Arrival

The moment Richard's transfer to Borussia Dortmund was announced, the football world exploded. News channels, analysts, and social media couldn't stop talking about it. Discussions about blockbuster transfers were already heating up with rumors of major signings at Manchester City, Real Madrid, and PSG, but nobody expected a relatively unknown player from Beecroft FC to be at the center of attention.

"Borussia Dortmund has made a bold move in the January transfer window, securing Richard Blake for €15 million," a top football news anchor reported. "This young attacking midfielder has been lighting up the Belgian league, and his performances have now earned him a place at one of Germany's biggest clubs. The real question is—can he handle the pressure?"

Pundits debated his move endlessly. Some praised Dortmund for their smart scouting, comparing Richard's signing to past Dortmund gems like Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland. Others questioned whether he was ready for such a big jump.

On social media, the reaction was even wilder. Dortmund fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with excitement, hailing Richard as their next superstar.

"Welcome to the Yellow Wall, Richard! Can't wait to see you destroy Bayern!"

"This is the next Jude Bellingham. What a signing!"

"Dortmund stays winning when it comes to young talents. Let's goooo!"

But not everyone was happy. Bayern Munich fans immediately started mocking the transfer.

"15 million for a nobody? Dortmund never learns."

"Good luck competing with Musiala and Kane. This kid won't last a season."

"He'll be in the Premier League in two years like the rest of them."

The rivalry between the two clubs intensified as Richard's name trended worldwide. Dortmund supporters defended their new signing, arguing that his skill and potential were undeniable. Bayern fans dismissed him as another overhyped youngster.

Meanwhile, Richard was packing his bags. His teammates at Beecroft FC had already thrown him a small farewell party. The coach pulled him aside, offering final words of wisdom, reminding him to stay focused and never lose sight of why he played the game. Richard, ever grateful, thanked him for everything.

His agent, Evan, handled the final details of the contract. A €15 million transfer fee, a €1 million signing bonus, and a four-year contract with an annual salary of €3.5 million. Not the biggest deal in world football, but for a young player making his first big move, it was massive.

As Richard boarded his flight to Germany, he checked his phone one last time. The football world was watching. The expectations were sky-high. He took a deep breath, a smirk forming on his lips.

It was time to prove himself.

Richard stepped off the plane at Dortmund's airport with a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through him. The crisp winter air of Germany felt different from the familiar Belgian chill, and he couldn't help but feel that this was the start of something monumental. In a matter of hours, the headlines had already shifted from transfer rumors to a full-blown media frenzy as his arrival at Borussia Dortmund was announced on social media. Fans and pundits alike tweeted and posted: "Welcome Blake! Dortmund's newest star is here!" and "Can he turn Dortmund's fortunes around?"

After a quick taxi ride, Richard arrived at the state-of-the-art training facility of Borussia Dortmund. The iconic Signal Iduna Park loomed in the distance, its towering stands a constant reminder of the club's illustrious history. As he was escorted through the corridors of the facility, he couldn't help but marvel at the cutting-edge equipment and the buzz among the staff—a palpable mix of excitement and cautious optimism given the club's current struggles in the Bundesliga.

Soon, he found himself in a brightly lit, sterile room where the medical team was waiting. Wearing a crisp new Dortmund tracksuit, Richard's heart pounded not just from anticipation but also from the realization that every detail of his physical fitness was about to be scrutinized. Doctors, physiotherapists, and fitness experts moved with practiced efficiency.

"Mr. Blake, welcome," said Dr. Kramer, a friendly yet focused sports physician. "We'll start with the usual checks—height, weight, blood tests, and a cardiac examination."

Richard nodded, trying to steady his nerves. He was led to a weighing scale where the technician noted his weight and then directed him to a treadmill for a cardiovascular stress test. As his heart rate was monitored, Richard's mind wandered briefly to his journey so far—from the dusty pitches at Beecroft FC to this moment of potential transformation.

