Chapter 45: Europe (3)

The transfer rumors surrounding Jeong Tae-woo, which had been blazing since the end of the Olympics, exploded with explosive interest, coinciding with the broadcast of the variety show ‘Star Mission: Grand Operation’.

On one hand, the fierce recruitment battle between Dortmund and Manchester City thrilled football fans.

On the other hand, ‘Star Mission: Grand Operation’ exposed Jeong Tae-woo’s human side to the public.

As a result, his popularity rapidly spread beyond the football world to the general public, even those who knew little about the sport.

The honest and diligent side Jeong Tae-woo showed on the variety show, and the humanizing final penalty scene, completely captured the viewers’ hearts.

It became a situation where it was impossible for him not to gain fans, given his charming personality.

Of course, his fantastical appearance that surpassed any celebrity played a significant part.

Fueled by this popularity, the online world was swept up in a ‘Jeong Tae-woo frenzy’.

Football communities, as well as various general forums, were filled with endless talk about him.

A flood of diverse content related to Jeong Tae-woo poured out, from detailed analyses of his game plays to posts sharing funny moments from the variety show.

[Where will Jeong Tae-woo go? Dortmund vs. Manchester City]

– But isn’t this the first time a goalkeeper is going overseas, regardless of where he goes?

My heart is swelling with pride.

– Hahahaha, that’s true. Once a goalkeeper secures the starting spot, they rarely get replaced.

– I think he’ll go to Dortmund. They actively use young players, so they’ll probably give Tae-woo the starting position right away.

– By that logic, isn’t Man City a possibility too? Ederson’s form has been dropping lately, so they could sign Tae-woo and aim for next season.

– Um, no?

– Um, yes.

– Can’t you see Tae-woo will suffer like hell if he goes to a mid-table team like City? Are you even a fan?

[Ah, I’ve been cheering for Tae-woo oppa since his high school tournaments, I’m so happy for him]
– Are you a girl?

– Yes, I am.

– Are you pretty?

– Geez, the comments above are at least debating where he’ll go, but what’s with this thread?

– Are you a girl?

[Oppa, please appear on more variety shows (Tae-woo oppa screaming the moment he went paragliding)]

– Ah, what a truly divine face.

– Wooow.

– His chemistry with Gwansu was insane, I hope they film another variety show together.

– I don’t know about anything else, just show your face more often. Just looking at it melts my fatigue away.

For the past few days, any article with Jeong Tae-woo’s name in it saw an explosive increase in views.

In response, various media outlets were churning out unconfirmed rumors and speculative articles.

Amidst this, one particular article suddenly began to attract attention.

[Jeong Tae-woo on a flight to the UK? Is his next destination Manchester City?]

It has been confirmed that player Jeong Tae-woo has quietly boarded a flight to the UK via Incheon International Airport.

According to multiple witnesses, the player departed on an early morning flight with his agent and was immediately whisked away by car upon arriving at Manchester Airport.

This departure seems to virtually confirm Jeong Tae-woo’s overseas transfer.

Especially with the recent news that he has dropped out of high school, the possibility of him advancing to the English Premier League has increased significantly.

Amidst the fierce competition between Dortmund and Manchester City, Jeong’s trip to Manchester suggests that his transfer to Manchester City is all but confirmed.

Football insiders view this move as the final step for Jeong Tae-woo’s induction into Manchester City.

Upon encountering this article, which claimed his transfer was practically confirmed, people initially dismissed it as just another baseless rumor.

But as time passed, the situation began to change.

Witness accounts started emerging one by one.

And when it was confirmed that Jeong Tae-woo had indeed dropped out of high school, the article’s credibility soared.

– Wow, I was skeptical, but a goalkeeper is really transferring to the Premier League.

– But even if Ederson is playing poorly, can he become the starter right away?

– I agree. It would be better to go to a different league besides the big four and prove his skills a bit more.

– It would be hilarious if he just warms the bench as soon as he gets there.

– Well, at least his face is top-notch, so the jerseys should sell well.

– Man City is going to milk him for all he’s worth.

And not long after, the Manchester City club made an official announcement, confirming Jeong Tae-woo’s transfer.

