Chapter 915: The Saudi League is Stronger than Ligue 1, Two Desert Camels

Dongqiu Di hot discussion: If Shandong Taishan advances to the AFC Champions League semifinals, what are their chances of facing Tang Ye?

A very interesting situation has arisen in this season's AFC Champions League knockout stage: Tang Ye's youth academy mother club, Shandong Taishan, and Al-Hilal have been drawn into the same half of the bracket.

This means that if Shandong Taishan defeats Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to advance to the AFC Champions League semifinals, they will become the first Chinese Super League team to meet Tang Ye in an official match.

After securing a 1-0 lead in the first leg at Jinan Olympic Sports Center, Taishan goalkeeper Wang Wang Dalei and defender Gao Gao Zhunyi shared their thoughts on the match before the media.

"Haha, damn—cough, cough."

Realizing he shouldn't have sworn, Wang Wang Dalei covered his mouth with his hand: "Korean teams are indeed tough to play against, but if we win, we'll get to play against Tang Ye in the semifinals; I think that's a great opportunity."

Gao Gao Zhunyi agreed: "Although we probably won't beat Brother Ye's team, I still think it would be very interesting to face Brother Ye as opponents in an official match; we'll do our best."

"Okay."

The reporter nodded as the sound of camera shutters clicking echoed through the venue.

"Wang Dalei, recent news suggests that the United Development Group hopes to send you to Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan J1 League); is this news true?"

"Yes, that is indeed the case."

"UDG has always been sending Chinese players to Japan, South Korea, and Europe, mostly youth trainees, but I feel the United Development Group likely intends to boost the national team's strength in the short term, so I have also been included in the plan."

Wang Wang Dalei smiled bitterly: "The opportunity to gain experience in Japan's J1 League is certainly excellent, but I am already at this age, and I have a family... for me, going to Japan now requires a huge determination; I need some time to consider..."

Thinking from the perspective of a Chinese national team goalkeeper, giving up everything one already possesses domestically to restart development in Japan is truly not an easy matter, after all, Wang Wang Dalei already possesses almost everything he wants within China.

Additionally, under the influence of public opinion, the intensity of the salary cap in the domestic Chinese league has been significantly weakened, meaning Wang Wang Dalei's current salary has been able to break through the 3 million limit and reach 6 million.

If Wang Wang Dalei were to move to Japan's J1 League at this time, he would need to prepare for a staggering 70% drop in his annual salary!

UDG United Development Group spokesperson: We hope to send Wang Wang Dalei to Japan's J1 League, but there are certain difficulties.

"According to past patterns, UDG is willing to provide subsidies to compensate for the 'salary gap' encountered by domestic players going abroad, but as a national team goalkeeper, Wang Wang Dalei commands a high salary, which means that if the company is to fully compensate for the player's salary gap, it would need to provide a subsidy of at least 4 million RMB, which is a significant expense."

"Currently, we are communicating with the player, hoping to complete this transfer through partial salary subsidies plus absorbing endorsement deals."

Since its founding, the United Development Group has existed for a year and a half; although it was heavily questioned at the beginning, it now appears that Tang Ye has indeed achieved phased success in this regard.

UDG belongs to the British toy giant Bubble Bond, which means UDG holds a significant advantage in facilitating player transfers.

Taking Wang Wang Dalei as an example, Bubble Bond's ample cash flow (loans) can provide partial subsidies for the player; additionally, if Wang Wang Dalei is truly willing to go to the Japanese league, Japanese companies cooperating with Bubble Bond would also be very willing to sponsor this player to support the Chinese market.

Domestic sources reveal that if Wang Wang Dalei is willing to transfer to Yokohama F. Marinos, he might secure a Chinese market promotional contract with Japan's Panasonic Electronics, valued at approximately 4.5 to 7.5 million RMB annually, a sum that could be used to offset the player's salary gap.

PPBD Director Tang Ye: If possible, we hope to send all national team players to European leagues or Japanese and South Korean leagues, but executing this presents certain difficulties because we must consider the families behind the players.

"Tang Ye, do you know Wang Wang Yudong?"

"Wow."

