Su Dong ultimately decided to sign Jorge Mendes as his agent.
This decision wasn't difficult, as Mendes demonstrated a genuine interest in Su Dong's future.
Just two days after their initial meeting, Mendes returned with his associate, Jorge Manuel, and presented a comprehensive three-year development plan for Su Dong.
The plan laid out a clear path: first, securing a position with a Primeira Liga club either during the winter transfer window or in the upcoming summer transfer period. The essential conditions were a commitment to giving Su Dong playing time with the second team and a genuine opportunity to move into the first-team squad if he proved his potential.
"As far as I know," Mendes began, "Benfica, Belenenses, and Marítimo are already scouting you. Sporting Lisbon has also shown interest, though none of them have made concrete offers yet. Right now, they're simply observing."
Mendes continued with a practical perspective. "Each year, these clubs show interest in numerous players, but few manage to break through and secure a spot on their rosters. The best thing for you now is to stay focused, keep working to elevate your game, and ignore outside distractions. If you keep performing well, these clubs will eventually come to you."
Mendes assured Su Dong that his goal was to help him play in the Primeira Liga within two years, with hopes of establishing him as a dependable player in Portugal's top league within three years.
Of course, this required that Su Dong sustain his current development trajectory.
"If you're not improving, even the best agent won't be able to secure you a place," Mendes warned. "Even if I manage to get you into one of Portugal's giants like Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, or Porto, without the necessary skill and discipline, you'll struggle to earn playing time and may find yourself pushed out before long."
Mendes' insights and dedication convinced Su Dong, and he was ready to trust the agent's vision. Confident in their shared plan, Su Dong and Mendes finalized their agreement and signed the contract.
After signing the contract, the first move Mendes made was to speak with Pereira, the head coach of Clube Atlético de Portugal.
Pereira was somewhat surprised to hear that Su Dong had signed with a new agent but ultimately felt it was a natural step. Su Dong was currently the club's most promising young talent, and having a reputable agent to handle external matters would allow him to focus purely on football.
More importantly, Mendes wasn't there to demand a salary increase but rather to negotiate more playing time for Su Dong. Given the skill Su Dong displayed and the growing impact he had on the team, it was reasonable to ask for him to play a more central role.
Moreover, this arrangement aligned with Clube Atlético de Portugal's own interests. Allowing Su Dong to develop with greater match exposure could attract attention from higher leagues, potentially opening lucrative transfer opportunities.
With this in mind, Pereira agreed readily, assuring Mendes of his continued support for Su Dong's growth and integration into the team.
Mendes also shared his longer-term vision: his goal was to transition Su Dong into the Primeira Liga within a year or two. Clube Atlético de Portugal would benefit if Su Dong's success paved the way for broader visibility for the club.
The second item on Mendes' agenda was to address the fraudulent agent who had previously tricked Su Dong into traveling to Lisbon under false promises. Mendes obtained the agent's contact information and immediately reached out, sending a formal fax to terminate the previous contract, signed directly by Su Dong.
In reality, it was only now that Su Dong was officially represented by Mendes, fully free from the earlier deceptive arrangement.
The dishonest agent, who had done little to support Su Dong since bringing him to Lisbon, had assumed Su Dong would return home after failing to secure a promising opportunity. He hadn't anticipated that Su Dong would push through and rise to the challenge. When the agent received the fax, he tried to verify the situation with Clube Atlético de Portugal and quickly learned that several Primeira Liga clubs were indeed scouting Su Dong. Realizing he had missed a valuable opportunity, he became desperate to reclaim his influence.
Hoping to use his previous contract to bind Su Dong, the agent rushed to the apartment he had helped Su Dong rent, only to find it vacant. With Mendes' guidance, Su Dong had already relocated to an affordable apartment near Lisbon's Marquis de Pombal Square, a vibrant area that suited his new start.
In a final attempt, the agent intercepted Su Dong after a training session at Clube Atlético de Portugal, pressuring him to reconsider. However, Su Dong ignored him entirely. Even his teammates and Coach Pereira rallied around Su Dong, fully aware that this man was nothing more than a fraud.
Everyone at the club recognized the agent for what he truly was—a con artist.
...
...
Afterward, Su Dong put the whole matter behind him, dedicating himself fully to training and matches.
