Football: I am only 16 years old, and you want me to retire and make a comeback?

Chapter 933 The Saudi League is stronger than Ligue 1, Two Desert Camels

On the football forum Dongqiudi, it's hotly debated: If Shandong Taishan advances to the AFC Champions League semi-finals, they have a chance to face Tang Ye.

A very interesting situation has emerged in this season's AFC Champions League knockout stage: Tang Ye's youth academy team, Shandong Taishan, and Al-Hilal have been drawn into the same half of the bracket.

This means that if Shandong Taishan defeats Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to advance to the AFC Champions League semi-finals, they will become the first Chinese Super League team to face Tang Ye in an official match.

After taking a 1-0 lead in the first leg at Jinan Olympic Sports Center, Shandong Taishan goalkeeper Wang Dalei and defender Gao Zhunyi shared their thoughts on the match with the media.

"Haha, damn it, cough cough."

Realizing he shouldn't have sworn, Wang Dalei covered his mouth with his hand: "The Korean team is indeed tough to beat, but if we win, we can play Tang Ye in the semifinals, which I think is a good opportunity."

Gao Zhunyi chimed in: "Although we probably can't beat Ye Ge's team, I think it would be very interesting to be Ye Ge's opponent in an official match. We'll do our best."

"Ok."

The reporter nodded, and the sound of camera shutters clicking could be heard from the scene.

"Da Lei, there have been recent news reports that United Development Group wants to send you to Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan's J1 League). Is this news true?"
"Well, that's true."

“UDG has been sending Chinese players to Japan, South Korea and Europe, most of whom are youth players. However, I feel that United Development Group wants to improve the national team’s strength in a short period of time, so I was also included in the plan.”

Wang Dalei smiled wryly: "The opportunity to gain experience in Japan's J1 League is indeed very good, but I'm already of a certain age, and I also have a family... Going to Japan right now would require a lot of determination for me, and I need some time to think about it..."

From the perspective of the Chinese team's goalkeeper, giving up everything he already has in China to start over in Japan is not an easy thing, after all, Wang Dalei already has almost everything he wants in China.

In addition, under the influence of public opinion, the intensity of the salary cap in Chinese domestic leagues has been greatly weakened, which means that Wang Dalei's current salary has also been able to break through the 300 million yuan limit and reach 600 million yuan.

If Wang Dalei were to go to Japan's J1 league now, he would need to be prepared for his annual salary to plummet by 70%!
……

A spokesperson for UDG United Development Group said: "We hope to send Wang Dalei to J1 in Japan, but it will be difficult."

“According to past practice, UDG is willing to provide subsidies to make up for the ‘salary gap’ encountered by domestic players going abroad. However, Wang Dalei, as the national team goalkeeper, has a high salary, which means that if the company wants to fully make up for the player’s salary gap, it will need to provide subsidies of at least 400 million RMB, which is a considerable expense.”

"We are currently in communication with the player and hope to complete the transfer by subsidizing part of his salary and taking on endorsements."

United Development Group has been established for a year and a half. Although it was initially met with skepticism, Tangye has indeed achieved a certain level of success in this regard.

UDG is affiliated with the British toy giant Bubble Bond, which means that UDG has a significant advantage in facilitating player transfers.

Take Wang Dalei as an example. Pop Bond's ample cash flow (loans) provides some subsidies for the player. In addition, if Wang Dalei is really willing to go to the Japanese league, Japanese companies that cooperate with Pop Bond are also very willing to provide sponsorship for the player to support the Chinese market.

Domestic sources revealed that if Wang Dalei is willing to transfer to Yokohama F. Marinos, he may receive a promotional contract for the Chinese market from Panasonic, worth approximately 450-750 million RMB per year. This amount could be used to make up for the salary gap in the player.

……

PPBD Director Tang Ye: If possible, we would like to send all national team players to European leagues or Japanese and Korean leagues, but this is difficult to implement because we need to consider the families of the players.

"Tang Ye, do you know Wang Yudong?"

"Wow"

Tang Ye raised an eyebrow, but he wasn't surprised; he seemed to have already guessed that the fans would ask this question.

“Around November last year, I forget if it was November or December, but it was around the end of last year, Fe... Eskeriva noticed Wang Yudong, he told me about it, and then I noticed him too.”

“He’s very fast.”

Tang Ye offered his summary: "And he's very bold. I think he has a certain talent, but because I don't usually watch the Chinese Super League, I can't give a rigorous analysis. Escribá told me that he should be the best player under 23 in China right now, and I think Ferran rarely gives such an evaluation, so I also have high hopes for him."

