Monday, 14 September 2015 - Melwood Morning
The sun had barely risen over Liverpool when Azim arrived at Melwood Training Centre. The crisp morning air carried a hint of autumn, and the dew on the grass glistened under the early light. Azim parked his car and took a moment to absorb the serenity before the day's intensity began.
Inside the facility, the atmosphere was already buzzing. Players filtered in, exchanging greetings and light banter. Azim, usually reserved, found himself more at ease. He approached Roberto Firmino and Lucas Leiva, who were engaged in a playful debate about last night's Brazilian league match.
"Morning, lads," Azim greeted, a slight smile on his face.
Firmino turned, surprised but pleased. "Azim! Did you catch the game?"
Azim nodded. "I did. Firmino, your team was lucky with that penalty."
Lucas laughed. "See? Even Azim agrees with me."
The trio chuckled, and Azim felt a warmth he hadn't realized he'd missed.
Training commenced with intense warm-ups. Jürgen Klopp emphasized the importance of pressing and quick transitions. Azim immersed himself in the drills, his movements sharp and deliberate. During a particular exercise focusing on ball retention under pressure, he executed a deft turn, leaving two defenders trailing.
James Milner, observing the play, clapped in appreciation. "You've earned your place, mate."
Azim met Milner's gaze and nodded, a mutual respect passing between them.
Tuesday, 15 September 2015 - Boardroom
The boardroom at Anfield was shadowed in soft dusk light, the windows tinting the Merseyside skyline into streaks of grey and gold. The heavy door had closed behind Azim just minutes ago, but already the atmosphere inside felt denser — not hostile, but poised. Formal. Focused.
Azim sat alone at one end of the long oak table — no representative, no entourage, just a youth player whose name had begun surfacing in whispers all across Europe. His face remained calm, unreadable. But inside, the IS was already awake, scanning everything — the room, the posture of each club executive, and most importantly, the open folder in front of him.
Across the table sat four men.Jürgen Klopp, not yet fully settled into his new post, leaned in with his elbows on the table, his eyes narrowed in anticipation — not of conflict, but curiosity. The Director of Football, recently promoted, maintained a more diplomatic posture: hands folded, voice ready. Two legal officers sat quietly flanking them — one from football operations, the other from commercial.
"Azim," the Director began, voice calm, crisp. "We're pleased with what we've seen. You've earned this opportunity. The club is prepared to offer you your first professional contract with the senior team."
He slid a slim red folder across the table.
Azim opened it without hesitation. He scanned the top page — slowly, deliberately — while inside, the IS lit up like a tactical HUD.
[IS ONLINE | Negotiation Mode Active]
Club Offer Summary (Version 1.0):
Base Salary: £100,000 per week
Contract Duration: 5 years (fixed)
-IS Analysis-
[No bonuses.][No appearance guarantees.][No image rights structure.][No release clause.][No brand control clause.]
IS Advisory Notice:
Incomplete structural terms.
Compensation is elite-level, but control and flexibility omitted.
Recommend inserting strategic clauses for leverage, legacy, and long-term vision.]
Azim's gaze didn't shift. Externally, he remained calm — neutral. Internally, the IS began running simulations.
IS Recommendations (Negotiation Enhancements):
Adjust duration to 4 years + optional 5th (triggered at 75 appearances by end of Year 3).
Add performance-based salary raise: +20% annual if club wins any major trophy.
Define bonuses: £10k per goal, £5k per assist, £2k per appearance.
Set minimum match requirement: 25 per season.
Enforce player control over image rights.
Add brand veto clause + one protected contact number
Insert release clause: £350 million (non-English clubs only, or player-initiated).
Include squad number request: No. 9.
--
Azim raised his head slowly and addressed the Director. His voice, though soft, filled the room with clarity.
"Thank you," he said. "I'm honored to receive this offer — and I accept the club's intention without question."
The Director nodded once, acknowledging the respect.
"That said," Azim continued, "I'd like to propose several additions. These aren't demands — only refinements to clarify expectations."
A flicker of surprise passed through one of the legal advisors. Klopp sat forward, almost smiling.
"Go ahead," the Director said, intrigued.
Azim opened the folder again and laid it flat. "First, I'd prefer a four-year base term, with a fifth-year option triggered only if I reach 75 senior appearances by the end of the third season."
He glanced at them. "This reflects my intent to earn longevity, not assume it."
One of the legal officers started typing. Klopp nodded almost immediately.
"Second," Azim said, "a performance clause — 20% annual raise if Liverpool secures at least one major trophy per season. Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup… something that proves we're growing."
The Director paused, then nodded. "That's achievable. Continue."
