Chapter 94: Final Contract Review & Signing
The next morning, the same glass-walled conference room on the top floor of the Galaxy first-team headquarters felt different — charged with finality. Sunlight streamed through the windows, reflecting off the polished table where the final contract documents now lay in neat stacks. David Kessler, Alex's agent, was already seated, flipping through the revised pages with a satisfied nod. The club president, sporting director, and head of legal were present once again, along with two additional lawyers from the club's side to witness the signing.
Kessler stood up as Alex entered, shaking his hand firmly. "Morning, Alex. Today's the day. We've gone through every single clause twice. This emergency renewal is happening fast because of what you did in that 5-4 comeback. The club knows Europe is watching, and they want to lock you in for two full years before any serious bids arrive. You're not just a youth prospect anymore — you're the player who dragged us from 0-4 down to victory. They're treating you like a top homegrown talent now."
The club president smiled warmly and gestured for Alex to take the seat of honour at the head of the table. "Alex, before we review the final version, let's look at the table again so you understand exactly why we're moving at this speed."
The sporting director slid the latest printed standings across the table.
Western Conference Standings (Current)
Seattle Sounders – 52 points
LAFC – 50 points
Houston Dynamo – 48 points
Minnesota United – 47 points
Real Salt Lake – 46 points
LA Galaxy – 46 points
Portland Timbers – 45 points
Vancouver Whitecaps – 44 points
Austin FC – 42 points
Colorado Rapids – 41 points
FC Dallas – 40 points
Sporting Kansas City – 38 points
San Jose Earthquakes – 36 points
St. Louis City SC – 34 points
The sporting director tapped the sixth-place line. "We are in sixth place — just one single point above the playoff cut-off line. Portland has a game in hand and could overtake us with a win. We are barely surviving week after week in this playoff race. Your performances have kept us alive. That's why this two-year emergency renewal is happening now — to give you the security of a strong homegrown contract while you help us chase every trophy we're still in: the MLS Cup, the Supporters' Shield, the U.S. Open Cup, the Leagues Cup, and the CONCACAF Champions Cup."
The head of legal opened the thick final contract folder and began the slow, line-by-line final review, reading every important clause aloud so Alex could absorb it completely.
"Page 1 – Duration: Two-year permanent first-team contract, starting immediately, with an option for a third year. This locks you in through the end of next season, giving the club stability while you develop."
Kessler interjected smoothly. "And we've already confirmed the minimum start guarantee — 20 games per season if fit. That's non-negotiable for a player of your impact."
"Page 3 – Base Salary: $450,000 USD in Year 1, escalating to $650,000 USD in Year 2. Paid monthly with full medical, pension, and tax benefits. This is a record-breaking homegrown deal for a 15-year-old and puts you among the highest-paid teenagers in MLS history."
The sporting director added, "This is a direct result of your recent heroics. No other 15-year-old in the league is on these terms after just one breakout performance. We're moving fast because we don't want to lose you."
"Page 5 – Performance Bonuses," the legal head continued, reading slowly. "$50,000 for every 5 goals or assists combined. $150,000 if the team qualifies for the MLS Cup Playoffs. $250,000 if we reach the MLS Cup Final. $400,000 if we win the MLS Cup itself — the ultimate domestic championship."
Kessler nodded. "The MLS Cup is the big one — the Super Bowl of American soccer. Winning it would change everything for the club and for Alex financially."
"Page 6 – Additional Team Trophies: $200,000 for winning the Supporters' Shield (best regular-season record across the entire league). $150,000 for winning the U.S. Open Cup (the oldest knockout tournament in the country, open to all professional and amateur teams). $175,000 for winning the Leagues Cup (summer tournament against Mexican Liga MX sides). $300,000 for winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup (the Champions League of North and Central America). All bonuses are cumulative — if we win multiple competitions, they stack."
Alex listened carefully as the head of legal explained each competition in detail: how the Supporters' Shield is decided purely on league points, how the U.S. Open Cup runs alongside the regular season with potential midweek games, how the Leagues Cup happens in the summer break, and how the CONCACAF Champions Cup offers a path to the Club World Cup. The club president emphasised that Alex's contract was designed to reward him for helping the team succeed in all of them.
"Page 8 – Image Rights and Endorsements: 55% of all endorsement income goes directly to Alex. The club will facilitate deals with major brands. Housing allowance of $5,000 per month plus full car allowance. Loyalty bonus of $100,000 if you complete both years."
Kessler pushed one final small point. "We also want a clear clause on the buy-out. €8 million for any European club. If a top-five league club triggers it, Alex receives a 5% personal bonus on top."
The club agreed immediately.
The review took nearly two full hours. Every single page was read aloud, every number confirmed, every competition and bonus explained in detail. Alex asked questions about tax implications, what happened if the team missed the playoffs, and how the bonuses would be paid. Kessler negotiated one last improvement — a clause guaranteeing Alex priority in any future shirt sponsorship deals.
Finally, the head of legal slid the signature page forward.
The club president stood up. "Alex, this is it. A two-year contract at strong homegrown wages, realistic bonuses for every competition we're fighting for, and a fair buy-out clause. You help us climb out of sixth place and win any of those trophies, and you get paid handsomely. Sign here, and you become a permanent, fully protected first-team player."
David Kessler placed a pen in Alex's hand and gave him a nod. "This is the right deal, Alex. You stay, you develop, you chase greatness here while the money takes care of your family and your future."
Alex took a deep breath, thought about his rebirth regret, about surpassing Messi and Ronaldo, about the life he wanted to build — the money, the freedom, Emma, and Sophia. He signed his name clearly on every required page.
The room erupted in polite applause. The club president shook his hand firmly. "Welcome to the big leagues, Number 33. The contract is signed. We'll announce it internally today and publicly tomorrow. You are now one of our highest-paid young players, with bonuses tied to every cup we chase."
Kessler clapped Alex on the back. "Well done. You're financially secure for the next two years. The harem plans, the family support — everything just got easier."
Alex left the room with a quiet smile. The two-year contract was sealed. The emergency renewal had been completed because of his heroics and the fear of losing him. The fight for sixth place — and for every trophy still in play — continued.
The next chapter of his second life had just begun.