Oliver's resolute rejection of Paris Saint-Germain was like a stone thrown into a calm lake. After Oliver's father, Jules Thorne clearly conveyed his son's wishes to Paris Saint-Germain's management, Hoffenheim received the news at the same time. The club management, including Chairman Hopp, Sporting Director Rosen, Head Coach Nagelsmann, and the entire staff, could not remain calm. The news spread in the form of an internal briefing, instantly causing a considerable stir within the management. They clearly realized one thing: Oliver, this prodigy, that was rapidly shining on the Bundesliga stage, had already been targeted by larger, brighter telescopes.
Paris Saint-Germain's move was not just a probe; it was more like opening Pandora's box. On Rosen's desk, scout reports began to frequently feature the names Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. The shadows of these two Bundesliga giants had recently begun to appear frequently in the stands of Hoffenheim's matches and outside the fences of their training ground. The observations of these top club scouts were no longer just general notes; their inquiries into Oliver's running habits, technical details, physical condition, and psychological resilience were exceptionally meticulous, carrying the intensity of evaluating a core target. This made Hoffenheim's high-level management realize that Oliver's current contract terms were as fragile as thin paper, even a bit ridiculous.
A player like this, with a weekly salary of only 9,000 Euros?
For an attacking rising star who had scored a decisive goal in the Champions League, whose performance in the Bundesliga was continuously improving, and whose potential was coveted by top giants, it was a joke. Oliver's buyout clause was 5 million Euros, a number that now brought not security, but immense panic. This amount was so low that it wouldn't even make giants like Bayern or Dortmund frown. 5 million Euros was less than a fraction of their annual transfer fees.
The club held an urgent, highly confidential meeting. There was only one topic on the agenda: Oliver's future. This meeting was personally chaired by Chairman Hopp, with Nagelsmann participating throughout, Sporting Director Rosen responsible for coordination and detail control, and Oliver himself attending. As Oliver's agent, Jules also joined the meeting via remote video. The computer screen lit up, and Jules's face appeared on the large screen in the conference room, with a corner of his office as the background, and the evening sky of Birmingham outside the window.
This was not the first time he had dealt with Rosen and Nagelsmann as an agent. During the summer transfer window, Jules had brought Oliver to meet with Rosen and others. Although that signing process was not complicated, Nagelsmann and Rosen were deeply impressed by this father who was clear-minded, logical, and always fought for his son's reasonable rights while respecting the club's rules.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Jules," Rosen said first, his tone grave.
Chairman Hopp also nodded to Jules on the screen; the old man, who regarded Hoffenheim as his life's work, had eyes full of worry.
Nagelsmann greeted him warmly: "Hello, Mr. Jules."
Jules nodded at the camera, his face serious and composed, as if in a business negotiation: "Good afternoon, Mr. Hopp, Mr. Rosen, Coach Nagelsmann, let's begin."
The meeting had no superfluous pleasantries. Rosen directly laid out the core of the problem, "We all know that Oliver's value has far exceeded what his current contract can cover. We must act immediately; this is to protect the club's core asset and to give Oliver a fair reflection of his value." Rosen's tone was unequivocal.
Hopp interjected, his tone earnest and sincere: "Mr. Jules, your son is truly outstanding. Nagelsmann has poured a lot of effort into him, and our club regards him as a crucial cornerstone for the future. The Paris Saint-Germain matter... we greatly appreciate his attitude and loyalty. Now, more people are eyeing him from outside. We will offer him a contract that reflects his value and allows him to continue developing peacefully at Hoffenheim; we do not want to lose him."
On the other end of the screen, Jules listened intently, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the table, a habit of his when thinking. As a father, he naturally hoped his son could earn an income commensurate with his abilities; as an agent, he knew even more that the club's initiative offer to raise his salary and extend his contract was a passive reaction to immense external pressure, a rare opportunity, but one where the most favorable terms must be sought.
Jules looked at Nagelsmann on the other end of the screen and said. "Coach Nagelsmann, I'd like to hear your thoughts first."
