*(Transfer Breakthrough Chapter)*
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**Seraing Training Ground – Dawn After Matchday 28**
Ibukun's boots crunched over frost as he completed his 100th solo drill—recreating a Zidane turn from last night's simulation. His breath fogged in the January air while his HUD displayed the season's progress:
***`28 MATCHES PLAYED:
→ 14 Goals
→ 9 Assists
→ 83% Dribble Success
→ SP BALANCE: 2,150`***
Coach Lebrun's Citroën screeched to a halt on the gravel, his usual 8AM arrival accelerated by two hours. He waved a crumpled fax like a white flag.
*"Lille OSC wants you. Their scout will be here in..."* He checked his cracked watch. *"Three hours. And for God's sake, shower."*
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**The Arrival**
At precisely 11:03AM, a gunmetal Porsche Cayenne pulled into the training complex. The woman who emerged made even the groundskeepers stop raking:
- **Height:** 178cm in heels that cracked ice
- **Attire:** Tailored navy blazer over a Lille jersey that somehow looked professional
- **Eyes:** Arctic blue with the tactical coldness of a Champions League-winning goalkeeper
She extended a manicured hand. *"Claire Moreau. Head of Talent Acquisition."* Her Bordeaux-red lips curved. *"Though I prefer 'Finder of Lost Boys.'"*
Ibukun's HUD instantly analyzed:
***`SCOUT DOSSIER:
→ Former PSG Women's CDM
→ Negotiated Galtier's Lille move
→ Weakness: Overvalues technical flair (↓17% defensive focus)`***
Jay-Jay's hologram whistled. *"Careful, boy. This one plays chess while others play checkers."*
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**The Pitch Demonstration**
Moreau demanded an unscripted trial:
1. **First Test:** 30-yard diagonal passes into a moving golf cart (Ibukun hit 23/25)
2. **Second:** Defensive headers against a ball machine set to "2018 Mandžukić Mode"
3. **Finale:** A 1v1 where she herself played keeper—diving full-stretch to tip his knuckleball shot wide
*"Not bad,"* she admitted, grass stains on her slacks. *"But can you handle Ligue 1's darkness?"*
From her briefcase came a tablet showing footage of:
- Marseille's ultras launching flares
- Lens defenders whispering racist taunts
- PSG's tunnel mind games
Ibukun's fingers twitched toward his left pocket—where he kept Loïc's titanium screw from their last encounter.
*"I eat darkness for breakfast."*
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**Lebrun's Gambit**
The negotiation table smelled of stale coffee and ambition. Moreau opened with:
*"€1.2 million. Five-year contract. Performance bonuses."*
Lebrun slammed his fist, rattling the water glasses. *"Insulting! This boy doubled our attendance!"* His counter:
- €3.5m base
- 15% sell-on clause
- Ibukun keeps image rights
Moreau's stiletto tapped a Morse code of consideration. *"We'll pay three... if he completes one final test."*
She slid across a contract with a blank space where the club name should be.
*"A secret friendly against PSG's U23s. Tomorrow night. No scouts, no cameras."*
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**The Hidden Trial**
Stade Pierre Mauroy's reserve pitch was lit only by emergency exits. PSG's academy stars—all €10m+ talents—snickered at Ibukun's taped boots.
Moreau's voice carried from the shadows: *"Show me you belong."*
What followed was 90 minutes of silent brutality:
1. **First Half:** Targeted by two enforcers with instructions to "test his durability"
2. **55th Minute:** Scored a solo goal after nutmegging PSG's captain
3. **Final Act:** A last-man tackle that left his thigh bleeding—but saved the draw
As Ibukun limped toward the tunnel, Moreau blocked his path. Her perfume—gunpowder and jasmine—filled his nostrils as she pressed a pen into his palm.
*"Welcome to Lille."*
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**Chapter 12 Closing**
The signed contract glowed under Ibukun's mattress back in Seraing:
***`TRANSFER TERMS:
→ €3.2m to RFC Seraing
→ €18k/week base salary
→ €50k clean sheet/goal bonuses
→ MEDICAL: Tomorrow`***
Jay-Jay's hologram watched from the corner, uncharacteristically quiet.
*"Don't celebrate yet. France eats African talents alive."*
Outside, a black Porsche idled—waiting to take Ibukun toward his future at dawn.
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