As the season drew to a close, Oliver's injury had largely recovered, and he was undergoing rehabilitation training and his final sprint before the college entrance examination as planned. The opponent for the German Cup final was also confirmed: Frankfurt. Besides the matches, another new issue was brought onto the discussion agenda: Oliver's transfer.
Jules rushed over from Birmingham after receiving the notification.
He knew the weight of this meeting, as it concerned his son's next step in his professional career and also the respect and accountability towards his son's first true "home" club. In the meeting room, Hoffenheim Club Chairman Hopp, Sporting Director Rosen, Head Coach Nagelsmann, and other high-ranking officials, including the Financial Director, were all present.
Oliver sat beside his father. There were no pleasantries, no formalities. At the start of the meeting, Jules stood up and shook hands with the three core figures of Hoffenheim.
"Chairman Hopp, Director Rosen, Coach Nagelsmann," Jules's voice was steady and full of sincerity, "First of all, please allow me, on behalf of our entire family, to express our deepest gratitude to Hoffenheim Club! Thank you for opening your doors to him at the beginning of the season, when Oliver most needed to prove himself, and for giving him such a valuable platform!"
He looked at the three men, his tone earnest:
"Without Hoffenheim's trust, without Coach Nagelsmann's meticulous cultivation and tactical support, and without the efforts of everyone up and down the club, Oliver would not have achieved such results this season, let alone stood on the Champions League semifinals stage, allowing the whole world to see his brilliance! Our family will never forget this kindness!"
Chairman Hopp, the legendary figure who single-handedly brought Hoffenheim from a small village club to the Bundesliga and even the European stage, showed a gentle and emotional smile on his face. He also stood up to shake hands and return the greeting, signaling Jules to sit down:
"Mr. Thorne, you are too kind. Hoffenheim also wants to thank you for raising such an outstanding son, and even more so, to thank Oliver himself."
Hopp's voice carried a calm and wise tone, seasoned by experience:
"This season, for Hoffenheim, has been a dream-like one, truly historic! And in all of this, Oliver is the undisputed core and engine. His talent, effort, and the astonishing willpower he displayed on the highest stage not only conquered opponents but also conquered all of us Hoffenheim people. What he brought was not just goals and exciting victories, but also a spirit, a Hoffenheim spirit of never giving up and daring to challenge giants!"
Sporting Director Rosen took over, his tone carrying the pragmatism of a professional manager, yet barely concealing his excitement:
"Yes, Mr. Thorne, Oliver's performance has been phenomenal, and his arrival has had an all-encompassing impact on the club. On the competitive level, we made history; on the commercial level, especially in the Chinese market, Oliver's influence brought us unprecedented attention and commercial value! It's no exaggeration to say that this season, thanks to Oliver's presence, Hoffenheim's financial situation has improved like never before!"
Chairman Hopp nodded and personally delivered exciting news:
"Based on this season's excellent results, especially the historic entry into the Champions League semifinals, the UEFA prize money, broadcasting shares, sponsorship income, and various derivative revenues we received, especially the huge income Oliver generated in the market, have, after initial calculations, far exceeded expectations."
A relieved smile appeared on his face, "This means that we can not only easily repay the loans incurred for building the new stand at Rhein-Neckar Arena and upgrading the training base, but also leave a considerable budget for next season's transfers and team building. This is a milestone breakthrough for a club of our size! And for all of this, Oliver deserves immense credit!"
A relaxed round of laughter and applause filled the meeting room. Jules and Oliver also smiled with relief; Hoffenheim's financial health was something they were happy to see. Then, the topic quickly shifted to the core issue—the transfer.
Director Rosen pushed up his glasses, his expression becoming serious and sincere:
"Mr. Thorne, and Oliver, regarding the transfer, the club has had multiple in-depth discussions. We have received several offers, including the highest one of 200 million euros from Paris Saint-Germain."
He looked at Oliver,
"We know, Oliver, that you personally prefer Arsenal, and Professor Wenger and his team hold a special appeal for you. Arsenal also made a sincere offer of 158 million pounds that almost amounts to 180 million euros at present, considering the 1:1.14 pound to euro ratio, which is not only one of Arsenal's highest transfer fees in history but also an astronomical figure never before seen in Hoffenheim Club's history."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Jules and Oliver, his tone becoming more solemn:
"The club management, including Chairman Hopp, Coach Nagelsmann, and myself, after repeated deliberation, finally reached a consensus: To respect Oliver's personal wishes and accept Arsenal's offer. However..."
This "however" made both Jules and Oliver's hearts skip a beat. Chairman Hopp slowly began to speak, his voice steady and full of profound meaning:
"However, we have decided to express our gratitude for everything Oliver has done for Hoffenheim this season, and our blessings for his future professional career, in a special way."
Chairman Hopp looked at Oliver, his eyes like those of a parent watching his child about to embark on a long journey.
"Oliver, we know you chose Arsenal because you hope to achieve greater dreams under Professor Wenger's guidance, to compete for the Premier League title and even the Champions League. We also know that Arsenal has almost exhausted all their efforts to get you, and this 158 million pounds is definitely a huge pressure for them."
