Lazy Genius Striker [EN]: Chapter 71

< 070. A Cozy Winter >

– Chelsea Seeks Replacement for Niklas Ginter After Form Decline? Interested in Dortmund’s Julio Motta

– Man U Eyes Portuguese Rising Star… Pursuing David Diaz Acquisition

– Man City Unlikely to Make Winter Signings… Will Try Again for Johan Van in the Summer

– Arsenal Approaching Ligue 1 Top Scorer Cardio Digne

– Tottenham Rejects Italian Rising Star Daniele Capello? ‘Not Even Considering’

As January approached, the sports news columns buzzed with transfer market stories.

Sometimes, the transfer market is more captivating than the matches themselves.

Who will join which team, who will be on the move… these speculative stories always energize the fans.

However, West Ham fans haven’t had much to cheer about during the transfer windows lately.

Perhaps because West Ham isn’t a team known for its aggressive participation in the transfer market.

I can barely recall a time when we were major players.

The anticipation of the transfer market, the excitement of wondering which player might arrive…

At least last summer, signing four players at once was a pleasant surprise.

Typically, the transfer market feels like someone else’s party for West Ham supporters.

Regardless of who becomes available, players with significant reputations are rarely linked to West Ham, and fans are accustomed to tempering their expectations.

This winter seemed to follow the same pattern.

West Ham fans were simply hoping the transfer market would pass without any major disruptions.

They weren’t expecting any high-profile signings, and they believed the best course of action was to safeguard the players they already had.

West Ham’s owner, Raheem MacManaman, understood this sentiment well.

“Hoo. It’s been a while since I’ve been to Italy.”

MacManaman was indeed in Italy.

At the Artemio Franchi Stadium [Fiorentina’s home stadium].

He was there to observe Fiorentina’s star player and Italy’s rising talent.

Daniele Capello.

‘The sweetest surprises are the ones you least expect.’

Daniele Capello.

At just twenty years old, he was a midfielder delivering exceptional performances, drawing comparisons to a young Andrea Pirlo [a legendary Italian midfielder].

Consequently, he was naturally attracting attention from major clubs.

In particular, Juventus was rumored to be the most aggressive suitor for Capello.

The Italian media even suggested that Capello’s transfer to Juventus was practically a done deal.

In that context, West Ham’s pursuit of him seemed almost quixotic.

That’s the reality of the situation.

What kind of club is Juventus?

They are a dominant force in Italian football.

Just as Spanish players dream of playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona, and German players aspire to join Bayern Munich.

Most Italian players consider Juventus their dream destination.

Therefore, when a young Italian player is linked with Juventus, other interested clubs often concede defeat.

Even if they are reputable, established clubs.

So, what about West Ham?

If an article surfaced claiming West Ham’s interest in signing him, the comment sections would be filled with mockery.

‘I know.’

MacManaman was well aware of this.

But MacManaman was determined to bring Capello to West Ham.

As I mentioned earlier, he wanted to deliver a surprise.

But this wasn’t just for the fans.

While the fans were a factor, it was also for Rohan.

‘I have to make this happen. I need to score some points.’

Rohan, Johan’s brother, who was working as a scout in the club’s front office.

Rohan had compiled a list of potential signings for the winter transfer window.

And the players on that list were categorized into tiers.

Similar to college applications, they were classified as high-priority, stable, and low-priority targets.

Daniele Capello was at the very top of the high-priority list.

The assessment stated that there was a 99 percent chance it wouldn’t materialize, but they should still make an attempt.

That comment fueled MacManaman’s ambition.

It would be fantastic if he joined, but if not, so be it.

The comment implied that failure was the expected outcome.

Typically, when people around you express doubt, it strengthens your resolve to prove them wrong.

Moreover, since they weren’t anticipating it, he wanted to surprise them with a gift.

Imagine how delighted they would be?

If he could pull off this deal.

If he succeeded, Rohan would be ecstatic.

If his brother is happy, Johan will naturally be happy too.

Johan deeply values his family.

In other words, if he could acquire Capello.

That would earn him maximum points.

MacManaman wanted to personally orchestrate this for Johan, his most prized asset.

