Weird Defender Joo Ji-Tae

50 – Transfer Market

050

As the U-20 World Cup, which had extended for a whopping three weeks starting in May, came to a close with South Korea’s victory, it was suddenly June. With the impending arrival of the summer transfer market, the football world buzzed with activity.

In European football, excluding countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Ireland, where the transfer market starts in autumn and ends in early spring of the following year, the significance of June in the football world goes without saying. It marks the period of concluding the season and, simultaneously, crucially gearing up for the next.

“Thank you for attending, even at the sudden meeting—”

“Ah, skip the formalities. We’re not oblivious to the situation we’re in. A player we absolutely must bring in has emerged, right? Someone with tremendous talent, yet currently undervalued… a player we can use effectively and later sell for a high price.”

For a German club like the one gearing up for a recent acquisition meeting, obtaining players at a low cost, utilizing them effectively, and selling them for a high value was even more critical.

“Yes, indeed. A highly talented prospect, unnoticed by anyone, suddenly appeared, and there was an urgent need to act.”

“We agree. Occasionally, hidden gems suddenly emerge. In such cases, we must move swiftly to claim the gem.”

For financially less affluent clubs, the most crucial aspects are youth development and scouting. Particularly, scouting is the lifeblood of a club, akin to the alpha and omega, and for a selling club that needs to ‘acquire talented players at a low cost, use them effectively, and sell them for a high price,’ scouting is vital.

To the executives who understood this well, a ‘sudden meeting’ was an event to be anticipated rather than feared.

It meant they had found a player they needed to sign promptly.

“The first player I want to mention is a Korean forward, this player.”

The announcement from the scout team followed, as urgent as the situation at hand.

Of course, despite the urgency, the analysis was as meticulous as ever.

“Ho. Watching the games, I felt it, but this player doesn’t seem like a typical Asian player. Excellent on-the-ball skills, creative movement, and an exceptional goal-scoring sense… just watching, he seems like a South American player.”

“How old is this player? 17? Oh, now he’s 18. Still young. Despite looking fragile, he must be popular with the ladies.”

“Being Asian, he’d be good for exploring that market.”

“With such a strong foundation and creative movement, he’ll quickly adapt to the professional stage.”

People immersed in the football world, though not professional analysts, had no trouble understanding the analyzed content.

Straightforward questions and answers ensued, and the scout team proceeded to introduce the second player.

“The second player we want to introduce. Regardless of any circumstances, our team has internally decided that we must sign this player.”

On the screen appeared Joo Ji-tae, an Asian promising center-back who had recently garnered the attention of numerous clubs.

“Name is Joo Ji-tae. Also known as Joo Ji.”

“Hmm? Aren’t Asian names usually with the family name at the end and the given name at the front? According to what’s written, the family name should be Joo, and the given name should be Ji-tae.”

“My nickname is Joo Ji.”

“Well, that’s quite an unusual nickname.”

From Noble mtl dot com

“Our young friend, who turns 18 this month, is of Korean origin. As per the profile, he stands at 187cm and weighs 77kg. He has a pure amateur background with no professional experience, but he has captured attention with his impressive performance in international competitions.”

The analysis started with basic personal information and quickly delved deeper.

Physically not yet fully developed, but possesses an overwhelming top speed and acceleration, with expectations of physical maturity in the future.

Shows exceptional positional awareness and prefers proactive defending over passive. Enjoys a pace-driven style of play, displaying a keen sense of balance and weight distribution in competition rather than relying on physical attributes.

Prefers standing situations, so tackle attempts are minimal, but when attempted, they are mostly successful.

Demonstrates a strong defensive presence against dribblers, intimidating all opposition in international competitions.

Possesses sharp instincts, allowing for immediate defensive challenges if the opponent makes slight ball touch errors or displays any hesitation. Remarkably, despite the high-risk style of defending, success is frequent.

Becomes even more powerful in critical situations, excelling in shot blocking and leading the game with an animalistic defensive style, yet with a veteran’s touch.

On the flip side, there is room for improvement in providing support.

Although a center-back, he does not particularly enjoy aerial duels, but he usually comes out on top in contested situations. Enjoys disrupting the opponent’s balance through excellent positioning and balance.

Notably, despite his background as a midfielder, he possesses exceptional passing talent.

Throughout the competition, he takes charge of the team’s defensive build-up, recording the most ball touches and passes. Impressively, he combines safe and aggressive passing through precise and quick passes, both short and long, regardless of his position.

Displays great capabilities in relieving pressure and dribbling, making him suitable for ball carrying. His technical skills for releasing pressure or bypassing pressure are excellent, assuming responsibility for the team’s build-up.>

“To sum it up, there are no clear weaknesses found in him so far, and he can already be considered a complete player despite his young age. Frankly speaking, our scouting team has already given him the nickname ‘The Second Franz Beckenbauer.’ He’s that promising, showing the potential of a complete center-back.”

As soon as the presentation concluded, the conference room buzzed with excitement.

“Whether it’s ground or aerial play, his defending is impeccable.”

“The most impressive part is his football intelligence. He appears to have an animalistic style of defending, but fundamentally, he plays with intelligence. Moreover, his physical attributes are excellent. His maturity will only increase with age, and… his speed is truly astounding.”

“However, it would be a waste to simply assign him to defense. He’s a versatile player who excels in positional play, passing, and ball carrying. He has the talent to lead the team’s start. We could even push him up one notch and use him as the linchpin of our build-up.”

Amidst the lively discussion and positive evaluations, an elderly figure in the room spoke up.

“It seems we’ve reached a conclusion. Both of these players exhibit world-class talent. At this price, we must absolutely acquire such talented players. Let’s start the recruitment process immediately.”

The positive atmosphere was short-lived as the scout team’s statements quickly added weight to the discussion.

“I’ve already made contact with the agents… but I’ve set a few conditions that must be met for their acquisition.”

“Tsk. Well, of course. Unless you’re a fool, you’ll set conditions. It’s a buyout, isn’t it?”

These days, compared to the past, the entry of Asian players has increased significantly, and the negotiating power of local agencies has risen to a fairly decent level.

Above all, with such talent, an agent possessing players of such value becomes the ‘boss’ rather than the team.

To acquire them, one must endure high-handedness.

Of course, if they’re recruited, they’ll suck the marrow out of the bone as much as they’re dealt.

“Sure, a buyout is a necessary condition, but… there are other conditions too.”

“Shoot.”

“Hmm?”

“Agent fees. Just give that up.”

“Oh, yes… the fees… aren’t particularly a condition.”

“Huh? Then what is it?”

Finally curious, the team’s executive is handed a document by the scouting team.

“Huh? We don’t just sign separately? This is actually in our favor. And… what’s this? Granting the player the right to refuse national team call-ups?”

The puzzling demand was quickly resolved.

“Well… South Korea has conscription, so every adult male must fulfill military service obligations.”

“Oh, I’ve heard of that. Koreans have to go to the military, right?”

“Normally, they have to serve for 18 to 21 months, but if they achieve specific results in designated international competitions, there are benefits for military service…”

“So, it’s because of the military?”

“…Yes.”

***

Meanwhile, as Ju Ji-tae finished mentally washing off his frustrations in the bathroom, and while each team was bustling to make new signings.

“I’m bored to death. Juji went for a brief Germany trip, why isn’t he back yet?”

Jo Jae-shin was idling around in the hotel.

“Shush. Why won’t he even answer the phone? Ah, I don’t know. I heard Ju Ye-shin is about to arrive, it’ll be fine.”