"We understand that if Arsenal pays this huge sum in one go, their transfer funds for this summer, and even for the next few transfer windows, will be stretched thin. This means that even if you join next season, Arsenal might not be able to build a complete squad truly capable of contending for the championship around you in the short term. If the team's performance next season falls short of expectations, you, as the core player who joined for a record fee, will definitely face immense negative criticism, and might even become a 'burden' for Arsenal. This is absolutely not what we wish to see."
Chairman Hopp's words went straight to the core, full of long-term considerations for Oliver's future development.
Oliver and his father both held their breath, listening quietly.
"So, Oliver," Chairman Hopp's voice was clear and strong, "To thank you for your contributions, and to allow you to join Arsenal with more ease, as a savior. And also for Arsenal to have enough room to strengthen their squad and enhance overall competitiveness while acquiring you, we, Hoffenheim Club, have decided: To accept Arsenal's offer of 158 million pounds, but the payment method will be installment-based. The total amount remains unchanged, but it can be paid off over four years. Furthermore, the first payment only requires 30 million pounds. The remaining amount will be paid over the next three years, approximately 42.67 million pounds annually. Most importantly, we will not charge any interest on this installment payment!"
When the words fell, the meeting room was silent. Normally, for a transfer fee of 158 million pounds, even if paid in installments, the first payment would be at least 50 million pounds. But Hoffenheim is a club with a human touch. Oliver had already given enough to Hoffenheim this season; he deserved such gratitude.
At the same time, Hoffenheim also hoped to part ways with Oliver on good terms in this manner. Oliver suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with incredible shock and immense surprise! He almost thought he had misheard. 30 million pounds down payment? Interest-free installments? This meant that Arsenal would only need to pay less than 20% of the original price as a down payment this summer!
The remaining huge sum of over 120 million pounds could be paid slowly over four years, without paying a single extra penny in interest. This was already a very touching expression of gratitude and respect. Jules was also stunned; he knew too well what this plan meant for Arsenal. This not only alleviated Arsenal's financial pressure but also gave Professor Wenger huge room for transfer reinforcements. Arsenal could use the saved massive cash to bring in other strong reinforcements this summer and build a truly competitive team around Oliver.
Hoffenheim, in order to part ways with Oliver on good terms and to thank him for his contributions. They, through this method, minimized the risk of Oliver potentially facing a "lone battle" at Arsenal in the coming years. Hoffenheim's move, was it merely selling a player? This was more like paving the way for Oliver's future. Hoffenheim was expressing its deepest blessings in the most practical way.
"Chairman Hopp! Director Rosen! Coach Nagelsmann!" Oliver stood up excitedly, his voice trembling uncontrollably, "This... this is too... I don't know what to say! Thank you! Really... thank you so much!" The immense surprise and emotion left Oliver somewhat incoherent.
Jules also immediately spoke, his voice incredibly sincere: "Chairman Hopp, Mr. Rosen, Nagelsmann! This friendship... this thoughtfulness... we really... cannot express it enough... Hoffenheim's nurturing kindness towards Oliver, this profound love for his life... we will engrave it in our hearts! Thank you! Truly, thank you very much!"
Chairman Hopp smiled and waved his hand, signaling them to sit down:
"Sit, let's all sit and chat, no need for such formality. Everything Oliver has given to Hoffenheim deserves such a return. We also hope to see Oliver succeed, hope to see you shine on a bigger stage, and hope to see Arsenal become better because of your arrival. This is not just business; it is respect and blessings for a meritorious player who has given his all to the club."
Nagelsmann had been sitting quietly to the side; now, a relieved smile appeared on his face, and he looked at the disciple he had personally nurtured with gentle eyes.
He cleared his throat and spoke:
"Ollie, this is the club's sincerity. After you go to London, continue to play well, and show the same drive you had at Hoffenheim. At the same time, remember that no matter where you are, you are a child of Hoffenheim, and the doors here will always be open for you."
At the end of the meeting, Oliver stood up again. He looked around at every Hoffenheim executive in the meeting room: Chairman Hopp, Director Rosen, and his most respected mentor, Nagelsmann. His gaze was clear and firm, filled with deep affection and gratitude.
"Mr. Chairman, Mr. Director, Coach," Oliver's voice was soft but full of emotion, "No matter which club's jersey I wear in the future, no matter where I go in the world, I will never forget that Hoffenheim was the first club in my professional career where I truly felt 'home'. It was you who gave me trust, gave me a stage, gave me room to grow and selfless support, gave me the feeling of home; I will forever remember all of this!"
Oliver's words, like a vow, echoed in the quiet meeting room. There were no flowery words, only the most simple and profound emotions. Hopp's eyes were slightly moist, and Director Rosen nodded vigorously. Nagelsmann showed an incredibly relieved and proud smile, a smile that held the sadness of parting, but even more, the blessings for his disciple to soar.
Subsequently, the core framework of the transfer agreement was preliminarily reached in this atmosphere full of warmth, respect, and foresight. This was not just a transaction, but a testament to a deep friendship and the most dignified and warm farewell from a club to a meritorious player.
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