"Third — bonuses. I'd like £10,000 per goal, £5,000 per assist, and £2,000 per appearance. Minimum 25 senior matches per season."
"That's aggressive," one legal officer muttered.
"It's what I intend to deliver," Azim replied, voice cool.
Klopp glanced at the Director. "He'll make more than that if he keeps scoring like he did last weekend."
"Fourth," Azim continued, "image rights. I own them, full stop. The club licenses them for official purposes — kits, campaigns — under clear boundaries. I'll also handle commercial contact via one protected number. No agent will represent me."
[IS NOTE: Proxy Channel Open | Sponsorship AI Hub Deployed]
Now the Director leaned back, eyebrows raised. "You'll go fully independent?"
Azim nodded. "I already am."
The room was quiet for a moment. Klopp leaned back, smiling to himself.
Azim offered one final revision.
"Lastly, I'd like a £350 million release clause — only applicable to non-Premier League clubs, or at my written request. And I'd like to wear the number nine shirt."
Now the tension tightened — but not from Azim. From the room itself.
"That number is currently Benteke's," said one advisor.
"I'm aware," Azim replied. "But respectfully, I believe this club is entering a new era. The number should reflect that."
Klopp spoke up, not even glancing at the Director. "I'll handle Christian. You'll wear nine by Sunday."
The Director looked at Azim for a long moment. Then he nodded once.
"We'll amend the terms and finalize tonight. Sign here as a formal commitment — we'll issue the full revision tomorrow."
Azim reached for the pen. Signed cleanly, in one calm stroke.
[IS CONFIRMATION: Contract Secured | Clause Ownership: 93% Player | Release Active: £350M]
As the Director extended his hand, Klopp remained seated, eyes fixed on Azim. Not with concern. But with certainty.
"You just rewrote the rules," Klopp said quietly. "Now let's show them what they look like on the pitch."
Azim stood and left the room without fanfare. Outside, Anfield's outer corridors glowed with late daylight.
He was no longer just a player signing his first pro deal.
He had become Liverpool's silent architect.
Thursday , 17 September 2015
With the new contract came changes. Azim moved into a modern, minimalist house close to Melwood. The space was uncluttered, reflecting his preference for simplicity.
A matte black Porsche Cayenne now occupied his driveway—a symbol of his rising stature.
IS assisted in managing his schedule, finances, and even suggested investment opportunities. Azim reviewed a portfolio that included stocks and real estate, ensuring his future beyond football.
One evening, Trent Alexander-Arnold visited. The two played FIFA, the room filled with laughter and friendly competition.
"You're a celebrity now," Trent teased.
Azim chuckled. "Just started, mate."
Later, Azim ventured to a local café. As he sipped his coffee, a group of young fans approached.
"Asia Boy!" one exclaimed.
Azim smiled genuinely, taking pictures and chatting with them. He felt a growing connection with the community.
Friday Evening, 18 September 2015
Azim's family had gathered at a quaint Italian restaurant on the outskirts of Liverpool. The ambiance was warm, the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air.
His mother, a British woman with a nurturing demeanor, beamed with pride. His father, a stoic Malaysian man, observed his son with quiet satisfaction. Azim's older brother, a university student, couldn't resist teasing.
"So, Mr. Big Shot," his brother began, "how does it feel to be rolling in cash?"
Azim laughed. "It's not about the money. It's about the journey."
His father nodded approvingly. "Remember where you came from. Stay grounded."
They reminisced about their move from Malaysia to Liverpool in 2012, the challenges they faced, and the bond that held them together.
Saturday Night, 19 September 2015 - Klopp's house
The fireplace crackled quietly in the corner of Jürgen Klopp's living room. The scent of coffee mixed with hints of wood polish and fresh baked bread. A framed photo of Mainz 05 hung beside one of Borussia Dortmund's iconic yellow wall—two snapshots of a lifetime carved in football.
Azim sat on a leather armchair opposite Klopp, relaxed for once—not in training gear, but in a simple hoodie and jeans. The atmosphere was warm, almost fatherly.
Klopp handed Azim a steaming mug. "It's no Turkish blend, but it's strong."
Azim accepted it with a grin. "Strong's good."
For a moment, they sipped in silence, the tension of the week melting away.
"I don't usually invite players here," Klopp admitted. "But you… I wanted to talk, not just about tactics or minutes or contracts. About you."
Azim leaned back. "Alright."
"What do you do when football stops?" Klopp asked. "What clears your mind?"
Azim hesitated. Then smiled softly. "Ocean fishing. With my father. Out in the bay with just rods, water, and silence."
Klopp raised an eyebrow. "Fishing? Proper fishing or you just sit and nap on the boat?"