In the fifth round of the Segunda Liga B, Clube Atlético de Portugal faced G.D. Lagoa away. For the first time, Su Dong was given a starting role as the team's lone center-forward. Rising to the occasion, he showcased his potential by scoring twice, notching two well-taken goals.
A key factor in his success was the disparity in quality between the two teams. Clube Atlético de Portugal dominated the game, while G.D. Lagoa struggled defensively, unable to contain Su Dong or effectively protect their goal.
In the end, Clube Atlético de Portugal secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, with Su Dong relishing the feeling of controlling the game.
The following week continued in a steady rhythm, with Su Dong focused on honing his skills. In the sixth round, they returned home to face Atlético SC Reguengos, a newly promoted team whose strength was even lower than Lagoa's. Playing at home, Clube Atlético de Portugal was even more assertive. Su Dong, once again in the starting lineup, repeated his heroics, scoring another two goals and providing a well-timed assist.
With four goals in two consecutive matches, Su Dong's rapid progress was clear to everyone. His outstanding performances solidified his position as Clube Atlético de Portugal's top scorer and left a strong impression on both fans and management.
But shortly after this match, Su Dong received an unexpected call from his parents in China.
He had been suspended.
...
"Suspended? Why?" Su Dong was stunned by the unexpected news.
"We don't know the exact reasons," his father replied, clearly worried. "The Chinese Football Association contacted us, saying there was an issue with your overseas transfer. They mentioned that it wasn't fully authorized under the international regulations for young players, and they're demanding that you come back home immediately."
Su Dong's parents, who had always lived straightforward, honest lives, were shaken. They had little understanding of the complexities of international football rules and were anxious about the future.
"This can't be happening," Su Dong said firmly, his mind racing. He had been making real progress, finally establishing himself at Clube Atlético de Portugal, proving his potential on a larger stage. To be forced back now, just as scouts were beginning to notice him, felt like a crushing blow.
His thoughts turned to the agent who'd initially arranged the transfer, someone he now realized had cut corners. Perhaps the man had used connections in the Football Association to undermine his progress, motivated by personal gain.
Taking a deep breath, Su Dong decided it was time to tell his parents the full story about the agent's deception and explained his recent progress in Portugal.
"It's a critical period for me right now," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "In the last game, there were scouts from Benfica, Belenenses, Marítimo, and Sporting Lisbon watching me. If the Association wants to make things difficult, let them. But I'm not leaving."
He had fought hard to get to this point, and returning now would mean losing everything he'd worked for. And besides, the agent hadn't broken any official rules, so why would they suddenly be threatening a suspension?
His parents listened closely, finally understanding his determination and the deceptive nature of the agent. They now saw this as a tactic to pressure Su Dong into giving in. Despite their fears, they didn't want him to abandon the future he'd started building.
After ending the call with his parents, Su Dong took a moment to gather his thoughts. Determined to address the issue head-on, he dialed Mendes, his trusted advisor in Portugal, and explained the situation in detail.
"If there's a suspension, it would likely only impact your eligibility for national team duties," Mendes reassured him. "Your transfer to Clube Atlético de Portugal was processed correctly for domestic league play, so there shouldn't be any issues with participating in matches here or with future transfers."
Still, Mendes sounded cautious. "I'll go to the Portuguese Football Association tomorrow to confirm the details and see if any paperwork needs adjusting. Once that's settled, FIFA shouldn't pose any major obstacles. But for now, you might face restrictions on representing China internationally."
Given Su Dong's age, he was eligible for both the senior and youth national teams for China. This complication could impact his future with the national squad, but at that moment, he knew he had to focus on his club career in Portugal.
...
...
Aside from the parties directly involved, Su Dong's suspension went largely unnoticed back in China.
At the time, all eyes in the country were focused on the upcoming World Cup in South Korea and Japan. The media and fans were far too engrossed in the national team's prospects to spare attention for a young player facing challenges in a distant, relatively obscure Portuguese semi-professional league.
Only Su Dong and his immediate circle were aware of his suspension.
How long would this ban last?
No one knew for certain.
Fortunately, after Mendes consulted various contacts and explored the situation, he assured Su Dong that the domestic suspension wouldn't impact his ability to play or transfer within Portugal or elsewhere in Europe.
Relieved, Su Dong put the issue behind him, shifting his focus back to training and matches.