Nagelsmann straightened up, his tone steady: "Mr. Jules, your son is an extremely talented player; his understanding of tactics and learning ability are very strong. More importantly, he has shown immense potential and room for improvement. I value him highly and am designing core tactical roles for him. He has adapted and grown very well in the Hoffenheim environment, and I firmly believe this is the most suitable fertile ground for his continued progress at this stage. Stability and trust are crucial for young players, so I fully support giving him a matching new contract as soon as possible."
Oliver sat beside his mentor, saying little, only nodding slightly, his eyes fixed on his father on the screen. He trusted his father's professionalism; his father had never disappointed him in negotiations, not ever. The core of the discussion shifted to the specific terms of the new contract.
Rosen, representing the club, proposed an initial framework: Oliver's weekly salary would increase to 50,000 Euros, which was considered a mid-to-high salary within Hoffenheim, and his goal bonus would significantly increase from the original 9,000 Euros to 15,000 Euros per goal.
This was a huge leap, showing great sincerity.
"Mr. Jules, there's a crucial point in the new contract," Rosen emphasized, his gaze sharp, "we must remove the buyout clause from his contract."
Rosen continued to stress, "The 5 million Euro buyout clause has completely lost its protective meaning under the current circumstances, rendering it useless. Removing it means that any club wanting to take Oliver must sit down and negotiate with Hoffenheim, giving the club the dominant position in bargaining."
This clause was quite important. This was the club's most fundamental and crucial requirement for protecting its own interests, because confidence in retaining a player not only depended on the player's willingness but also on the club's bargaining power. The air in the conference room instantly solidified. Removing the buyout clause was a huge benefit for the club, but for Oliver, it was equivalent to placing an invisible, club-controlled shackle on his future. Jules, on the other end of the screen, frowned slightly, clearly weighing things rapidly.
A moment later, he spoke, his words unhurried but clear: "I understand the club's need to secure its core assets. Removing the buyout clause, I can accept."
Then he changed the subject, saying, "However, as a balance and a guarantee for the player's long-term development, I request that the clause for automatic contract renewal upon reaching a certain number of first-team appearances also be removed from the contract."
This "automatic renewal" clause was added by the club in the previous signing based on their uncertainty about Oliver's form. Its existence meant that as long as Oliver was healthy and reached a certain number of appearances, the contract would automatically renew, and the player would lose the right to proactively choose future negotiation points.
Jules's move was to secure negotiation freedom for his son at a future point in time. If he performed well during the contract period and his market value significantly increased, Oliver could then decide whether to initiate new negotiations or transfer, instead of being automatically tied to Hoffenheim. Jules gave Oliver a reassuring look, and Oliver nodded back at him. At these words, it was Rosen and the club executives' turn to exchange glances. Removing the buyout clause was strong protection for the club, while removing automatic renewal created space for the player's future negotiations.
One was to increase the tie, the other was to slightly loosen it; this was a delicate balance. After a brief silence, Rosen and Hopp exchanged a few quiet words, and Hopp nodded slightly.
"Alright, Mr. Jules," Rosen stated on behalf of the club, "we agree to remove the automatic renewal clause and the buyout clause. The new contract will be for three years."
Three years was enough for the club to further build tactics around Oliver, and also enough for outsiders to continuously evaluate his potential for value increase. Jules on the other end of the screen showed a relatively satisfied expression; this was better than his expected negotiation outcome.
He continued to say: "So, the core terms of my son's new contract: a weekly salary of 50,000 Euros, goal bonus increased to 15,000 Euros per goal, effective immediately; removal of the original 5 million Euro buyout clause; simultaneous removal of the automatic renewal clause upon reaching a certain number of first-team appearances; and a three-year contract term. Can these be confirmed?"
"Yes, confirmed." Rosen, Hopp, and Nagelsmann all expressed agreement.
