AZ Alkmaar's home stadium, the AFAS Stadion, is situated in Alkmaar, North Holland.
In order to facilitate official business, including player contract negotiations and signings, the club frequently hosts contract signings in special meeting rooms located within the stadium.
This is also the venue for any media announcements or photo shoots to present the new signing to the press and fans.
After parking, they got out of the car and entered the building, where a representative met them. Following a quick conversation, they were led to the conference room, where several club executives were waiting.
Ashley paused in front of the door as they got closer to the room and looked directly at Benjamin. "Alright, Benjamin, one last thing before we go in,"
Despite her placid demeanor, there was a hint of seriousness in her voice. "I want you to let me take care of everything during the meeting. Don't interrupt or butt in; instead, maintain composure and a neutral expression. Okay, regardless of what they say."
Benjamin nodded; he could see why she had asked. He had always been direct and accustomed to speaking up when called upon, but he understood the importance of this moment and her role in it.
She was here to represent him, and it seemed that she had no intention of holding back. She opened the door, and he followed her after taking a deep breath.
Inside, four men were seated around a large, polished table, deep in conversation. The room was large, just like a conference room with papers neatly arranged and a pitcher of water in the center.
As they entered, the men paused their discussion, all eyes turning to them.
Benjamin recognized one of the faces immediately, Dennis Haar, the youth team coach who had been at the hospital a few weeks back alongside the chief scout, Hans Van de Zee.
"Benjamin," Dennis said and got up to welcome them.
"Good to see you again." He held out a hand, and Benjamin felt the firm hold as he shook it. "Ashley, a pleasure," Dennis continued, nodding politely at her.
He pointed to the other men sat around the table after the introductions. "Allow me to introduce the team. This is our CEO, Toon Gerbrands." He man to Dennis's right nodded slightly with a warm smile on his face.
"Next to him, we have Gertjan Verbeek, the first-team manager." Verbeek looked directly at Benjamin, nothing showing on his face, but the intensity of his gaze was clear enough. He appeared to be a man who valued hardwork and results.
"And finally, our legal advisor, Tom Meijer," Dennis concluded pointing to a somber-looking man with keen eyes and a pile of papers before him.
They all took their seats after exchanging greetings. With the club authorities on the other side of the table, Benjamin ended up sitting next to Ashley.
He put his hands on his lap and tried hard to maintain a neutral attitude, as Ashley had suggested. He kept a close eye on her, seeing that she appeared totally comfortable and unperturbed in their presence.
Dennis started off by saying that the club wanted to build a relationship with Benjamin that would last. He talked about Benjamin's potential, his remarkable development in the Haarlem Academy, and how he had caught their interest in the earlier trial matches.
Benjamin listened carefully as Dennis talked, acknowledging with a nod while controlling his emotions. A few minutes later, Dennis handed Ashley a draft of the contract. She glanced at it, but soon enough, her forehead wrinkled slightly.
Benjamin leaned in to take a look, catching sight of the numbers which was most likely his wages and clauses, just a little above what he knew was standard for youth players.
To him the numbers were acceptable, hek, he'd even take a pay cut just to play the game he loved so much.
But he knows better than to comment. He didn't need to see Ashley's face to know she wasn't entirely pleased with the offer.
She turned the page, carefully going through every detail. Then, a few seconds later, she handed the draft to Benjamin and glanced at him. He took it, skimming the lines, his thoughts racing as he took in the terms.
The weekly wage offered was €750, health insurance, educational support, €200 performance bonus upon reaching 20 G/A in the youth team and a €2 million minimum release clause.
Before he could give it any thought, however, Ashley straightened up and spoke to the club executives in a firm, clear voice. "Thank you for preparing the initial draft," she began in a courteous manner. "However, after reviewing it, I believe some adjustments should be made."
The lawyer, Tom Meijer, leaned forward and adjusted his glasses. "What kind of adjustments are we talking about, Ms. Ashley?" There was a trace of defensiveness in his reserved voice.
Ashley didn't miss a beat. "Benjamin is an exceptional player, and I think we can all agree he's beyond the average youth player level. His contributions, both on the field and in terms of potential, are something the club values highly."
"n light of this, we would like to see his contract reflect his standing as a player who can make an immediate impact on the first team, not merely as a youth player. This covers increases in his pay, bonuses, and certain performance-based clauses."
As the authorities looked at one another, a momentary silence fell across the table.
Tom answered first in a cautious tone, "While we acknowledge your perspective, Ms. Ashley, it's crucial to remember that Benjamin is still currently considered a youth player. That status is reflected in these terms."
Ashley leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "Mr. Meijer, I respect that Benjamin is part of the youth academy. However, he's shown an advanced level of skill, a level that most youth players haven't reached. He deserves to be treated as someone with first-team potential, in every aspect. I think we all know that his contributions to the club would be worth more than what this draft offers."