With renewed resolve, he threw himself into his work, using the setback as fuel for improvement. Throughout October, he intensified his training, pushing both his technique and physicality closer to their limits. This hard work paid off, as his performances with Clube Atlético de Portugal continued to improve.
After scoring two consecutive braces, Su Dong took a brief rest but soon returned to the pitch with impressive form, netting three goals over the following two rounds.
This time, his efforts finally caught the attention of a potential suitor. A club decided to make the first move and extend an olive branch to the promising young forward.
...
...
In Lisbon, two giants reign over the Primeira Liga: Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, fierce rivals locked in a storied battle for supremacy.
Interestingly, these two historic clubs are separated by only two kilometers, their stadiums close enough that fans often cross paths as they support their respective teams. Adding to the intrigue, their home and away schedules this season align frequently, meaning that on certain nights, both teams play in Lisbon, filling the city with the buzz of football.
Tonight, in the eleventh round of the league, both clubs are hosting home matches: Benfica faces U.D. Leiria at the Estádio da Luz, while Sporting Lisbon takes on Braga at Estádio José Alvalade.
Under the glow of stadium lights, tens of thousands of fans pour into both arenas, filling the night air with chants and anticipation. From a distance, the two stadiums, bathed in light and energy, resemble the eyes of a watchful dragon, each one pulsing with life. The scene is electrifying, embodying the passion of Portuguese football.
Su Dong arrived at Estádio da Luz in Mendes' car, accompanied by his agent and Jorge Manuel. This visit was at Benfica's invitation, extended two days prior to give him a taste of the atmosphere and show their interest.
As he stepped out of the car in the bustling parking lot, Su Dong was momentarily awestruck by the scale of it all. The stadium loomed before him, glowing in the night as fans surged in from every direction, their voices mixing into a steady roar.
This was the closest Su Dong had come to experiencing a top Primeira Liga match. It was a world away from the smaller venues he was used to.
"If I could play in a stadium like this," Su Dong mused aloud, his eyes wide with anticipation, "it would be an incredible feeling!"
Mendes and Manuel exchanged a knowing glance, smiling at his eagerness.
"Then keep working hard," Mendes encouraged. "I'll do everything I can to help you make that dream a reality."
...
...
When it comes to the question, Who is the best football club in Portugal? opinions differ widely, fueling an ongoing debate among fans and experts alike.
Portugal's "big three" clubs—Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, and Porto—all have their ardent supporters. Yet, in recent years, Sporting Lisbon has often been seen as trailing behind in terms of momentum and consistency. Benfica, on the other hand, enjoys widespread recognition and a rich legacy, often celebrated as Portugal's most traditional powerhouse.
Historically, Benfica leads in terms of trophies. They have clinched the Primeira Liga title 30 times, more than any other Portuguese club, and have won the prestigious European Cup twice, in 1961 and 1962, which still stands as a unique achievement in Portuguese football. However, since their last league title in 1994, Benfica has experienced a period of instability, struggling to maintain the dominance they once held.
In contrast, Porto has emerged as the dominant force in recent decades. From 1994 to the present, Porto has claimed the Primeira Liga title five times over seven seasons, raising their total to 18 league championships, surpassing Sporting Lisbon's 17 titles. Porto's success extends to the European stage as well, with a European Cup victory in 1987, bolstering their reputation internationally.
Sporting Lisbon, though historically a strong club, has won only two Primeira Liga titles in the past seven years. While they boast a dedicated fanbase and a proud tradition, they lack the volume of titles that Porto and Benfica possess. In terms of international recognition, Sporting has yet to reach the heights of their rivals, particularly in the UEFA Champions League.
As a result, the contest for the title of Portugal's greatest club has largely become a two-way rivalry between Porto and Benfica. Porto, seen as the rising power, has gained significant momentum in recent years, while Benfica, the traditional giant, continues to hold a special place in Portuguese football history. Sporting Lisbon, though part of the "big three," currently lacks the accolades to compete at the same level, making their claim to the top spot the quietest among the trio.
...
...
Su Dong stepped into the hallowed halls of the Estádio da Luz's honor room, his eyes widening as he took in the dazzling array of championship trophies that celebrated Benfica's storied history. Every inch of the room seemed to reflect the club's illustrious past, from the shimmering trophies to the framed photos of iconic moments.