Of course, it wouldn’t be easy.

An Italian player strongly linked to Juventus.

For a club like West Ham to snatch him away was not just difficult, but practically impossible.

However, there was one thing.

MacManaman wasn’t naive.

The reason he had traveled all the way to Italy was that he still had one trump card he could rely on.

That trump card was an interview Capello had given to the media some time ago.

– Want to play in the Premier League? Daniele Capello, “I want to test my talent.”

– Daniele Capello mentions Johan Van as a player he wants to play with? “I was very impressed when I first saw him.”

West Ham’s greatest asset at the moment was Johan.

That was evident at the negotiating table as well.

Numerous players expressed a desire to play alongside Johan.

In fact, the first question players asked when contacting the club was always the same.

Whether Johan would remain with the team.

Whether the club intended to keep him long-term.

And,

After Johan publicly stated in an interview that he would stay with the team.

The players’ attitudes shifted favorably.

They had no reason to join if Johan wasn’t there, but they were eager to come if Johan stayed.

MacManaman intended to emphasize the club’s vision with Johan to Capello.

Furthermore, he was prepared to challenge him if necessary.

It’s clear from his previous interviews that Capello is a player who confidently proclaims himself a genius.

Capello wanted to push his talent to its limits and compete against someone even more gifted.

‘Then, where else would he go but West Ham?’

If that’s Capello’s mindset, shouldn’t he choose West Ham?

To West Ham, where Johan plays.

That would allow him to achieve his goal immediately.

His goal was to face a talent that surpassed his own.

*

– Johan Van, confirms he’s staying… “Too lazy to move.”

└I knew it!

└Thank God ㅠㅠㅠㅠ

└Moving is 인정이지 ㅋㅋㅋㅋ (T/N: 인정이지 means 인정합니다, which means “I acknowledge it”)

└Packing up and settling electricity and gas bills, isn’t it a bit annoying~~ I’d rather play for West Ham for the rest of my life~~

└When are you going to pack your bags and go to Manchester ㅋㅋㅋ

└Johan, there’s a lot more to do than moving if you want to transfer! So let’s not even dream about it

└Johan’s remaining is like signing 10 players

└Reliable!

“…He’s quite a character. The English are amusing.”

A young man chuckled as he read the article on his phone.

Daniele Capello.

Capello shook his head, slipped his phone into his pocket, and glanced around as if waiting for someone.

After a moment,

Vroom-

A car pulled up in front of Capello, and he got in.

It was his agent’s car.

“Kuh, Capello! You played exceptionally well today!”

“Tell me something I don’t already know.”

“You should have seen Mario’s expression. If we prolong this until the end of January, we can secure 1.5 times their initial salary offer.”

“Mario?”

The Mario the agent referred to was a Juventus executive.

Juventus, who had been in contact for several months.

They were determined to acquire him this winter.

But Capello shook his head.

“Have you heard from the other party I mentioned?”

“Huh? Ah… them? Yes, they did reach out.”

“They reached out? When?”

“Actually, the owner himself came. To the stadium today.”

“What. Really? He must be smitten with me?”

“I suppose so. But there’s nothing to discuss with them, right?”

Capello frowned at his agent’s words.

“Arrange a meeting immediately.”

“Ca, Capello. We’re still in negotiations with Juventus…”

“Are you going to make me repeat myself?”

“Ah, I understand. Capello. I’ll contact them right away.”

Capello sighed and smiled as his agent nervously wiped his brow.

“I’ll handle the discussion myself. Schedule the appointment and let me know.”

“Okay.”

Daniele Capello, who debuted at the age of 17, had been playing for Fiorentina for 3 years.

And now, Capello was growing weary of playing in Serie A [Italy’s top professional league].

Serie A was becoming monotonous. Capello desired to compete in a more challenging environment.

And he wanted to prove that he was the best talent there as well.

To achieve that, he needed to go there.

To the place where he believed the greatest talent currently resided.

…

Starting with the Everton match on the 17th.

The climax of December, with 4 games in 10 days on the 20th, 23rd, and 27th, presented a significant challenge for West Ham.