Azim chuckled. "Both. Depends how good the bite is."
Klopp laughed. "I used to go with my father. River trout. He had this old rod that bent like it was made of twigs."
"Mine still uses the same one. Swears the rust brings luck."
They laughed, and for a moment, there were no expectations, no substitutions, no formations—just two men sharing stories.
"I wanted to see who you are off the pitch," Klopp said, setting his cup down. "Because if I'm building something, I'm not just building it with boots. I'm building it with character."
Azim met his gaze. "That goes both ways. You're the only reason I waited."
Klopp's eyes narrowed in curiosity. "Waited?"
Azim didn't elaborate. He just said, "You understand what this club should feel like."
Klopp nodded slowly. "Then let's build it properly. Not just to win. But to make people believe again."
They clinked mugs like warriors shaking hands before war.
Sunday, 20 September 2015 – Matchday 6:30 AM
The next morning, Azim woke early. He stood shirtless in front of the window in his new home, watching the fog roll across the quiet neighborhood near Melwood. The Porsche gleamed faintly under the streetlight.
"IS," he murmured.
A faint pulse responded in his peripheral vision. "Core Online."
"Today?"
"Matchday. Liverpool vs Norwich City. Premier League. Location: Anfield."
Azim stretched his arms. "Weather?"
"Partly cloudy. 15°C. Wind speed 11 km/h. Perfect conditions."
"Table?"
The IS flashed the updated standings:
Premier League Table
Rank____Club________MP____Pts
1. Manchester City___6_____15
2. West Ham United__6____12
3. Leicester City_______6____12
4. Arsenal____________6____10
5. Liverpool__________5____10
6. Tottenham Hotspur_6___9
7. Everton_____________6____9
8. Swansea City_______6_____9
9. Watford____________6_____9
10. Crystal Palace_____6____9
11. West Brom________6____8
12. Manchester United_5___7
13. Norwich City_______5____7
14. Bournemouth_____6____7
15. Chelsea___________6____7
16. Southampton_____5____6
17. Aston Villa________6____4
18. Stoke City_________6___3
19. Newcastle United__6___2
20. Sunderland________6___2
Azim stared at it.
"If we win today?"
"Liverpool climbs to 2nd. Goal difference dependent. Momentum: High."
"Right."
He exhaled and turned from the window.
Today wasn't just another game.
It was his Anfield debut. Also Klopp's first home match.
And he'd make sure no one forgot it.
9:12 AM – Kitchen Counter
Azim sat at his kitchen island with a bowl of oats and sliced banana. His mother had texted him already: "Play hard. Be kind. And smile at the crowd."
He smiled to himself.
His father's text was simpler: "Go make history."
IS displayed his physical status in a floating green diagnostic:
Muscle Glycogen: 92%
Explosive Threshold: Green
Neural Readiness: Peak
"Optimal conditions. No fatigue markers. Tactical calibration complete."
Azim finished his breakfast, packed his bag, and locked the front door. The Cayenne purred to life.
He drove through Liverpool's winding roads, the Sunday quietness giving way to patches of red scarves and flags already fluttering near the city center.
The closer he got to Anfield, the more it felt like gravity increased.
And he was ready to carry the weight.
Sunday, 20 September 2015 - Anfield, 2:00 PM BST
The sleek hum of engines faded as the players arrived one by one. The brick-red walls of Anfield stood high and proud under a brilliant Merseyside sky. The autumn air carried that pre-match electric buzz, thick with anticipation and history. Flags fluttered. The banners were already up.
"Azim – ST – #9"
A huge new number for a teenager.
A Porsche Cayenne pulled into the players' lot. The matte black paint reflected swarms of fans pressing against the barricades, holding up signs, waving scarves. Some held posters of legends. A few held his name.
Azim stepped out of the car, dressed in Liverpool's black warm-up track suit. His boots dangled from one hand. As he turned, a boy in a red jersey screamed out.
"Asia Boy! Azim! Our 9! Come on lad!"
Azim offered a soft nod, one hand raised, a calm gesture of acknowledgment. Nothing exaggerated. But he felt it in his bones: the weight of their hope, the need for something special today.
"IS Core Online."
The interface bloomed into focus as he entered the corridor toward the changing room.
"Welcome to Anfield, Azim."
"Matchday status: Green."
"Opponent: Norwich City."
"Formation: 4-2-3-1 confirmed."
"Weather: 15°C, wind NNW 8 mph, clear visibility."
Azim took a long breath, letting the sounds soak in—the hum of the tunnel fans, the low murmur of early arriving supporters, the reverberations of cleats tapping across concrete.
"Crowd presence: 44,072 expected."
