After the grueling match against Tottenham, Rahmat returned to his office with renewed focus. The game had shown him the vulnerabilities in his defense clearer than ever. Luton had held strong, but it was clear they couldn't survive the Premier League's intensity relying only on the heroics of Wakabayashi and the resilience of the team. They needed reinforcement—and soon.
The next morning, Rahmat received a call from Henderson, the scout he'd met during his time in Indonesia. Henderson was a well-connected British scout with a reputation for finding hidden gems across the globe. Known for his love of travel and his keen eye for talent, Henderson was a trusted voice in the scouting community.
"Rahmat, my friend! Congratulations on the draw against Tottenham. Your team's got grit, but I can see you're in dire need of reinforcements," Henderson's voice crackled through the phone, filled with excitement.
"Henderson, you have no idea. We're on the edge every game. We need someone solid at the back to support Wakabayashi, someone who can handle the intensity," Rahmat replied, a hint of urgency in his voice.
"Well, lucky for you, I've got two players who might just be the answer," Henderson said, his tone confident. "They're both Indonesian, young and hungry to prove themselves. One's currently in the domestic league, and the other's at Wolves, but I believe you might be able to convince him to join you with the promise of regular playing time."
Rahmat leaned forward, intrigued. "Tell me more."
Henderson continued, "The first one is Pratama Arhan. He's a natural center-back with a solid build and an eye for the game. But he's got something special—an almost magical throw in. His throw-in can slice through defenses, creating unpredictable counterattacks. He's the kind of player who's not only good at stopping attacks but also knows how to turn defense into offense in a heartbeat."
Rahmat's eyes lit up. "That sounds exactly like what we need. And the other player?"
Henderson's tone became even more enthusiastic. "The second player is Justin Hubner. He's a left-back at Wolves, young, but already showing great promise. He's strong, quick, and tactical—a versatile defender who can both support the attack and drop back to protect the goal. He's been overlooked in Wolves' starting lineup due to their depth, but if you can promise him regular playtime, I think he'd be tempted to come to Luton."
Rahmat considered the options carefully. Both players sounded perfect for filling the gaps in Luton's defense, each bringing unique qualities that could reshape the team's structure.
"Henderson, can you reach out to them?" Rahmat asked, excitement building in his voice. "Tell Arhan we need his strength and vision on the field. And for Hubner, make it clear he'd have a guaranteed starting position with us. If they're willing to join, I want them here as soon as possible."
"Already on it, Rahmat. I'll arrange meetings with both of them. These boys have the talent and determination, and I think they'll be thrilled by the opportunity to prove themselves in the Premier League," Henderson replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
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A week later, Henderson arranged for Rahmat to meet both players in London. Pratama Arhan was the first to arrive. He was a young, solidly built player with a serious expression, but Rahmat noticed a spark of ambition in his eyes. As they sat down, Rahmat wasted no time.
"Arhan, I've seen your skills, and I know you're exactly what we need at Luton. You've got a unique ability with those through balls, and we need someone who can command the back line and transition us into attack. How would you feel about joining us in the Premier League?" Rahmat asked directly.
Arhan's face lit up with excitement. "Coach, it would be an honor. I've always dreamed of playing in England, and to be able to represent Indonesia here would be incredible. I'm ready to give everything for the team."
Rahmat smiled, sensing Arhan's commitment. "Then welcome to Luton Town. We're building something special, and you'll be a crucial part of it."
Next, Henderson brought in Justin Hubner. A tall, lean figure with a calm demeanor, Justin exuded confidence but remained humble. Rahmat could tell he was focused, a player who understood his strengths and limitations.
"Justin, I know things haven't worked out at Wolves as you'd hoped, but I can offer you something different—a starting position in the Premier League. We need a left-back who can both defend and support the attack, someone who isn't afraid to take risks. You'll have the chance to play regularly, to make a name for yourself," Rahmat said, his tone sincere.
Justin nodded thoughtfully. "I've been waiting for an opportunity like this. Sitting on the bench doesn't suit me. I want to play, to grow, to make a difference on the field. If you're offering me that, then I'm ready to join Luton and show what I can do."
Rahmat extended his hand, sealing the deal. "Welcome to the team, Justin. Together, we'll make Luton a force to be reckoned with."
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The next day, Luton Town officially announced the signings of Pratama Arhan and Justin Hubner. Fans and pundits alike buzzed with curiosity, questioning if these two relatively unknown players could make a difference in the Premier League. But Rahmat had no doubts; he had seen the potential in both of them, and he knew they had the hunger to succeed.
As Arhan and Hubner joined training, the team quickly began to feel their impact. Arhan's composure and vision helped stabilize the defense, while his pinpoint throw balls caught even Luton's attackers by surprise. Barou, in particular, found himself on the receiving end of Arhan's precise passes, which allowed him to unleash his ferocious runs with more freedom.
In a practice match, Aoyama and Arhan worked in tandem, Aoyama controlling the tempo in midfield while Arhan picked out passes from the back. Their chemistry was immediate, each player enhancing the other's strengths, creating a smooth transition from defense to attack.
Hubner, on the other hand, brought stability to the left flank. His pace and awareness allowed him to neutralize attacks from the wings, and his quick overlaps gave Luton an extra option in attack. Wakabayashi, the ever-reliable captain, seemed more at ease with the new additions, finally seeing his defense take shape with players he could trust.
Few Luton staff observed during training Commented, "Mr Rahmat has pulled off quite a coup with these two signings. The Team defense looks more solid already, and their attack has gained new dimensions with Arhan's unique talent and Hubner's support on the left. These lads could be the difference-makers We needed."
Rahmat watched with pride as his team started to come together. The hard work, the risk of scouting unknown players—it was all paying off. With Arhan and Hubner anchoring his defense, he felt more confident than ever.
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As the team prepared for their next match, Rahmat gathered his players in the locker room, his voice filled with conviction.
"We've come a long way, but we're just getting started," he said, his gaze sweeping across the room, meeting the eyes of each player, old and new. "Arhan, Hubner—you're here because I believe in you. You're not just filling a gap; you're becoming part of the backbone of this team. Together, we'll fight, and we'll show everyone that Luton Town is here to make history."
The players nodded, a renewed determination in their faces. Luton Town was no longer the underdog just hoping to survive. With each new piece falling into place, they were becoming a team with ambition, a team ready to face the Premier League's giants head-on.