The days following the charity gala and the agent's first call moved at a deliberate, almost agonizingly slow pace for Alex Rivera.
He was still in 6th place in the Western Conference with the Galaxy — just one single point above the playoff cut-off line. The team below them still had a game in hand. Every training session, every recovery session, every conversation with teammates carried the weight of that fragile position. The club was fighting for survival, and Alex felt a deep sense of responsibility to stay and help them push for the playoffs.
David Kessler, the famous agent, worked methodically behind the scenes. He kept Alex updated with daily calls and messages, giving him a clear picture of the long, detailed negotiation process with the Galaxy sporting director and ownership group.
The first few days were all about positioning.
Kessler explained every step in their private phone calls:
"Galaxy knows they have a rising star. Your free-kick and two assists in the 3-2 win made headlines worldwide. They don't want to lose you, especially with Europe already sniffing around after the leak. I'm pushing for a permanent first-team contract with a significant salary increase, performance bonuses tied to goals and assists, a longer term, and clauses that protect you if they don't make the playoffs. They are fighting back on some points, but they are motivated. This will take time, Alex. These things always do when big money is involved."
Alex listened carefully during each call, sitting in his room or during recovery sessions at the facility. He was patient. He had made his decision clear: he would stay at MLS and finish the season with Galaxy. He wanted to help the team reach the playoffs and possibly win something. The agent respected that and used it as leverage in the negotiations.
The talks stretched over several days. Kessler would call with updates:
"Today we discussed the base salary. They started lower than I wanted. I pushed hard, reminding them of your impact in the last two senior appearances. They are coming up, but slowly."
"Tomorrow we move to bonuses. I want clear incentives for goals, assists, and team success. You deserve to be rewarded if you help them make the playoffs."
"Ownership is involved now. They see the marketing value of keeping the 'bright young star' who scored that viral free-kick. This is working in our favour."
Alex felt the tension of the negotiation even though he wasn't in the room. He continued training normally, showing the same intensity in drills and 11v11 sessions. The senior players noticed. Captain Delgado would pat him on the back after sessions.
"You're staying focused, 33. That's good. The club is talking about you a lot right now. They know they can't let you go easily."
By the middle of the week, the negotiation reached its most intense phase. Kessler called Alex late one evening with a detailed breakdown.
"We're close, Alex. The base salary is now at a level that makes you one of the highest-paid 15-year-olds in MLS history. Performance bonuses are strong. The term is three years with an option for more. They are adding a clause that guarantees you first-team minutes if you perform. This is a permanent first-team contract. Not academy. Not development. Full professional first-team deal. They want to announce it soon to stop the Europe rumors from growing."
Alex felt a surge of satisfaction. This was the contract he had hoped for — security at Galaxy while he helped them fight for the playoffs. He was still barely surviving in sixth place with the team, but this contract would lock him in and give him the platform to achieve even more.
The final details were ironed out over the next two days. Kessler sent Alex the full contract draft to review with his family. Ben and Lisa read it carefully, asking questions about the terms. Emma sat beside Alex, reading along, her hand on his knee.
"This is huge," Ben said quietly. "A permanent first-team contract at 15. They're investing in you. You made the right choice staying."
Lisa hugged him. "We're so proud. You're building something real here."
Emma whispered in his ear later that night, "This contract means you're staying. You're going to get rich here. And when you do… you know what we talked about with Sophia."
On Friday morning, the contract was ready for signing.
Alex went to the Galaxy headquarters with Kessler and his parents. The sporting director and club president were waiting in a private conference room. Cameras were set up for the official announcement later, but the signing itself was quiet and personal.
The club president shook Alex's hand firmly. "You've shown incredible maturity and talent in a very short time. This contract makes you a permanent member of the first team. We believe in you, Alex. Welcome to the long-term future of the Galaxy."
Alex signed the documents with a steady hand. The pen felt heavy, but the moment felt right. He was now on a permanent first-team contract with a significant raise, performance bonuses, and security for the rest of the season and beyond.
Kessler smiled as they left the building. "You did it, Alex. You have a strong contract. You're staying to fight for the playoffs. Europe will keep watching, but you made the right decision for now."
That same afternoon, Alex made another important decision.
He had been thinking about it since the promotion. With the new contract money and the growing media attention, he wanted more independence. He contacted a real estate agent the club recommended and found a nice, modern apartment in a quiet, secure complex not far from the training facility.
He signed the lease that same day — a spacious two-bedroom place with a view of the city, modern kitchen, and enough space for privacy. It was his first real step toward independence.
Emma helped him move a few boxes the next day. She stayed with him for the first night, turning the new place into their private sanctuary. They spent the evening exploring every room, laughing, talking, and celebrating the new contract in the most intimate way possible.
The new rented house was now his.
The contract was signed.
The future was taking shape.
And the next important senior match was only days away.