Oliver, who had been sitting silently beside them, noticeably relaxed his tense shoulders, and a faint smile touched the corner of his mouth. A three-year new contract, a salary matching his status, the alarm of a "bargain-price" buyout clause lifted, and potential room for future negotiations preserved. More importantly, he knew this was the most direct proof of the club's Pay attention to of him. Coach Nagelsmann trusted him, his teammates accepted him, and he was thriving here. He was happy to accept this outcome.
"My sincere thanks to the club, Mr. Chairman, Director Rosen, and Coach Nagelsmann for paying attention and trusting Oliver," Jules said solemnly to the camera, with a hint of subtle relief, "We will cooperate as quickly as possible to complete the formal signing process."
The remote meeting concluded. Everyone in the Hoffenheim Training Base conference room breathed a sigh of relief, yet also felt a weighty sense of responsibility and the excitement of a new beginning. The meeting finally ended. Nagelsmann stood up, tidied his notebook, and patted Oliver's arm beside him.
"Walk with me for a bit, Oliver."
The two walked out of the conference room one after another, through the brightly lit club corridor, where historical photos of the Hoffenheim team adorned the walls on both sides. Today, Nagelsmann did not make small talk, cutting straight to the chase, his tone carrying his usual clarity and directness.
"Did you hear all the rumors outside during the meeting just now?" Nagelsmann said as he walked, his gaze fixed forward, "Bayern, Dortmund… there will only be more clubs like these in the future. You're like a piece of fragrant meat now; everyone wants a bite."
Oliver nodded, his steps steady, and said: "Yes, Coach, Mr. Rosen mentioned it."
Nagelsmann turned his head to look at him and asked him.
"What I want to ask is… are you afraid? Or… are you tempted?"
"No, I'm not afraid." Oliver's answer was quick, his voice not loud but very clear, as if stating a simple fact. "As for being tempted, a little, perhaps, after all, they are such big clubs, but it's not the kind of temptation that makes me want to go now."
"That's good." Nagelsmann's voice deepened slightly, saying,
"Oliver, you are still far from your ceiling. In those giant clubs, every minute can be about winning or losing. The margin for error in giants is too low, and the pressure is immense.
You are still young. Accumulating experience and refining yourself at Hoffenheim, making yourself even better, is far more worthwhile than taking risks by going to a 'bigger place' now."
He stopped and looked earnestly at his beloved protégé, adding: "The new contract provides security for both you and the club, and it's also a recognition of your hard work and loyalty during this period. That 5 million Euro buyout clause is gone, so we can all rest assured. Your father's attitude during negotiations with us was very sincere and professional. He truly trusts Hoffenheim and is willing to let you continue to grow well here for a few more years."
Nagelsmann's eyes gleamed with anticipation, "I also trust you. From the first time you stepped onto my training ground, I saw in you what I needed. Now, the team needs you too, and you need stability. So, just consider the new contract a simple promise, a mutual promise between you and the club."
Oliver met his mentor's gaze, his eyes gradually brightening, "I know, Coach." Oliver said, "The Paris Saint-Germain matter is completely in the past. Now my path is at Hoffenheim. The training here, the matches, and my interactions with teammates are all making me better, and I also want to make this place better."
He paused, seemingly searching for more appropriate words, finally choosing a simple expression: "I will work harder. The new contract is both a responsibility and a motivation. I promise you, I will speak with my on-field performance and be worthy of this recognition."
He didn't utter more grand words, but Nagelsmann received that weighty sense of power. Nagelsmann's face broke into a relieved smile, a pure satisfaction of seeing the sapling he had cultivated finally stand tall against the wind and rain.
As they neared the corridor exit, Nagelsmann said. "That's right! Oliver, don't let the outside noise distract you. Keep up the good work on the training ground tomorrow." Nagelsmann's tone lightened, "Especially that 15,000 Euro goal bonus, I'm waiting for you to really cash in on it!"
"I certainly will, Coach!" Oliver's answer was firm; his football career had just entered a more important phase.
...
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