Chapter 904

Hong Kong media: His outstanding performance in the quarterfinals continues; the Asian Cup may be the biggest opportunity of Dai Weijun’s career.

Hong Kong media closely follows Dai Weijun’s national team performances, and Dai Weijun has not disappointed Hong Kong fans, successfully building on his showing in the round of 16.

He has performed exceptionally well in two consecutive knockout matches; if one had to use a Chinese idiom to describe the current Dai Weijun, it would be... promising future!

As Dai Weijun’s biggest supporter, Hong Kong media has offered a suggestion for their own player.

“Dai Weijun needs to improve his coordination with Tang Ye and increase the frequency of his partnerships with Tang Ye.”

“The national team captain possesses extensive international resources; if Dai Weijun can seize the opportunities offered by Tang Ye, his career may accelerate.”

These remarks are not made lightly; Hong Kong media has provided evidence to support their viewpoint.

First, Tang Ye has a history of helping teammates—Zhang Yuning is one example.

Moreover, Tang Ye and Dai Weijun are among the few "Cantonese-speaking" players on the national team; from this perspective, Dai Weijun has a natural advantage.

“At this point, Dai Weijun is not far from securing a starting spot on the national team.”

…

Dongqiu Di match report: Max Blue Samurai! Japan’s men’s team defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 to advance to the semifinals, with Namba Takuma scoring.

Dongqiu Di match report: Iran tied Qatar 3-3 in regular time, then won 4-3 in stoppage time to face China in the semifinals.

Iran defeating Qatar was something many fans did not expect. After all, as hosts of the last World Cup, Qatar’s national team’s strength could be described as having made rapid progress.

Iran’s unexpected rise disrupted Escrivà’s original plan.

“Shit…”

On the hotel balcony, Escrivà gazed out the window and complained to Marti about the Qatar-Iran result: “Why did Iran beat Qatar? Qatar’s coach has problems—they shouldn’t have let it go to extra time!”

“Ah, Ferran, no need.”

Marti’s mindset is far better than Escrivà’s: “Iran is overall weaker; facing Iran in the semifinals is actually good.”

“I think we have a higher chance of beating Iran.”

“But our original plan was to face Qatar; now my plan is disrupted.”

“... During the World Cup, was there even one match we played according to plan?”

Marti’s remark left Escrivà speechless.

He’s right.

“Huh... but during the World Cup, I did have a plan. If we hadn’t followed my script, could we have beaten Spain and the Netherlands?”

“Your script didn’t even include anything beyond the round of 16, Ferran—you’re overthinking.”

Marti sat up straight and looked Escrivà in the eyes: “I understand now, Ferran.”

“Understand what?”

“Plans are useless. Greatness is greatness. Great people remain great.”

“We are the World Cup third-place team, the only Asian team to reach World Cup third place—so we are Asian Cup champions.”

“...”

Escrivà rubbed his chin and turned his head away: “Then we can only adapt on the fly?”

“The Chinese team that adapts on the fly is the strongest,” Marti added finally.

…

PPBond financial report: PoppBand Company’s second-quarter net profit was 511 million pounds, an 850% year-over-year increase, with the doll industry contributing a net profit of 525 million pounds.

“Due to the impact of the World Cup and Asian Cup, the company’s doll blind-box sales are optimistic; third-quarter doll industry net profit is projected to grow again, conservatively estimated at 570 million pounds. However, due to anticipated support from the establishment of a subsidiary, United Development Group (UDG), in Hong Kong, the company’s overall third-quarter profit may decline by approximately 30%.”

“Although some shareholders voted against it, the company will continue to strongly support the subsidiary’s development.”

“Our investment in mainland China and Hong Kong is indeed substantial, but I believe input and output are proportional—we will see the results someday.” — excerpt from Pore’s speech (CEO of PPBD).

Pore spoke only a few sentences during the financial report, but each sentence contained immense detail.

For example, “we will see the results someday”—Pore used “someday,” not a specific date.

In plain terms: it will make money, but no one knows how many years it will take or exactly how much.

Unsurprisingly, PoppBand’s stock price in Hong Kong will drop right after listing.

But it doesn’t matter; Tang Ye’s company has always been like this—you almost never see PPBD’s stock price stabilize.

Time moves to July; starting July 1, transfer rumors from the five major leagues have been constant, with Real Madrid, Al-Nassr, and Barcelona all linked repeatedly to Tang Ye.

Although Tang Ye is currently in Qingdao, some newspapers still falsely claim “TY met with Al-Nassr executives in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh.”

But regardless, as of July, there has been no news of contract renewal or replacement, and Manchester United’s management actions have indeed left fans anxious.

【Glazer out!】

【Are the Glazers really planning to use TY to pay off loans? Trading future for income?】

【Eric won’t agree—believe in Eric】

【I feel Tom really wants to leave. If management and TY both agree, what use is Eric? He can’t even speak up!】

Who told you Tang Ye is leaving? Did he say it himself? Don’t spread rumors—can’t you watch the Asian Cup if you’re tired of the Five Major Leagues? The matches are freely available; you pay 25 yuan a month and still expect Sky Sports to broadcast the Asian Cup?

【Is there any English fan in Hong Kong? Apply for a PPBD position and send us first-hand China news.】

…

The Sports Weekly front-page headline: PoppBand (Hong Kong) secured a total of approximately 5.4 billion RMB in loans from Guangdong Development Bank and HSBC Hong Kong, with a term of 5–8 years; annual interest rate unknown.

Sources: PoppBand may purchase Evergrande Football School’s land and all fixed assets for over 1.5 billion RMB; negotiations are ongoing.

This “source” is not from the football circle but from the real estate industry.

According to this source, PoppBand’s purchase of Evergrande Football School is essentially confirmed and will face no issues.

The biggest issue is the Guangzhou FC controversy.

Evergrande Group wants to bundle Guangzhou FC and Evergrande Football School for sale, but PoppBand does not want Guangzhou FC—that’s the problem.

The price of Evergrande Football School’s fixed assets is around 1.5 billion RMB; the entire Guangzhou FC is priced at one yuan.

Of course, this “one yuan” is not literal; after acquiring Guangzhou FC for one yuan, you must assume all its debts and prepare at least three years of operating funds—altogether exceeding 2.5 billion RMB.

A 1.5-billion-RMB deal has been turned into a 4-billion-RMB negotiation; even if you asked Tang Ye to think about this, he’d hesitate.

There’s no choice but to wait and observe first—see how Guangzhou FC’s recent seasons’ results and debt levels change before deciding.

Besides bad news, there’s good news: UDG has established partnerships with seven CSL clubs, five European second-tier clubs, and five Chinese-Korean professional esports clubs. Even more astonishing—two Premier League clubs: Manchester United and Nottingham Forest!

…

Guangzhou Youth: To strengthen China’s football atmosphere, United Development Group (UDG) will sponsor 6 million RMB to host the Guangdong Provincial Amateur Super League (Yuechao).

“United Development Group values grassroots football development; the company will pilot amateur league sponsorship in Guangdong. If the pilot succeeds initially, UDG will launch Phase Two: investing approximately 20 million RMB in Hunan, Jiangsu, and Liaoning. Phase Three will expand nationwide (excluding Macau).”

UDG China: If all three pilot phases succeed, the company plans to launch the United Super League (Zhonglian Chao) in 2027.

UDG, flush with cash, gives the CFA the impression it wants to play its own game.