Without having much time to understand Wang Yudong, Tang Ye chose to follow suit and agree with Eskriva's analysis, clearly showing that he had great faith in the coach's judgment.

"I added him on WeChat, but he seems a bit introverted, and we haven't talked much yet. If things go well later, I'd be very willing to offer him some help."

"Thank you for accepting our interview. We wish you all the best in the AFC Champions League!"

……

According to Titan Sports, Eskreva once said that Wang Yudong is the best player under 23 in China, and Tang Ye has already established contact with Wang Yudong.

[Zhejiang fans reporting in! Is it finally Xiao Wang's turn to take off?]

Although I'm not a Zhejiang fan, I think Xiao Wang definitely has potential. I suggest not sending him to Japan, but letting him play in Europe for 3 or 4 years first.

It seems like Tang Qiuwang doesn't watch the Chinese Super League very often? Is it because he doesn't find it interesting?

[He has no time at all. He trains and plays matches in Saudi Arabia during the day, and he still has to review documents at night. I really suspect that he's prematurely retired because of too much work at PPBD.]

Don't talk nonsense. Wait until my three-year term as King Tang is up. By then, let's see who dares to talk back.

……

As April approached, Shandong Taishan unfortunately failed to defeat Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, missing the opportunity to face New Moon.

Wang Dalei's poor performance in this match has also given many fans pause for thought.

"Da Lei, hurry up and go to Yokohama F. Marinos, otherwise you won't be able to play for the MMC!"

"Go train with Japan's J1 team, Da Lei, please!"

"Go, Da Lei! You are the best goalkeeper in China!"

Regardless of his performance, in the eyes of Shandong Taishan fans, Wang Dalei is the best and only choice for the national team goalkeeper.

Wang Dalei responded to the fans' cheers with applause.

As for whether or not he should go to Yokohama Mariners, he needs some time to consider it.

……

"China Central Television! This is a live broadcast of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League final, Al-Hilal vs. Ulsan HD from South Korea. Now, let me introduce the starting lineups for both teams!"

"First is the Riyadh New Moon!"

Riyadh New Moon (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Bono

Defenders: Theo Hernandez, Ali Blaich, Koulibaly, Cancelo
Midfielders: Milinkovic, Tang Ye (C), Malcom

Forwards: Salem Davasari, Mitrovic, Salman Faraj

Head Coach: Jorge Jesus

"Al-Hilal from the Saudi League is the top favorite to win this year's AFC Champions League."

"Yes, because of Tang Ye, I believe everyone is familiar with the Riyadh Crescent team, but I still need to share some information with everyone in the live stream."

"Al-Hilal is a very special team. There are only 4 games left in the season, but Al-Hilal has not lost a single game so far."

"Never lost a single game?"

He Wei appeared somewhat surprised, but of course, this was just an act for the sake of the live stream. How could he not know about Tang Ye's team?

"Yes, that includes the league, the Saudi King's Cup, and the AFC Champions League. And in the AFC Champions League, Al-Hilal is not only undefeated, but undefeated. Al-Hilal has won every single AFC Champions League match this season, without exception."

"In other words, if Ulsan HD wants to win the championship, they must defeat Crescent Moon after being down by 3 goals in the first leg."

hiss……

Today's final seems a bit too difficult for the South Korean team, Ulsan? But it's still worth a try!
"..."

"Malcolm, great, get Milinkovic over there to provide support."

"Give possession to Tang Ye!"

"Tang Ye has the ball now! Let's see how he handles it!"

"Give it to Hernandez!"

With Theo Hernandez making a run down the wing, Crescent's midfield and attacking players finally showed their fangs.

"Take a look, take a look!"

"be careful!"

Snapped!
Hernandez delivered a cross, and Mitrovic jumped in the penalty area amidst a fierce challenge.

boom!
“GOOO—AAAA—LLLL!!!”

"1:0!!"

"..."

Live Match Report: In the 14th minute, Hernandez crossed the ball, and Mitrovic headed it into the net, giving New Moon a 1-0 lead over Ulsan HD in the second leg and a 4-0 lead over both legs.

"..."

"We see that Al-Hilal's playing style remains as aggressive as ever!"

"Cancelo comes up, Tang Ye makes a diagonal run!"

"Cancelo to Tang Ye!"

"The ball is in!"

"Tang Ye scores! 2-0!"

