As the plane touched down at Heathrow Airport, the gray skies of England greeted Luka as he stepped off the jet bridge.
He'd hoped to be heading to Croatia for the international break, but business called – the Puma deal was finally ready to be signed.
A twinge of disappointment tugged at him, knowing he wouldn't be seeing Manchester or his family this trip. The winter break seemed ages away, but he pushed the thought aside.
At baggage claim, Luka spotted a familiar face – Carlos, one of Jorge's junior agents. The man waved, a polite smile on his face.
"Zorić," Carlos greeted him, taking Luka's bag. "I trust your flight was comfortable?"
Luka nodded, falling into step beside the agent as they made their way to the waiting car. "Any word from Jorge?" he asked, sliding into the backseat.
Carlos started the engine, pulling smoothly into London traffic. "He's waiting for us at the office. Everything's set for the signing, but he wants to go over a few details with you first."
The city blurred past the windows and Luka found himself thinking of Manchester, of the streets he'd grown to know so well. Soon, he promised himself. Soon he'd be back.
They pulled up to a office building in the heart of the financial district. Luka followed Carlos through the lobby and up to a private conference room where Mendes was waiting, a spread of documents before him.
"Luka!" Jorge stood, embracing him warmly. "Good to see you, my boy. How was the flight?"
"Fine, thanks," Luka replied, taking a seat across from his agent. "So, we're really doing this?"
Jorge's eyes twinkled. "We are indeed. Puma's offer is excellent – better than we'd hoped, actually. The documents are all finalized, just waiting for your signature."
Luka nodded, this was big – his first major long-term sponsorship deal, and a grand one at that.
"Now," Jorge continued, leaning forward, "before we sign, I want to go over the schedule for the today. We've got the photoshoot at a few iconic London locations. Puma wants to play up your status as a rising star in European football."
"Sounds good," Luka said, then hesitated. "Um, about the national team..."
Jorge waved a hand. "All taken care of. You'll miss the Malta match, but you'll be back in time for Russia. Croatia's spot in the World Cup is secure, so the coach understands the importance of this deal."
He hated missing matches, but he was likely to be benched either way.
"Now," Jorge said, his tone turning serious, "we need to discuss your future beyond this deal. That interview you gave after the Leipzig match... well, you've certainly stirred things up."
Luka couldn't help but grin. "That was kind of the point."
Jorge chuckled. "I know, I know. And it was a smart move. We've already had request to begin face-to-face meeting from several clubs. But we need to be strategic about this."
He pulled out a folder, spreading several documents across the table. "I've got preliminary offers here from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Manchester City, Liverpool…. Tottenham… So practically ever club. They're all willing to take over you're loan, which is possible due to you're recall option and thereafter signing you permanently."
Luka's head spun. "What about Manchester United?" he asked, not that he cared for an offer, he was just interested in seeing their response.
Jorge's expression softened. "They're keen to renegotiate your contract, keep you there long-term. But of course we're not going to United are we."
Luka nodded, his mind racing. "I know, I know. It's just... a lot to take in."
"Of course it is," Jorge said, patting his hand. "And we don't have to decide anything right now. For the moment, let's focus on the Puma deal. We'll have plenty of time to discuss your future over the next few weeks."
Luka took a deep breath, centering himself. "Right. Puma first, then we tackle the rest."
Jorge nodded approvingly. "Excellent. Now, let's head downstairs. The Puma team is waiting, and we've got a busy day ahead."
They made their way to the elevator, descending to a large, modern conference room. As the doors slid open, Luka was greeted by a sea of eager faces. Björn Gulden stepped forward, extending his hand.
"Luka! Welcome to the Puma family," Björn said warmly. "We're thrilled to have you here."
Luka shook his hand firmly. "Thank you, Mr. Gulden. I'm excited to be here."
"Please, call me Björn," he insisted, guiding Luka into the room. "Let me introduce you to the team."