The first-team manager, Gertjan Verbeek finally interjected. "We're aware of Benjamin's skill, Ms. Ashley. I've seen videos of it, and I have no doubt he's going places. But there's a process, a structure we have to respect. Benjamin's still young, and this contract is designed to support his growth within that structure."
Ashley met his gaze, unfazed. "And I appreciate that, Mr. Verbeek. But growth should also be rewarded. If you truly value his potential, then it's only fair that his contract reflects that."
The CEO, Toon Gerbrands, had remained silent throughout most of the exchange, his fingers steepled in front of him as he listened. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm. "Ms. Ashley, our offer is meant to balance the club's resources and Benjamin's development. We sincerely want him here with us for the long term, and we believe this contract offers him a solid foundation."
Ashley didn't back down. "Mr. Gerbrands, Benjamin is an investment. And like any worthwhile investment, he deserves adequate support. I'm simply asking for a fair acknowledgment of his contributions. Performance clauses, bonuses, wages...these are things that will help him remain motivated and loyal to the club."
The room was thick with tension, the back-and-forth exchange filled with intensity. Benjamin watched, listening carefully but stayed silent, as Ashley had advised.
He couldn't help but feel a rush of gratitude for her, for the way she defended him. She wasn't just negotiating, she was showing the club his worth.
After more discussion, and a few back-and-forth exchanges, the club officials glanced at each other defeated, their silent agreement signaled a shift in the tone.
Toon Gerbrands spoke first, clearing his throat. "Very well, Ms. Ashley. We can consider adjustments to the initial draft, and why we're at it, we'll go the extra mile to integrate him into the first team right now. That should prove how valuable we view Mr Benjamin here."
The CEO's words came as a surprise to everyone, especially the first team manager Gertjan verbeek who wanted to disagree but was cut short by Toon Gerbrands. "The decision is final... So what do you think, Ms Ashley?"
Ashley nodded, her expression showing neither satisfaction nor disappointment, just a calm acknowledgment. "I appreciate your willingness to reconsider. I think these changes will create a mutually beneficial agreement."
With that, they worked through the details, adjusting and rephrasing terms, until they reached a consensus.
Benjamin's contract would include an improved wage, higher bonuses based on performance, and clauses that acknowledged his first-team potential.
The final draft looked like this:
{Player: [Benjamin Yinka Rijkaard]
Contract Duration: 3 years (option for extension)
Position(s): [LWF, AMF, RWF]
Start Date: [15th August 2012]
End Date: [15th August 2015]
Wages & Compensation:
[Weekly Wage: €1,000 during the first year, with increments based on performance and annual reviews.]
[Accommodation: Fully covered housing in AZ Alkmaar's youth accommodation complex.]
Performance Clauses & Bonuses:
[Match Appearance Bonus: €500 for each Eredivisie appearance, €250 for cup matches.]
[Goal/Assist Bonus: €200 per goal or assist in league or cup matches.]
[Development Bonus: €1,000 upon reaching 20 first-team appearances in a season.]
Team-Based Achievement Bonuses:
[League Title Bonus: €5,000 if AZ Alkmaar wins the Eredivisie during contract term.]
[Cup Victory Bonus: €2,000 for a KNVB Cup win.]
[European Qualification Bonus: €3,000 if the club qualifies for European competition.]
Additional Benefits:
[Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and injury insurance, including access to club physiotherapists.]
[Education Support: Tuition assistance for education programs completed alongside football training.]
Exit & Transfer Clauses:
[Minimum Release Fee: €5 million for transfers within the first year, adjustable based on first-team integration.]
Signatures:
[Player Signature: Benjamin Yinka Rijkaard.]
[Date: 15th August 2012]
[Club Official Signature: AZ Alkmaar]
[Date: 15th August 2012]
***
As the final draft was passed around, Ashley gave him a quick nod. Benjamin signed, feeling a rush of excitement by the realization of playing with the first team right from start.
Once everything was set, Dennis shook his hand, his eyes brightened. He knew Benjamin was well worth the hype. "Congratulations, Benjamin. We're thrilled to have you as part of the club."
Benjamin managed a smile, the weight of the moment sinking in as they shook hands. He glanced at Ashley, and she gave him a small, satisfied smile. She'd gone to bat for him, and she'd succeeded.
As they walked out of the room, the stadium appeared around them, Benjamin felt a mix of gratitude and determination. This was just the beginning, but it was a beginning made possible by Ashley's smart, and his own hard work.
Outside, Ashley turned to him with a grin. "Not bad for your first contract, huh?"
Benjamin chuckled, feeling the last of his nerves melt away. "Thanks to you, Ash."
She laughed, casually slinging an arm around his shoulder and waving the other at the horizon. "Don't worry, this is just the start. There's a whole lot more where that came from."