The legacy of Benfica was tangible. Here were tributes to legendary figures like Eusébio, the "Black Panther," who had defined an era, and Rui Costa, a local hero who had risen through Benfica's ranks to shine on the international stage. Their images, alongside records of their achievements, underscored the club's longstanding commitment to greatness.
As Su Dong's gaze drifted, he noticed displays dedicated to other renowned players who had graced the club, such as Argentine speedster Claudio Caniggia and Czech playmaker Karel Poborský. These international talents had left their mark on Benfica, weaving their stories into the fabric of a team that consistently attracted world-class players.
Welcoming Su Dong to this impressive space was Abel Silva, one of Benfica's experienced scouts who had been in touch with Su Dong and Mendes for some time. Silva's presence added a personal touch to the tour, underscoring the significance of this meeting.
Despite Clube Atlético de Portugal's affiliation with Belenenses, another Lisbon club, Belenenses had shown only limited interest in Su Dong initially, giving Benfica a clear advantage in approaching the young talent. However, as a satellite club, Belenenses still maintained some leverage during transfer windows, a fact Su Dong was keenly aware of.
As they walked through the honor room, staff members provided context for the trophies on display, recounting the history behind each piece of silverware and the legendary players who had contributed to the club's success.
When the tour concluded, Silva turned to Su Dong, his eyes gleaming with hope. "I hope one day I'll see your name up here," he said, nodding toward the wall of honored players.
It was a classic sentiment, but one that still stirred something deep within Su Dong. This was Benfica, after all—the most established and revered club in Portuguese football. The thought of becoming part of such a legacy filled him with motivation.
...
After the honor room tour, Abel Silva led Su Dong and his group into the home team's locker room ahead of the game.
The current head coach of Benfica, legendary player Toni (António José Conceição Oliveira), was present. Known for his remarkable playing career with the club, Toni's coaching record was less distinguished. Although he had previously stepped in twice to manage Benfica, each stint had been brief—nine games once and twelve games another—both times as an emergency caretaker. Following this, he had tried his hand in Ligue 1 with Bordeaux and in La Liga with Sevilla, but his results were modest, and he had been dismissed after just ten games at Sevilla.
Despite these setbacks, Toni had been given another opportunity to coach Benfica, perhaps as a tribute to his iconic status at the club.
Toni was aware of Su Dong's visit, but with the match fast approaching, his expression was solemn. Benfica had fallen short of expectations this season. Despite significant investments—over €10 million to bring back star player Simão Sabrosa and a total of €20 million spent in the transfer market—the club was currently fifth in the league standings, trailing even tonight's opponent, U.D. Leiria.
Maintaining a professional demeanor, Toni greeted Su Dong with a polite handshake before excusing himself to focus on his pre-game preparations.
Su Dong soon met Benfica's star player, Simão. Known across Europe for his attacking prowess, Simão was Benfica's standout talent.
"I've heard you've been playing well recently," Simão remarked warmly.
Su Dong responded modestly, then seized the chance to ask for an autograph and a photo. Meeting a player of Simão's caliber was a memorable moment.
In addition to Simão, Su Dong collected autographs from Portuguese internationals Thiago and Maniche, both enjoying strong seasons, as well as from German goalkeeper Robert Enke. Enke's performances had been impressive, and he was reportedly on the radar of major clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United, making his move to a bigger stage seem inevitable.
After securing autographs and photos, Su Dong felt he had accomplished his mission, making a lasting impression among Benfica's first-team players.
As they exited the locker room and headed toward the stands, they happened to cross paths with U.D. Leiria's head coach, José Mourinho, outside the visiting team's locker room.
"Hey, Jorge, what brings you here?" Mourinho called out to Mendes from a distance, his voice carrying a familiar confidence.
"José!" Mendes replied with a grin. "With the game about to start, you're still out here?"
Mourinho raised his eyebrows and smirked. "Who knows Benfica better than me?"
Abel Silva, standing nearby, seemed caught off guard, saying nothing. Mendes offered a polite smile, choosing not to comment.
Mourinho's gaze shifted to Su Dong. "If I'm not mistaken, you're Su?" he asked, his keen eyes sizing him up.
Su Dong, easily the tallest and most prominent of the group, extended his hand. "Yes, Mr. Mourinho. I'm Su Dong."