Christmas? Forget Christmas.

This was the busiest period of the year.

West Ham struggled in the 20th round against Southampton on the 20th.

Southampton proved to be a difficult opponent, even at home.

Southampton seemed better prepared than before, and West Ham faced a tough game due to the away fixture and the fatigue of their starting players.

It was Johan who rescued the team in that situation.

Johan scored 1 goal and provided 1 assist after a hard-fought battle, securing valuable points.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a victory, but it wasn’t a disastrous result considering the circumstances.

But the next match posed an even greater challenge.

On the 23rd, the 21st round was against Man City.

Again, it was an away game, and Man City was a formidable opponent.

Synergy also seemed to be lacking.

Man City’s deep squad depth proved its worth during demanding periods like this.

While West Ham was already showing signs of wear and tear, Man City was fresh and energetic.

Johan also appeared slightly sluggish that day.

Considering the travel time, he only had one day to properly rest.

One day of rest wasn’t sufficient for Johan, and although he managed to score 1 goal, his stamina was depleted.

Ultimately, they suffered a defeat.

With this loss, West Ham recorded their 3rd defeat of the season and relinquished the top spot to Man City.

It could be considered somewhat unfair.

To be relegated to 2nd place despite achieving an impressive record of 16 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses through the 21st round.

But this was the Premier League [England’s top professional league].

It wasn’t without reason that winning was said to be as challenging as plucking stars from the sky.

In any case, following that defeat, Johan experienced a sense of urgency for the first time.

Johan had been contemplating retirement at the end of this season.

However, witnessing the team drop to 2nd place after a single loss.

For the first time, Johan considered the possibility of playing for another year.

Rohan and Ban Seok-ho playfully teased Johan, questioning whether he genuinely believed he could retire after just one year.

Strangely, his brother and father even seemed somewhat pleased.

They claimed they wanted to see him win, but they also desired to watch Johan play for an extended period.

Regardless, the positive aspect was that West Ham didn’t crumble after that defeat, and they demonstrated their resilience by securing a victory in the 22nd round.

They successfully concluded 2027 with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa at home.

And,

Now, 2028.

The new year had begun.

…

– Juventus, Daniele Capello’s final negotiations stall? Internal discussions ongoing

└Looks like he’s trying to inflate his salary…

└He’s already picked up bad habits at a young age ㅋㅋ

└Stop playing games and join us already

└You should jump at the chance when Juventus comes calling

– Fiorentina’s gifted midfielder, heading to the Premier League? Capello meets with West Ham owner

└West Ham? West Ham????

└Not Man City or Chelsea, but West Ham? Tone down the rumors a bit

└Maybe they just happened to be in the same restaurant and someone assumed they met?

└I guess it was just a really good restaurant ㅋㅋ

└West Ham? That’s ridiculous

– Capello, seemingly destined for Juventus, might suddenly switch to West Ham… Meeting with owner MacManaman

└Stop giving us false hope…

└If we’re competing with Juventus, we’re just being used as leverage

└Why are you toying with us when we’re just standing by?

└He did say he wanted to play with Johan? Is there a chance?

└Tot) They’re clinging to hope based on one interview ㅋㅋ Realistically, would he turn down Juve to go to West Ham?

└Yeah, Spurs, 0 signings again this window

└Anyway, Capello will never go to West Ham ㅋㅋㅋ

└They don’t even realize they’re being used to drive up his salary, and the Hammers are getting excited ㅋㅋㅋ

└lolㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

As soon as the new year commenced, news began to circulate.

West Ham’s owner MacManaman had been spotted in Florence, and reports surfaced that he had met with Capello at a local restaurant.

Following this news, reporters published numerous articles linking Capello to West Ham.

However, the general reaction was to dismiss it as mere speculation.

Logically, it was highly improbable that Daniele Capello would choose West Ham.

Leaving Juventus to join West Ham?

Not Man City, Chelsea, or Man U, but West Ham?

It was an unrealistic scenario.

Therefore, regardless of the number of articles published, most soccer fans remained skeptical.

And, observing these reactions.

“…Hehehe.”

Owner MacManaman was smiling with anticipation.