Ever since the draw concluded, the majority of European media's pessimistic predictions for Hoffenheim only added fuel to the already tense Champions League atmosphere. However, no matter how fierce these negative forecasts were, they had nothing to do with Oliver, because he had already proven himself this season. Although external media viewed Hoffenheim's overall challenge against Real Madrid as a mantis trying to stop a chariot, their evaluations of Oliver personally were entirely different.
Their unified view was: "Hoffenheim is indeed weaker than Real Madrid, but their number 17 kid is genuinely strong! He is absolutely the most dazzling and truly deserving supernova in European football this season, bar none."
Soon, this strength transformed into a frantic pursuit of real money. Within just a few days after the Champions League semi-final draw results were announced, the office phones of Hoffenheim club chairman Hopp and general manager Rosen, as well as Oliver's Father's mobile phone, were almost overwhelmed with calls. Formal written offers bearing the emblems of top clubs arrived like snowflakes via fax, encrypted email, and even special couriers, landing on their desks.
First to appear were Premier League newcomers Manchester City. They directly offered a shocking price of 150 million pounds, demonstrating Guardiola's determination to secure him. Immediately following, Manchester City's cross-town rivals, Manchester United, showed no weakness, offering an almost equally substantial 150 million pounds, declaring the Red Devils' unyielding desire for top talent.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, displayed the confidence of a Champions League king; although their offer of 160 million euros was slightly less than the English pound amounts of the Manchester City duo, its historical weight and significance were undeniable. Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich showed their last bit of defiance, temporarily becoming the highest bidder in Europe with an offer of 165 million euros (approximately 145 million pounds).
They were making a final effort, attempting to bring this super talent from the same League and their target coach Nagelsmann back to Munich together. The Old Lady, Juve, also joined the competition; their 140 million euro offer, though slightly conservative, still demonstrated their sincerity in wanting to revitalize their attack.
The most surprising offer came from Oliver's former club, Paris Saint-Germain—the club that had previously released Oliver for free and had been rejected by him once before. Under the leadership of sporting director Antero Henrique, driven by a desire to compensate, they submitted an astonishing offer of 200 million euros (approximately 175 million pounds)!
While the offer amount seemed intimidating, upon understanding the details, it not only ceased to be intimidating but even became a bit awkward. Paris Saint-Germain, while making the offer, requested a long-term installment payment plan, amortized over five years. This was because Paris Saint-Germain had not yet paid off the remaining balance for Neymar, not to mention the outstanding balance owed to Monaco for signing Mbappé.
[Paris Saint-Germain: Damn the Financial Fair Play rules]
Just the remaining balances for Neymar and Mbappé combined were enough to make Paris Saint-Germain uncomfortable for several seasons; now, with the addition of Oliver, it was purely asking for trouble. Amidst this financial storm, what truly shocked Oliver's Father and the Hoffenheim hierarchy was the offer from North London.
Arsenal! Manager Wenger's team gritted their teeth and stepped forward, offering an astonishing 158 million pounds! It was said that the Gunners had virtually emptied all their budget pockets and reportedly brought in new key investors urgently to raise this enormous sum, which was enough to shatter their previous transfer structure.
Behind this offer was Manager Wenger's desperate gamble, viewing Oliver as the cornerstone of the team's future and a means to revitalize the Gunners. Only those familiar with Wenger's past transfer policies could truly appreciate the weighty determination and almost reckless courage behind that 158 million pounds.
Facing this sweeping "money bombardment" that was enough to shake the entire European football world, Hoffenheim's club hierarchy and Oliver's Father both displayed surprising unity and calmness. They maintained absolute silence externally, keeping all inquiries and negotiations firmly under wraps, refusing to reveal any information to the outside world.
Apart from Arsenal, the club his son wished to join, Oliver's Father's response to all other clubs, whether Real Madrid or Manchester City, was highly consistent and official:
"We appreciate your club's sincerity and recognition of Oliver. The player himself is currently focused on Hoffenheim's remaining crucial matches this season, especially the Champions League and League title goals. Regarding everything about the future, we will evaluate and communicate after the season concludes."
He firmly shielded Oliver within the eye of the storm. What about Oliver himself? The astronomical figures that could make any young player dizzy, the names of the top clubs symbolizing the highest echelons of football power, seemed to have caused little ripple in his heart. Yet, on the training ground, he remained the most focused and hardworking figure. His habits of extra shooting practice after training and studying Real Madrid videos late into the night had not changed.
