That barely managed to stabilize their decline.
They had since gradually reduced their debt, but they still owed a huge sum.
"My team and I have run the numbers. If spending 20 million euros to sign Wang Shuo can get us into the Champions League spots and significantly boost our revenue, then it’s a deal worth making."
For a team like Dortmund, qualifying for the Champions League ans at least 30 million euros in revenue each season.
And that’s just for the Champions League group stage.
Dortmund’s revenue had declined in recent years precisely because the team lost its Champions League qualification.
"However, I must also remind everyone that a major reason Schalke 04 suffered a loss of over thirty million euros was that after finishing third in the league in the ’07-’08 season, they were eliminated in the Champions League preliminary qualifiers last season."
In other words, they didn’t make it to the Champions League group stage.
The thirty-million-plus euro deficit was almost exactly the revenue they would have earned from the Champions League.
"VfL Wolfsburg’s current situation is similar to Schalke 04’s. They’re making a huge gamble on Magat. They won the title this season; if they can consistently maintain those results, then Wolfsburg’s investnt will be worthwhile."
"Otherwise, they’ll be the next Schalke 04."
Kneipen’s point was crystal clear.
Following Klopp’s advice and spending 20 million euros to sign Wang Shuo was a massive gamble!
If they won, Dortmund would make a fortune, gaining both fa and money, just like Mainz had.
If they lost, Schalke 04 would serve as a cautionary tale for Dortmund.
This was obviously not a simple decision!
In a way, it was almost like gambling with Dortmund’s future.
A silence fell over the conference room.
Laubal still hadn’t stated his position, instead looking toward Sporting Director Zorc.
"Michael, what are your thoughts on Wang Shuo?"
Zorc was a legendary player for Dortmund. After retiring in ’98, he transitioned into an administrative managent position.
He started as Football Director, then beca Sporting Director in ’05, responsible for all athletic matters.
It was worth noting that he had been a midfielder during his playing days.
Dortmund was very good at developing midfielders, such as the team’s current captain, Kael.
"I don’t understand the financial side of things. Purely from a player’s perspective, I believe Wang Shuo is the most noteworthy rookie in the Bundesliga, as well as the young player with the most potential."
"He won’t even turn 19 until September, so right now, he’s nowhere near his professional pri. His potential is still imnse, on the condition that he avoids injuries."
"So you’re very high on him?" Laubal pressed.
Zorc nodded. "Beckenbauer said he has the potential to beco the fourth-best player in the world!"
After Ronaldo, ssi, and Kaka, there would be Wang Shuo.
That was truly high praise.
One had to ask, just how much was a player like that worth?
If one of the wealthy, big-spending clubs wanted to buy him, how much would they have to pay?
This could very well beco a turning point for the Dortmund Club’s business operations!
More importantly, Wang Shuo had already proven his skill and potential over a full Bundesliga season.
Buy him?
They would have to break the bank.
Don’t buy him?
They wouldn’t be able to justify it to Klopp, and there could even be repercussions.
"Then let’s vote!" Laubal said decisively.
"All in favor of signing Wang Shuo, please raise your hands."
The mont Laubal finished speaking, Watzke was the first to raise his hand.
Zorc raised his hand at almost the sa ti.
But Chief Financial Officer Thomas Tres shook his head, indicating he would not be raising his hand.
Gerd Piper, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, also indicated he would not be raising his hand.
CEO and Finance Director Marcus Kneipen abstained.
Two to two!
All eyes imdiately turned to Laubal.
The old man, who had been at the helm of Dortmund since 1979 and rendered distinguished service to the Bumblebees, was clearly torn.
He looked from Watzke and Zorc on one side to Piper and Tres on the other, montarily unsure of how to decide.
But after a great deal of hesitation, he finally, slowly raised his right hand.
...
Wang Shuo was enjoying a pleasant vacation back in China.
Aside from maintaining a certain amount of training each day, he spent the rest of his ti with his family.
He also visited relatives and friends.
That is, until he took a call from his agent, Thomas Essien.
And the very first thing his agent said over the phone was, "You need to hurry back and learn to drive."
"Learn to drive?"
Wang Shuo’s first thought was that the car brand sponsorship deal they had been discussing for so ti had finally been settled.
"Which company?" Wang Shuo asked, intrigued.
’BMW? rcedes-Benz? Volkswagen? Or Audi?’
He was rather looking forward to it.
"Porsche!"
"What?" Wang Shuo was taken aback.
That was a luxury car brand, and there had been no news about them before.
"They place a huge emphasis on the Chinese market. In 2009, they’re launching their blockbuster new sports sedan, the Panara, and are preparing to fully enter the Chinese market, so they’re taking this sponsorship very seriously as well."
"Are there any requirents?"
"You have to drive their car, and you can’t leave the Bundesliga within the next two years. During the contract period, any potential move would require you to communicate with them."
Other than not being able to leave the Bundesliga within two years, the other terms were fairly standard.
As for why that clause existed, Thomas Essien told Wang Shuo that Porsche was about to invest massive resources in the Chinese market, and Wang Shuo would be the face of their promotional push.
If Wang Shuo were to abruptly leave the Bundesliga, it would be a huge loss for them.
"The sponsorship fee is one million euros, but if you’re able to play in the Champions League, it can be raised to one and a half million euros."
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