[Manchester City Confirms Signing of South Korean Goalkeeping Prospect Jeong Tae-woo]

Manchester City has officially announced the signing of South Korean goalkeeping prospect Jeong Tae-woo (17).

According to a club official, Jeong has agreed to a five-year contract, with the transfer fee remaining undisclosed.

***

In the hotel room Manchester City had provided as temporary lodging, I was scrolling through the articles on my phone.

Ah, as stated in the contract before I signed with the agency, Gayoung-nuna said she would find me the best possible place to live, close to the club.

“Warming the bench, huh…”

The goalkeeper position is certainly special.

Once a player fits into the manager’s plan, they are rarely replaced.

No, it’s more accurate to say that the starting player is almost always fixed.

‘Of course, looking at how the manager operates, it seems likely I’ll be the fixed starter…’

He probably hasn’t made a final decision yet.

He’ll likely judge more based on what I show in training.

But that’s precisely why I’m confident I’ll become the starter.

“Surely I can’t be worse than Ederson, who’s been struggling so much lately, can I?”

The press room at Manchester City’s home ground, the Etihad Stadium, was bustling with reporters from various media outlets since early in the morning.

As expected, the first question went to a local newspaper.

“Good morning, this is Akanji from the Manchester Evening News.”

A middle-aged male reporter began courteously.

“Jeong Tae-woo, you’ve joined Manchester City at a young age after a brilliant performance in the Olympics. How are you feeling right now?”

As expected of a Manchester local paper, the first question was about my feelings on joining Manchester City.

‘Honestly, they just want me to praise their team.’

“I’ve been a fan of Manchester City since I was a child, and I’m already thrilled at the thought of playing in this magnificent Etihad Stadium.”

As expected from a local reporter, he beamed with a very satisfied expression, clearly pleased with my answer.

‘In England, you can become a hero just by performing a little well for the team you support.’

And I was confident that this time, too, I would become a hero for Manchester City.

But of course, if there were reporters friendly to Man City, there were also those who were fans of other teams.

“Marco from The Sun.”

A portly, middle-aged man raised his hand.

“This season, Manchester City finished in the middle of the table, while Manchester United finished third.

As far as I know, Manchester United also made you an offer. Is there a reason you chose Manchester City?”

At the reporter Marco’s question, the expressions of the pro-City reporters soured in unison.

People often criticize Korean reporters as ‘giregi’ (trash reporters), but the ‘trash reporters’ in England are by no means inferior.

Look at that fat reporter, shamelessly praising Manchester United in Manchester City’s press room.

An offer from Manchester United did come.

It was just a lowball offer, so low that Gayoung-nuna shut it down at her level.

“It’s true that an offer came from Manchester United.”

There are several ways for a new transfer or a prospect to impress the fans before a game.

If it’s a tremendously skilled player, or if they’re a homegrown youth product who grew up with the team, and…

“But there was no need to hesitate.

The moment the offer from Manchester City, a club that will soon be greater than Manchester United, came, considering a transfer to United was not even a remote possibility.”

…by taking a shot at the rival team.

At my words, Marco’s face turned beet red with rage, his flesh trembling.

‘Oh man, is he going to explode?’

Marco raised his voice.

“I am clearly respecting United. I am only stating objective facts. Manchester United won the league the season before last, but this season they finished third.

Their performance has dropped.”

Seeing the friendly reporters looking at me with sparkling eyes like children wanting more, I smiled brightly and continued.

“We finished in the mid-table this season, up from the lower ranks. Manchester United only has room to fall, while we only have room to climb.

I’m really curious to see who will be on top when next season ends.”

That’s right.

It’s just wordplay.

But look at the reporters, delighted like children.

“Ooooh!”

“This new prospect has a great mindset.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Of course, if I act all high and mighty like this and then play terribly, I’ll be cursed out by United fans and ridiculed by City fans…

But if such a player backs up his words not just with talk but with skill, the fans will go absolutely wild.

And what if I even put on a great performance in the derby?

From that moment on, I would simply become the guardian deity of Manchester City.

A guardian deity who is hailed just by revealing his name while walking down the street.

Just like Leo, whom Damin admired most when we were young.