When familiar teammates occasionally jokingly asked about the rampant transfer rumors, he would just smile shyly and wave his hand: "I haven't thought that much about it; playing well in the upcoming matches is the serious business."
In all of Hoffenheim, the person with the biggest headache right now was Nagelsmann. The pressure from the draw and the overwhelming media predictions kept him awake at night. Nagelsmann was now facing unprecedented dual pressure and dilemma.
Firstly, there was the double challenge on the competitive front: the cruel choice between the League and the Champions League. In the German Bundesliga, the title race with Bayern allowed him no room for complacency; any distraction could jeopardize the entire season's efforts, turning their salad bowl dream into an illusion.
And in the Champions League, having miraculously reached the semi-finals, facing Real Madrid with a host of world-class stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Modric, Ramos, Kroos, and Marcelo, the possibility of a comeback was minuscule.
Many "rational" voices were hinting: instead of exhausting themselves in a nearly hopeless Champions League campaign, it would be better to strategically give up and concentrate all firepower to secure the German Bundesliga title, which was by no means less important. With this suggestion, the second problem arose: Oliver's value and personal glory.
Nagelsmann, of course, knew that his extraordinary disciple was at a critical juncture in his career. He was not only leading the team forward but also writing his own personal legend under the watchful eyes of top scouts worldwide. His 16 Champions League goals firmly placed him at the top of the scoring charts, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's 13-goal record.
If he could go a step further, facing one of Europe's best defenses at the Bernabéu, even if he only scored one goal or provided one decisive assist. Even if Hoffenheim were ultimately eliminated, this would undoubtedly be a huge bonus for Oliver's global reputation and his competitiveness in top individual awards like the European Golden Boy and even the Ballon d'Or! And this surging reputation and competitiveness would ultimately be reflected in the returns Hoffenheim could gain when transferring him.
This was a key opportunity to maximize the club's asset value, and it was a realistic consideration Nagelsmann could not avoid. In the tactical room late at night, Nagelsmann sat alone in front of the large tactical screen, which was covered with dense data and clips from recent Real Madrid matches. He rubbed his throbbing temples, repeatedly weighing the pros and cons.
Give up on the Champions League? Could he then face the players who had fought so hard to get this far, especially Oliver's invaluable goals? He would be even more letting down the fans who steadfastly supported the team, win or lose! But if they fought with all their might on both fronts, what if the League effort failed, and all their efforts came to naught? If they suffered a crushing defeat in the Champions League, would it instead dampen the team's high morale?
His gaze fell on the upcoming German Cup match on the club's schedule on the table. Their next Cup opponent was Bremen.mThis German Cup semi-final might be the key to breaking the deadlock!
"Cannot give up completely… nor can I go all-in!" Nagelsmann stared at the Cup match date, muttering to himself.
He grabbed a pen and forcefully wrote in his notebook: "Cup rotation, League and Champions League main players!"
He was going to gamble! Gamble on this seemingly tightrope path! Nagelsmann took a deep breath, his eyes becoming sharp and resolute, and looking at his beloved disciple practicing headers on the training screen, he made his final decision: He would initiate a "half-rotation" strategy in this German Cup knockout match against Bremen!
Allowing some absolute key players to rest (especially Oliver, De Jong, Maguire, and others who had high physical exertion), and fielding some substitutes and rotation players to give the main players a breather. He believed that the strength of this semi-main lineup was sufficient to contend with Bremen and had a very high chance of winning the match! If they could successfully advance to the next round of the German Cup, that would be a pleasant surprise.
More importantly, as long as they beat Bremen, he would dare to put his chips on the next match. That Champions League semi-final first leg that had all of Europe holding its breath! He would not hesitate to field Hoffenheim's strongest possible lineup, their most elite weapons, with all main players traveling to the Bernabéu, to challenge the almost impossible royal power!
To fight for that glimmer of hope, to battle for a miracle, and to create that crucial moment for Oliver that could ignite his personal legend and illuminate Hoffenheim's entire future!
"If we can take down Bremen…" Nagelsmann slammed the pen in his hand onto the table with a "thud," his eyes burning with a do-or-die flame, "Then we will go to the Bernabéu and give it our all to fight!"
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Haven't slept in last two days. Imma go sleep now. Mah sweet sweet sleep. 😴
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