Football singularity

Chapter 321 321 Storm Brewing

Please vote to show me your support for the story the higher we climb in the rankings the more motivated I will feel. Mass releasses will be rewarded for each ten rankings we managed to climb.

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[14th/July/2019, Location: Nike Headquarters, Beaverton Oregon]

"Greg, have you managed to get Rakim to resign with us yet, we can't delay this any longer as his value continues to skyrocket by the second," Jason Hart, the head of the Player Scouting Division at Nike asked his colleague as this topic came up in today's strategy meeting.

With Nike having a lot of investment in football due to it being the biggest sport on the globe they held these special meetings coinciding with the major leagues. With all the important leagues ending their season and the Premier League transfer window opening today, this meeting is of high importance. Signing the next superstar who will join a major team or simply deciding which player is worth investing more.

"We've held preliminary talks with his mother but haven't been able to secure an agreement. His commercial value is through the roof after winning his first major trophy and the success of the Titan-Fit line." Greg replied sounding a little disheartened after failing to complete this task. He had never struggled to convince an athlete from the US to sign with Nike until now and things were made harder with the fact all the higher-ups were paying attention to this issue.

"The fact that the other major brands are smelling blood and circling them doesn't make things easier. It is practically a bidding war made harder by the transfer talks," He continued with a serious tone not liking the fact he had let down his bosses since he knew just how cutthroat this business can be.

"That's indeed a concerning issue and could spell a lot of trouble for us if one of our local competitors can sign him, given the potential he has already displayed." One of the other executives noted not at all liking the prospect of seeing a player they had raised bearing fruits for another company. Usually, it was them who picked up leaks from smaller companies never the other way around.

"That bastard should just be grateful and sing on the dotted line, we are Nike, Kingmakers in any sport, he should just be grateful that he gets to join our ship." A chubby executive exclaimed not able to hold back his rage after hearing what his colleagues said.

He wasn't particularly creative or passionate when it came to the day-to-day workings of the company but when it came to money, he was the sharpest. After all, if the stock dropped the dividends he received would lessen and if that happened how would he support his lifestyle. After all, he's got two families to care for, not to mention his 7 mistresses one for each day of the week and his gambling habit also needs funds.

"Joe is right we should just teach him a lesson, The carrot has obviously not been working maybe it's time for the stick," Another spoke up having similar thoughts to that of Joe, not willing to let anything mess with income. 'You can humiliate a man but never mess with his means of earning a living' is the philosophy most members of the board lived by.

"I agree we have been too lenient regarding this issue," Another chimed in also frustrated with this situation that has been dragging on for half a year now. The media would occasionally criticize them for their shortsightedness whenever they talked about how the young winger had bounced back.

"So, we halted our cooperation after he got shot big deal that was just business, no need to take it personally. Just be grateful that we are willing to invest in you again." Another person stated with a dissatisfied expression echoing the sentiments of most at the meeting. Seeing their opponents take advantage of their situation they could no longer hold their breath and wanted to resolve this.

"Silence," a stern voice resounded through the boardroom from the head of the table where Mike Parker the current CEO of Nike Inc. He mostly focussed on the business side of things working hard to drive the company forward, far surpassing his predecessors with his achievements. Since rising to this position in 2006 he has transformed the company to new heights with his strategic development of superstars in various sports.

Seeing the regal CEO in his mid-fifties speak up the room turned silent no one daring to even breathe too loudly. Everyone held great respect for the man and knew that they couldn't waste his time without suffering the consequences. Whilst his employees in the room were now nervous Mr Parker remained silent seemingly lost in thought as his hand rhythmically tapped the Mahogany table.

For a full minute, the situation persisted as the man's rhythmic tapping became the only thing that was audible. Some of the executives seemed to be having a conversation with their eyes but still did not dare to voice it. No matter how displeased or annoyed they were they all held their tongue.

"Jason what has the kid been up to recently?" he finally spoke his sharp gaze immediately locking in on the man who is the head of the Player Scouting Division. The man in question gulped not at all expecting to be put on the spot at this movement, but he knew he had to answer the man.

"(ahem) He's appeared at quite a few promotional events over the last two months since his season ended. However, from what I hear he is back in the States preparing for the under-17 world Cup in Brazil probably waiting to receive the official call-up from the US team." he concisely replied quickly regaining his composure as he answered his boss hoping the information he provided would be enough.

"Hmm interesting," were the only words that came out of Mike's mouth as he took in the information once again letting silence permeate the board room.

"Mrs Matthews, do we sponsor the National Soccer team's youth division?" He asked the marketing head slightly surprising the woman, but she had been much more alert than Jason.

"No sir we do not we didn't put much emphasis on this, Under Armour is currently in the process of renegotiating the youth contract as their contract expires at the start of the month," She responded not quite understanding why the boss would suddenly bother with youth sponsorship contracts.

For every other country whose national team they sponsor, they make it a rule to sponsor them from the senior team to the lowest youth division. However, the US was the exception due to the lack of enthusiasm for the sport especially in the men's side. The women's division got a preferential treatment due to their Steller performances and the fact soccer is considered a womans sport here.

"Call Brett and intercept the deal, Bret over at Under Armour won't spend more than 50,000 on the youth soccer division. Scratch that they might go up to a quarter Mill as they are trying to court Rakim, double their price and secure the contract." He stated with a tone of finality surprising not only Karen Matthews but the rest of the people in attendance.

Not letting them question his decision he continued speaking, "Once we secure the contract Rakim won't appear in the squad unless he is an official Nike player and even if he does he will get the treatment we give to NBA players from rival brands." he stated already seeing the boys frustrated expression as he was forced to sit on the bench throughout the tournament only coming on at garbage time.

"Will do boss," Mrs Matthews replied with a sombre expression feeling a little sorry for the kid who was about to face the wrath of their boss. However, that was the ruthless world of business, and it was better that he learned at a young age that there are some organisations you cannot face.

"Hahaha that's a brilliant Idea boss, give him a bit of the curry treatment and he won't dare join the national team without being signed to us," the chubby Joe exclaimed clearly pleased with this decision causing some of the others to grin in excitement.

It was an unspoken thing In the US basketball team that there were only two types of players on the team. The Nike Superstars and the other people in the background, because no matter how monstrous you are in your club the moment you join the National team you fade into the background. Those players would have their presence hidden during media appearances, brand badges hidden in photoshoots and have their minutes on the court reduced to what was absolutely necessary.

That only counted for those phenomenal ones who couldn't be suppressed and had to be invited to the squad. Those names included Allstars like Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Trae Young, Anthony Edwards James Harden and even legends like Derrick Rose received this treatment. That is why most of these stars have chosen to gradually refuse to represent their country not willing to waste their off-season time that could be spent training and with their family.

"It is decided that will be it for the matter regarding Rakim,"

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To Be Continued...