One by one, Luka met the key players. As introductions were made, Luka's eyes landed on a familiar face near the back of the room.
"Dad?" Luka's voice wavered with surprise.
David Zorić stepped forward, a proud smile on his face. "Surprise, son."
Luka embraced his father, a mix of emotions washing over him. "But... how? Your work..."
David chuckled, patting Luka's back. "I took a day off. This is too important to miss."
"You never take days off," Luka said, still processing his father's presence.
"Well, I do now," David replied with a wink. "Come on, let's see what Puma has in store for you."
They gathered around a large table, where Björn began outlining the details of the partnership. Luka listened intently, occasionally glancing at his father, still amazed to see him there.
"Now," Björn said, pulling out a row of black boxes, "let's talk about your signature line."
He opened each box, revealing pairs of striking boots. Their designs were sleek and modern, with a vibrant color scheme that caught the eye immediately.
{Images}
"These are incredible," Luka breathed, reaching out to touch them all.
Maria stepped forward. "We've designed these with your playing style in mind. The lightweight material provides excellent speed and agility, while the reinforced ankle support addresses your specific needs. Now, these aren't the final version. We'll have a custom-made pair ready for you by January or February. In the meantime, we've modified one of our existing models to accommodate your ankle health. You'll have those before the international break is over."
Luka nodded, impressed by the level of detail and care. "Thank you. This means a lot."
Björn cleared his throat. "Now, let's talk about your personal brand. We've been working on some concepts, and we'd love your input."
He pulled up a series of images on a large screen. "We see you as the falcon of football – precise, fast, and absolutely lethal on the pitch."
{Images}
Luka studied the designs, excitement bubbling in his chest. "The falcon, huh? I like it."
David leaned in, examining the logos. "It suits you, son. Fast, precise, and always on target."
The meeting continued, diving into the details of the contract, marketing plans, and future collaborations. As they wrapped up, Björn stood, addressing the room.
"Alright, team. Let's get Luka geared up for the photoshoot. We've got a busy afternoon ahead."
They moved to an adjoining room, where racks of Puma clothing awaited. Luka was quickly outfitted in the latest Puma gear, from shoes to training tops.
"How does it feel?" Jorge asked as Luka examined himself in a full-length mirror.
"Good," Luka replied, stretching his arms. "Really good, actually."
David watched from the side, a proud smile on his face. "You look like a proper football star now, son."
Luka grinned. "Thanks, Dad. I still can't believe you're here."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," David replied. "Now, let's see what this photoshoot is all about, shall we?"
The group made their way outside, where a series of vans waited to transport them across London. Their first stop was Tower Bridge, where Luka found himself juggling a Puma ball against the iconic landmark.
"Perfect, Luka!" the photographer called. "Now, give us that falcon look – fierce, focused!"
Luka complied, channeling his on-field intensity into the shots. As they moved from location to location – Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, even a quick stop at Stamford Bridge – Luka found himself relaxing into the role.
Between shots, he chatted with his father, catching up on family news and sharing stories from Dortmund. David listened intently, offering advice and encouragement.
"You know, son," David said as they drove to their final location, "your mother and I are so proud of you. Not just for this," he gestured at the Puma logos surrounding them, "but for how you've handled everything. The move to Dortmund, the pressure, all of it."
Luka felt a lump form in his throat. "Thanks, Dad. I couldn't have done it without you and Mom."
As they arrived at their final destination – Wembley Stadium – Luka felt a surge of emotion. Standing on the pitch, surrounded by the towering stands, he could almost hear the roar of a packed crowd.
"One day," David said softly, coming to stand beside him, "you'll play here for real. World Cup, Euros, Champions League final – you name it."
Luka nodded, too overwhelmed to speak. The photographer called for one last shot, and as Luka posed with the Puma ball at his feet, he felt a sense of destiny settling over him.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over London, the group made their way back to Puma headquarters. Björn gathered everyone for a final toast.