For Su Dong, meeting Mourinho—a coach making waves in the Primeira Liga—was a moment of respect. U.D. Leiria wasn't considered a strong team, but since Mourinho's arrival, they had climbed to an impressive fourth place in the league, showcasing Mourinho's tactical prowess. Rumors were circulating that Porto's current manager, Octávio Machado, might be replaced, and Mourinho was a top candidate for the role.
This was a man on the brink of a major career breakthrough.
Although he felt some excitement at meeting Mourinho, Su Dong kept his demeanor composed.
"Jorge, it's been a while. After the match, let's catch up over a drink?" Mourinho suggested.
"Of course," Mendes replied without hesitation.
Mourinho then turned to Su Dong. "Su, would you care to join us?"
Su Dong glanced at Mendes, who nodded encouragingly, and then replied, "I'd be honored. Thank you, Mr. Mourinho."
With their plans made, Mourinho bid them farewell and disappeared into the visiting team's locker room, leaving Su Dong with a newfound sense of motivation.
...
"He stayed on purpose to cross paths with us," Mendes murmured to Su Dong as they climbed the stairs to the stands.
Su Dong raised his eyebrows in surprise, a hint of pride creeping into his expression.
"Really?" he asked, barely concealing his excitement.
"Don't read too much into it," Mendes replied with a knowing smile. "It doesn't necessarily mean they're completely sold on you. For every club, investing in potential talent is a smart move. You're only seventeen, and signing you now would come at a very low cost. But if you make it as a professional, the return could be worth hundreds of thousands, even millions of euros. Think about that."
Mendes' words felt like a splash of cold water, bringing Su Dong back to reality.
At the end of the day, it was all about profit.
"Leiria is only about a hundred kilometers from Lisbon. If they hadn't heard about you by now, it would be surprising. Their interest is actually a positive sign—it means you're attracting attention and building leverage for negotiations."
Su Dong nodded, understanding Mendes' point. The more interest he garnered, the better his position when it came to future negotiations. Still, he had to remain realistic about his current level.
With his present skills, it was unrealistic to expect a regular spot in any top-tier team's starting lineup.
Moments like these made Su Dong appreciate the value of having an agent.
"Mourinho is a sharp strategist," Mendes continued, glancing at Su Dong. "I've known him for a few years. He worked as an assistant under managers like Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal at Porto and Barcelona. When he briefly managed Benfica, he achieved impressive results, but then the club had a change in leadership. His supporting president was ousted, and the new one replaced him with Toni."
Mendes chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Mourinho isn't one to let things slide. I'd bet Benfica might be in for a tough night."
...
...
It turned out Mendes' prediction was spot-on.
Benfica didn't just struggle—they suffered a significant defeat.
While Mourinho's team lacked Benfica's individual firepower, they made up for it with disciplined tactics and cohesive defending. Despite being outmatched on paper, Leiria's players executed Mourinho's defensive strategy flawlessly, stifling Benfica's attack. Capitalizing on this, Brazilian forward Derlei struck twice on the counterattack, leading Leiria to a stunning 2-0 victory on Benfica's home turf.
Abel Silva looked visibly embarrassed. He had invited Su Dong to witness a Benfica victory, only to see them outmaneuvered on their own pitch.
If Leiria had been sharper with their finishing, the scoreline could have been even more lopsided.
Mendes couldn't resist a small, triumphant smile, shooting a glance at Su Dong as if to say, See? I told you so.
For Su Dong, it was his first time watching a Mourinho-led team in action. Mourinho's tactics weren't flashy or filled with surprises, but they were solid, stable, and ruthlessly effective. Benfica's attacking options were neutralized throughout the match, apart from a few dangerous plays from Simão and several decent passes from Thiago. In the end, Benfica's chances were few and far between, leaving them frustrated and deflated.
It was clear to Su Dong: Mourinho was a highly capable head coach.
After the game, Su Dong and his group stayed behind. Mendes had made it clear to Abel Silva that they intended to wait and speak with Mourinho, leaving Silva with little choice but to acquiesce.
After about half an hour in a café near the stadium, Mourinho finally arrived, slightly delayed. He greeted them with a brief apology, which everyone readily accepted—being a head coach came with post-match responsibilities.
But to everyone's surprise, Mourinho, after apologizing, turned directly to Su Dong.
"Su," he said without preamble, "if I were you, I wouldn't consider joining Benfica."