The private jet touched down in Vancouver under a clear Canadian sky. Niklas stepped out into the fresh air, adjusting his sunglasses. At twenty-eight, he had already crossed half of Europe chasing players this summer. Now he had flown even farther. This one felt special.
Alphonso Davies was only seventeen, but everyone who watched MLS knew his name. The young Canadian winger was fast, fearless, and played with joy. Big clubs like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Arsenal had started asking questions. Niklas wanted to move before they made serious offers.
He met Carl Robinson, the Whitecaps head coach, at a quiet café near the training ground the next morning. Robinson was a straightforward man who clearly cared about his players.
"You've come a long way, Mr. Brandt," Robinson said as they shook hands. "Most European clubs send scouts first. Not the owner himself."
Niklas smiled. "Some players deserve the personal touch."
They talked for nearly an hour. Robinson spoke about Davies' development, his attitude in training, and how the club had helped him grow. Niklas listened carefully, then laid out his plan.
"I'm not here to take him and put him on the bench," Niklas said. "At HSV he will play regularly. We are building something new in the second division. Young players get real minutes. Real responsibility. We have already signed several teenagers who will grow together with him."
Robinson leaned back. "What about the money?"
"Five thousand euros a week to start," Niklas replied. "With big bonuses for appearances, goals, and assists. If we get promoted, it jumps higher. Housing, car, everything covered. And if a truly massive club comes in two or three years, we won't stand in his way."
Robinson raised his eyebrows. The numbers were strong for a seventeen-year-old from MLS.
Later that afternoon, Niklas met Alphonso Davies and his family at their home. The boy was tall, athletic, and had a bright smile. His parents sat close, listening quietly. They had moved from Liberia years earlier and wanted the best for their son.
Niklas spoke honestly.
"I know European clubs are watching you," he said, looking straight at Alphonso. "But I'm offering you something different. You will not be hidden in the youth team. You will train with the first team every day. You will play in almost every match. My coaches are young and modern."
He paused, then added, "This summer I have signed many young players like you. Haaland from Norway. Saliba from France. Szoboszlai from Austria. You would join a group that grows together. In two or three years, when the big clubs call, HSV will help you take the next step. But right now, you need games and trust."
Alphonso's eyes lit up. His parents asked many questions about life in Germany, school, and safety. Niklas answered every one patiently. By the end of the evening, the family was smiling.
Three days later, the deal was done. Alphonso Davies signed with Hamburger SV for a fee of €2.2 million; a record for an MLS teenager at the time. The Whitecaps made a good profit. Davies got the chance to move to Europe immediately.
Back on the plane to Hamburg, Niklas watched the clouds below. His phone kept buzzing with messages from Jonas and the new coaching staff. More signings were close.
When he landed, the training center felt different. The new grass was in place. The hotel next door had become a temporary home for many of the young players. Music played from the gym where fitness tests were running. Laughter echoed from the canteen where nutritionists served balanced meals.
Jann-Fiete Arp jogged past with Manuel Wintzheimer. Rick van Drongelen shouted instructions to the younger defenders. In one corner, Josha Vagnoman and Stephan Ambrosius worked on passing drills with Vasilije Janjičić. The young Dutch coaches moved between groups, full of energy.
Niklas stood on the side of the main pitch with Jansen. The assistant coach watched the session with a proud smile.
"They look like they belong already," Jansen said.
"They do," Niklas replied. "But this is only the beginning."
He had spent a big part of the eighty million euros on squad and renovations for the training facility. The squad was now extremely young, average age under twenty-two. Many people outside called it reckless. Local papers still joked about the "Kindergarten Dinosaur."
But on the training field, something special was forming. No fear of mistakes. The players ran harder because they knew they would get another chance if they failed. The coaches pushed them because they were building something together.
Later that evening, Niklas sat in his office looking at the updated squad list. Davies' name was now on it. So were Haaland, Saliba, Szoboszlai, Timber, Tchouaméni, Gvardiol, Costa, Vitinha, and many others. The core from the old academy, van Drongelen, Jann-Fiete Arp, Josha Vagnoman, and Patric Pfeiffer, gave the group some local heart. The rest of them were sent to the reserves team.
But he still lacked some significant players like; Bukayo Saka, Pedri, Jude Bellingham, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Alexander Isak. Getting these players would mark a successful summer transfer.
Jonas walked in with fresh scouting reports. "Three more deals are almost done. The young winger from Georgia, Kvaratskhelia. One from Las Palmas, Pedri. And Bellingham, from Birmingham in England."
Niklas nodded. "Good. So we're left with Alexander Isak and Bukayo Saka."
He stood up and walked to the window. The lights of Hamburg stretched across the river. "Getting Isak's signature shouldn't be a problem. He's having a hard time with Borussia Dortmund. But Saka on the other hand... I'll have to fly to England tomorrow."
He paused, then continued. "Hopefully, I'll get to bring back an extra player alongside him."
The first friendly matches were only weeks away. Then the real test in the 2. Bundesliga would begin.
Niklas turned back to his desk and opened the tactical folder. He had drawn new set pieces and pressing triggers the night before. The young coaches had already started teaching them.