"To Luka Zorić," he said, raising a glass of champagne, "the newest star in the Puma galaxy. May this be the beginning of a long and successful partnership."
As the celebration wound down, Luka found himself in a secluded corner of the Puma headquarters, flanked by his father and Mendes.
Jorge cleared his throat, his expression shifting to one of business-like focus. "Luka, David," he began, pulling out his tablet, "I think it's time we had a serious discussion about your future, Luka."
Luka nodded, he glanced at his father, who gave him an encouraging nod.
"Every top club in Europe has expressed interest to begin negotiations," Jorge continued, his fingers dancing across the tablet's screen. "We need to start considering our options, especially if we want to make a move in January."
David leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "January? Isn't that a bit soon? Luka's only just settled at Dortmund."
Jorge shrugged, his eyes never leaving the screen. "It's an option. Manchester United could recall Luka from loan and sell him, or another club could take over the loan with a mandatory buy clause. Or," he paused, looking up at Luka, "we could wait until the end of the season when you're a free agent."
Luka took a deep breath, the prospect of a potential move in January was both exhilarating and terrifying. He'd been so focused on his development and the end of the season, that the idea of a January move so soon hadn't really crossed his mind until recently.
"Let's... let's go through the options," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I think we can cross off a few right away."
Jorge nodded, pulling up a list on his tablet. "Alright, let's start with the obvious ones. PSG?"
Luka shook his head immediately. "No, I don't think the French league is the right move for me right now. The level of competition isn't what I'm looking for."
"Fair enough," Jorge said, crossing PSG off the list. "Any change of thought on Manchester United?"
A flash of anger surged through Luka, quickly suppressed. "Definitely not," he said. "They had their chance. I'm not interested in going back there."
David raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Jorge simply nodded and moved on. "Chelsea?"
Luka hesitated for a moment. Chelsea was a big name with a history of success. But...
"Too unstable," he finally said.
Jorge nodded approvingly. "Smart thinking. Alright, let's look at some of the more promising options. Arsenal?"
Luka perked up at this. "I like what Arteta is building there," he said, leaning forward.
David interjected, "But are they guaranteed Champions League football? You've already had a taste of that with Dortmund."
"No," Jorge admitted. "But they're in the running. And sometimes, being part of the journey to get there can be just as valuable as already being at the destination."
Luka nodded, mulling this over. Arsenal would indeed soon be a Champions League club, and even near Premier League winners in 2024, it certainly was an intriguing possibility.
They continued down the list.
"Tottenham?" Jorge suggested.
Luka frowned slightly. "They've got a great stadium, and Kane and Son are world-class... but there's always this feeling of 'almost' with Spurs, isn't there? Always on the verge of greatness but never quite getting there."
"And Conte's style might not suit your game, and Son is their left winger." David added.
Jorge made a note on his tablet. "We'll keep them in mind, but maybe not as a top choice."
They moved on, crossing off Juventus due to the state of Italian football and concerns about the club's management. Several other Italian clubs were considered but ultimately set aside. Luka couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about Serie A didn't appeal to him at this stage of his career.
"What about Real Madrid?" Jorge asked, his eyes glinting.
Luka felt a flutter of excitement in his chest. Real Madrid. The white jersey, Ronaldo, the Bernabéu, the history... "It's Real Madrid," he said, his voice filled with awe. "The history, the prestige... but," he hesitated, reality setting in, "They've got Vinicius and they're targeting Mbappe.."
"You'd have to fight for it," Jorge acknowledged. "But that's true anywhere at this level. And if you succeed at Real Madrid, you're on top of the world."
Luka nodded, lost in thought. The challenge was appealing, but was he ready for that level of pressure? The fans who would one moment love you and the next, persecute you? He filed Real Madrid away as a definite possibility, but not without reservations.
They moved on to Manchester City. "Guaranteed trophies," Jorge pointed out. "And Pep Guardiola... imagine what he could do for your development."