"Psychological momentum: Favorable."
"IS Note: This is your Anfield debut. Engage with clarity. Trigger impact early."
2:05 PM – Dressing Room, Anfield
Inside the freshly revamped home locker room, Klopp paced in front of the tactical board. The atmosphere was relaxed but focused. Each locker bore a clean jersey, boots aligned perfectly, kit staff already gone.
Azim sat at his space—#9, center of the far wall—flanked by Firmino and Milner.
Klopp tapped the board.
Liverpool (4-3-3)
GK: Simon Mignolet
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
CB: Martin Škrtel
CB: Dejan Lovren
LB: Alberto Moreno
CDM: James Milner (Captain)
CDM: Emre Can
CAM: Roberto Firmino
RW: Philippe Coutinho
LW: Daniel Sturridge - after injury break
ST: Abdul Azim
Bench: Bogdan, Sakho, Lucas, Allen, Lallana, Ibe, Ings
He turned to face the squad.
"Alright. This is the first time we return to Anfield together since the restart," Klopp began. "This pitch, this crowd, this club—they demand more than structure. They demand life. And today, we give them that."
He pointed at Azim, then at Firmino and Coutinho.
"We play vertical. Fast. No waiting. If they hesitate, we kill the move. Press together. Move as one. Think forward."
He looked at Milner.
"You're the engine. Emre, clean up and link."
Finally, Klopp tapped Azim's name once.
"First Premier League start. No big speech. No protection. Just do what I already know you will."
Azim nodded once.
IS: "Mental load: Normal. Visual field clear. Pulse 74 BPM. Tactical directive received."
Klopp clapped once, loud.
"Let's warm up. Make them feel it."
2:22 PM – Pitchside Warm-Up
The crowd had grown tenfold. The air throbbed now, the tension rising like a tide. Liverpool players jogged out to thunderous applause. Every cheer bounced off the stands like war drums.
Azim stepped onto the Anfield turf.
And for a moment—he just stared.
This was the field.
The one sung about in every anthem. The stage graced by kings.
He jogged toward the far end. Firmino tossed him a ball. He nodded in thanks.
IS: "Terrain mapped. Wind influence minor. Surface: 97% optimal."
They ran a full set of rondos, tight space drills, acceleration shuttles. Milner shouted cues. Firmino offered thumbs up. Sturridge grinned after slipping a backheel through Lovren's legs.
But as the team returned to structured warm-up, Azim drifted closer to the far corner of the Kop.
A few fans noticed—and pulled out phones.
Azim placed the ball just outside the corner arc. Then stood ten meters back.
IS Simulation: Engage Trick Shot Mode. Accuracy Target: Upper bar. Shot strength: 68%."
He struck the ball with a whip.
It kissed the crossbar and bounced back toward him. One touch. Then a volley—
Bar again.
Gasps.
He kept going.
Three times. Four. Five.
On the sixth, he caught the rebound and flicked it over his head, stepped forward, and stopped the ball with a perfect deadweight trap. The ball didn't roll. It just—stopped.
The crowd erupted. Even the Norwich bench clapped.
Gary Neville, watching from the Sky studio, muttered into his headset: "Alright then. This lad is different."
The announcer spoke over the stadium PA.
"Welcome to Anfield. Please prepare for kick-off. Lineups incoming."
2:50 PM – Dressing Room
Klopp stood with arms crossed. The players, now changed, sat in the semi-circle facing him.
"Remember," Klopp said. "Final third is where we live. The moment you hesitate, you lose."
He pointed at Firmino and Azim.
"Connection. Timing. You two make the difference today."
He stepped forward, lowering his voice.
"Play the way they'll remember. Don't chase legends—become them."
He stepped back, clapped once.
"Let's walk."
2:55 PM – Tunnel Walk
The roar outside now became thunder.
Flags rose. Scarves lifted.
"You'll Never Walk Alone" echoed across Anfield—44,072 voices joining as one.
Azim stood between Moreno and Milner, eyes fixed ahead.
On the other side, Norwich players bounced in place.
Martin, their captain, had become a father just this morning. Azim had seen it in pre-match prep.
IS: "Opponent morale high. But defense wide. Target zone: right shoulder CB gap."
Klopp stood behind the team, silent now.
He didn't need to say anything more.
Everything that mattered was already alive inside them.
The whistle blew in the tunnel.
"Let's go," Milner said.
Azim walked out into the Anfield sun.
He didn't blink.
This was his moment.
And the future had just begun.
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- 3100+ words. sorry for the delay. i already draft 13,000+ words for the match (vs norwich) . will post it later. my target is 1 chapter per week. so see u guys later.