide, Tang Ye burst out laughing: "You're overthinking it, Marcus. Mr. Ten Hag has changed—he's not the person you think he is. A few days ago on the phone, he even offered me the number 10 jersey. Eric's a good guy now."

Listening to Tang Ye's explanation, Rashford nodded rapidly.

But halfway through nodding, Rashford suddenly froze.

Offering the number 10 to a new signing? Ten Hag really is a great coach.

But...

Wasn't that number 10 supposed to be mine?

Manchester Evening News—Second Summer Signing? United are advancing talks with Rodri. According to Spanish reporters, Villarreal have suspended the player's training to ensure his medical examination goes smoothly.

Marca front page—Villarreal's manager is urging the club to halt Rodri's transfer, but Rodri told Escrivá he wants to join United.

(End of Chapter)