Luka nodded, but there was hesitation in his voice. "It's tempting like Madrid, but... I don't know. Sometimes it feels like winning there is almost too easy. They've got two world-class players for every position. Would I really be challenging myself?"
David chuckled. "I never thought I'd hear a footballer complain about winning too much."
Luka grinned sheepishly. "I know, I know. It's just... I want to earn it, you know? I want to feel like I'm really contributing, not just along for the ride."
Jorge made another note. "A mature perspective, Luka. It's good to see you thinking beyond just trophies."
They continued down the list, each club bringing new considerations. Atlético Madrid was eliminated due to their defensive approach - Luka knew his attacking flair would be stifled under Simeone. Liverpool was an intriguing option, but with Klopp's eventual departure…
As they neared the end of the list, Jorge leaned back, studying Luka. "What about staying at Dortmund? You could sign a new deal there."
Luka's expression clouded. He thought back to the past few months - the exhilaration of Champions League nights, the roar of the Yellow Wall, his teammates. But then the tactical disagreements, the feeling of being undervalued...
"I've been enjoying it," he said slowly, "but..."
"But?" David prompted.
Luka sighed, running a hand through his hair. "The... difficulties with the manager lately. The club tried to address it, but I'm not sure it's fully resolved. And beyond that... I don't know if Dortmund can really challenge for the biggest trophies. They're always the bridesmaid, never the bride."
Jorge nodded thoughtfully. "It's something to consider. Dortmund has been good for your development, but if the situation with Rose doesn't improve, and if you're ambitious for the highest honors..."
They fell into silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Finally, he spoke up. "I think... I think we should start entertaining the idea of a January move, like really entertain it from now on, like get negotiations going." he said slowly. "Not commit to anything exactly, but truly explore our options. I want to be somewhere I can continue to grow, where I'll be challenged but also have the opportunity to make an impact."
Jorge nodded approvingly. "That's a mature approach, Luka. We'll start conversating with clubs, see what concrete offers come in."
David placed a hand on Luka's shoulder. "Whatever you decide, son, we're behind you. Just remember, at your age, playing time is crucial. Don't be swayed by big names if it means sitting on the bench."
Luka nodded, grateful for his father's support.
"There's one more thing to consider," Jorge said, his tone serious. "The World Cup is coming up next year. Whatever move you make, it needs to put you in the best position to secure your spot in the Croatia squad."
Luka nodded, that was something he was set on, nothing would deter him from donning the Croatia kit in Qatar. "Absolutely. That's non-negotiable. I need to be playing regularly, at a high level."
As they stood to leave, Jorge's phone buzzed. He glanced at it, his eyebrows raising slightly. "Well," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice, "it seems word of our Puma official signing has gotten out. I've just received inquiries from three more clubs."
Luka couldn't help but laugh, though it was tinged with a hint of nervousness. "I guess we've got our work cut out for us."
As they made their way out of the building, Luka's mind was already racing. He wanted to go somewhere he could truly make a difference, somewhere he could grow into the player he knew wanted to be.
As he climbed into the car with his father, one thought stood out above the rest. Wherever he ended up, he was determined to make his mark.
But as the excitement of it all began to fade, a new emotion crept in - pressure.
He glanced at his father, who was gazing out the window, lost in his own thoughts. Luka wondered what was going through his dad's mind. Was he proud? Worried? A mix of both?
"Dad," Luka said softly, breaking the silence. "What do you think? About all of this, I mean."
David turned to his son. "I think you're in an incredible position, Luka. But it's also a dangerous one. It's easy to get swept up in the glamour and the promises. You need to stay grounded, remember what's really important."
Luka nodded, absorbing his father's words. "And what is that? What's really important?"
David smiled. "Your development as not just a player but as a person. Your happiness. Your ability to make a difference, both on and off the pitch. Don't just chase the money or the fame, Luka. Chase the opportunity to become the best version of yourself."