"With this goal, Crescent Moon's aggregate score is now 5-0! They have a clear advantage!"

"..."

"Tang Ye, we've found Malcolm!"

"Although he didn't run, it seems like Tang Ye was observing the whole time during the attack!"

"Give it to Mitrovic!"

"The ball is in!"

"3:0!"

"..."

boom!
Koulibaly's header was blocked, but Tang Ye was already ready at the far post.

Lift your right leg and kick it randomly!
“GOOO—AAAA—LLLL!!!”

"4:0!!"

"..."

"Beep, beep beep—!!!"

The match ended with Al-Hilal virtually thrashing Ulsan HD in the AFC Champions League final with an incredible 8-0 aggregate score, securing their fourth title of the season.

This score is indeed quite exaggerated, but Crescent Moon always gives people the feeling that it can handle any game with ease.

Perhaps even the head coach of Al-Hilal can't figure out the ceiling of his team.

Dongqiudi Match Report: Al-Hilal defeats Ulsan HD 8-0 on aggregate to win the AFC Champions League title and secure a direct qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup (restructured). (825362 comments)

[Tang, the King of Football, sob, it has to be you again!]

[New Moon AFC Champions League winners, Manchester United Champions League semi-finalists, brothers, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should.]

[Teng Hah: Don't say it!]

[Hahahaha, it's not that the Crescent Moon is bad, it's that damn ruthless! No wonder Ronaldo keeps saying Saudi Arabia is stronger than the Crescent Moon, is it because they've been beaten by the Crescent Moon too many times?]

Stop playing around outside and come back quickly, Tang, I have a feeling that if things continue like this, Manchester United won't win the Premier League title next season.

[That's not the case. Rodri and Dembele are still top-notch. Didn't Dembele say that three years will pass in the blink of an eye?]

"TY, you have scored a total of 21 goals and provided 18 assists in all the matches of this AFC Champions League. This achievement is groundbreaking."

"Well, whatever. That's my job; I need to play better than everyone else."

"After winning the AFC Champions League, you have secured your place in next year's FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. What are your expectations for the Club World Cup? You may face some of your old rivals from Europe."

"..."

Fans and reporters are paying close attention to the first Club World Cup after the reform, but Tang Ye doesn't seem to be very interested in it.

"That's a year from now, I don't think we should rush it."

……

Riyadh Sports Cover – All Titles Won! Al-Hilal Achieves Unbeaten Record for the First Time in Their History!
Al-Hilal won a total of four titles this season: the Saudi League title, the Saudi King's Cup title, the Arab Champions League title, and the AFC Champions League title, achieving the highest honors in all top-level competitions in Saudi Arabia and securing their place in the FIFA Club World Cup next season.

Tang Ye's $4.4 million annual salary is indeed outrageous, but after this season, it's estimated that no one will be dissatisfied anymore.

This guy is a complete money-devourer, but he's genuinely willing to step up when the team needs him!

In August 2024, the 24-25 Saudi League season officially kicked off.

In the second match of the Saudi league this season, Riyadh, where Ronaldo plays, defeated Al-Jeddah, where Benzema plays, and Ronaldo once again said his classic quote in an interview.

"It is obvious that the Saudi league is currently more competitive than Ligue 1. The Saudi league has reached the level of the top five leagues and is one of the best football leagues in the world."

Cristiano Ronaldo's actions can be described as a job paid for, but judging from his demeanor, the Portuguese player seems to be quite serious about this matter, which has sparked much discussion among fans and media.

What are those two desert camels doing?

[Hahaha, Saudi Arabia > Ligue 1! Tom and Ronaldo are dumbfounded. These players will help lie for money!]

[These two camels are really good brothers. It's a pity that TY didn't go to Victory and join Ronaldo. It would have been interesting if the two camels were on the same team.]

Actually, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who first said that Saudi Arabia is superior to Ligue 1, but because Tang Ye also plays in the Saudi league, this statement has become a joint statement by Tang Ye and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Because Tang Ye had received money, he couldn't directly say that Saudi Arabia was inferior to the French league, so he could only remain silent.

Regarding the "Saudi Arabia > Ligue 1" theory, Paris Saint-Germain legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic responded: "They can't imagine the intensity of Ligue 1. Ligue 1 is undoubtedly better than the Saudi league."

Manchester City legend: The reason TY was willing to play for Saudi Arabia was because of his deep-seated laziness. He was a lazy player, and he also had another characteristic - he liked to beat weaker opponents.

……

(End of this chapter)