Tang Ye raised an eyebrow, though he was not surprised; he seemed to have long anticipated that fans would ask this question.

"Last year, around November—was it November or December, I can't remember, anyway, sometime around the end of last year—Ferran Escrivá noticed Wang Wang Yudong; he told me about it, and then I noticed him too."

"His speed is very fast."

Tang Ye gave his summary: "And he is very bold. I think he has certain talents, but since I don't usually watch the Chinese Super League matches, I cannot provide a rigorous analysis. Escrivá told me he should currently be the best player in China under the age of 23; I feel Ferran rarely gives such evaluations, so I am also very optimistic about him."

Without much time to learn about Wang Wang Yudong, Tang Ye chose to follow Escrivá's analysis and agree with it, obviously placing great trust in the coach's eye for talent.

"I added him on WeChat, but he seems a bit introverted; I haven't chatted much with him yet. Later, depending on the situation, if it seems appropriate, I would be very willing to offer him some help."

"Yes, thank you for accepting our interview; we wish you success in the AFC Champions League match!"

Titan Sports—Escrivá once stated that Wang Wang Yudong is the best player in China under the age of 23; currently, Tang Ye has already established contact with Wang Wang Yudong.

【Zhejiang fans reporting in! Is it finally time for our Little Wang to take off?】

【Although I'm not a Zhejiang fan, I think Little Wang really can be developed; I suggest not sending him to Japan, but directly to Europe to play for 3 or 4 years first.】

【It feels like King Tang doesn't usually watch the Chinese Super League? Is it because it's not good to watch?】

【How would he have time? Training and matches in Saudi Arabia during the day, and reviewing documents at night. I really suspect that having too many PPBD affairs has caused him to retire early.】

【Don't talk nonsense; just wait for King Tang's three-year term, okay? Once the three-year term is up, you'll see who still dares to babble.】

Time moved to April; unfortunately, Shandong Taishan ultimately failed to defeat Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, losing the opportunity to face Al-Hilal.

Wang Wang Dalei's poor performance in this match also gave many fans ideas.

"Wang Dalei, hurry up and go to Yokohama F. Marinos, otherwise you won't be able to play in the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup!"

"Go train in Japan's J1 League, Wang Dalei, I beg you!"

"Go Wang Dalei, you are the best goalkeeper in China!"

Regardless of his performance, in the eyes of Taishan fans, Wang Wang Dalei remains the best and only choice for the national football team's goalkeeper.

Wang Wang Dalei responded to the fans' chants with applause.

As for whether or not to go to Yokohama F. Marinos, he still needs some time to consider.

"China Central Television! Here we are broadcasting live the 2023-24 AFC Champions League Final: Al-Hilal versus Ulsan HD from South Korea; now let me introduce the starting lineups for both teams!"

"First, Al-Hilal!"

Al-Hilal (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Bounou

Defenders: Theo Hernández, Ali Al-Bulayhi, Koulibaly, Cancelo

Midfielders: Milinković, Tang Ye (c), Malcolm

Forwards: Salem Al-Dawsari, Mitrović, Salman Al-Faraj

Head Coach: Jorge Jesus

"Al-Hilal from the Saudi Pro League; they are the top favorites to win this year's AFC Champions League."

"Yes, thanks to Tang Ye, I believe everyone is familiar with Al-Hilal, but we still need to synchronize this information for our live-stream audience."

"Al-Hilal is a very special team; with only four matches remaining in the current season, they have not lost a single game so far."

"Not lost a single game?"

He Wei appeared somewhat surprised, though this was merely acted out for the sake of the broadcast effect; how could he possibly be unfamiliar with the team Tang Ye plays for?

"Yes, this includes the league, the King's Cup, and the AFC Champions League; moreover, in the AFC Champions League, Al-Hilal is not merely undefeated but has achieved a perfect record of victories, having defeated their opponent in every single match this season without exception."

"In other words, if Ulsan HD wishes to claim the title, they must defeat Al-Hilal despite trailing by three goals after the first leg."

Hiss...

Does this final seem a bit excessively difficult for Ulsan, this South Korean team?