The medical exam proceeded methodically. Blood samples were drawn, and an ultrasound of his heart was conducted. Throughout the process, a sense of professionalism and efficiency enveloped him. Despite the routine nature of these tests for a player of his caliber, every measurement here was a step toward validating his readiness for one of Europe's top leagues.

Outside the medical room, whispers among the staff hinted at the pressure Dortmund was under. With key players injured and the club languishing in mid-table, every new signing was expected to make an immediate impact. Richard could almost hear the echo of his new coaches' and fans' expectations: "He's here to change the game."

A short while later, as the tests concluded and Dr. Kramer offered a reassuring smile, Richard received the news: his fitness metrics were exceptional. The doctors were impressed, and even a few skeptical glances turned into nods of approval. This wasn't just a routine check—it was a green light that he was ready to step onto the pitch and help turn Dortmund's fortunes around.

Back in the waiting area, his agent Evan Caldwell buzzed with an excited message on his phone: "Med's done. You're cleared, Richard. Get ready to meet the coaching staff and join training tomorrow. The media are already hyped—Dortmund fans are celebrating your arrival, and Bayern fans are already taking jabs. You're making waves!"

Richard smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. This was the moment he'd been waiting for—the moment his life was set to change in more ways than one. As he left the medical suite, he couldn't help but think: from the moment I said goodbye to Beecroft to now, every step has been building up to this.

Outside, he paused for a moment to look up at the imposing silhouette of Signal Iduna Park, already alive with the distant roar of fans and the flashing lights of cameras. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, ready to embrace the challenge, knowing that his journey to become one of football's brightest stars had truly begun.

Richard stepped onto the Dortmund training pitch with a mix of determination and apprehension, fully aware that today was not only about proving his talent but also about finding his place in a team already fraught with tension. The facility buzzed with activity, but something was off—some players milling around weren't even supposed to be there in the first team. Due to recent injuries and an unusual call-up of reserve players, the session included a handful of youngsters and fringe players, which only heightened the nerves among the established squad.

As Richard approached the center of the field, Marco Reus was the first to greet him with a hearty slap on the back. "Welcome, Richard. We've heard the buzz, and we're excited to see what you bring," he said warmly. Marco's genuine smile set a positive tone, though the underlying atmosphere was mixed.

Giovanni Reyna, one of Dortmund's emerging talents, stepped forward next with an enthusiastic nod. "It's great to have another creative mind here. I can't wait to see how you light up the midfield," he remarked, his tone both encouraging and excited.

Not everyone shared that enthusiasm. Mats Hummels, standing near the defensive line, shot Richard a wary look. "This isn't a free pass, Blake. Every spot here is earned—especially with these reserve guys filling in where we shouldn't even be," he warned, his words laced with cautious competitiveness.

Some players, clearly not meant to be part of the regular first team due to their developmental status, hovered awkwardly on the periphery. Their presence only intensified the tension. Raphaël Guerreiro offered Richard a supportive smile, silently urging him to focus on what he could control, though whispers and sideways glances from those out-of-place players made it evident that the squad's usual hierarchy was in disarray.

From the sidelines, Coach Schmidt—ever the steady hand—approached Richard with an extended handshake. "We're a team here," he reminded him firmly, "and while today's roster may be a bit unusual because of temporary call-ups, your role is clear. Show us your quality, and let's work together to overcome these challenges."

Adding to the scene, Karl-Heinz Bauer, Dortmund's spirited sports director, strolled onto the pitch with a booming voice. "Let's give a warm welcome to Richard Blake! I know there's some confusion about who's supposed to be here, but talent finds its way regardless. We're counting on you to raise the bar for everyone," he declared with infectious enthusiasm.

During the training drills, Richard showcased his trademark skill. He weaved through tight spaces, delivered incisive passes, and set up plays with cool precision that silenced even the skeptics. Every time he executed a perfect move, it seemed to diminish the uncertainty among those who doubted his presence—and by extension, the integrity of the squad with the misplaced players around.

Between drills, during a water break, some teammates quietly discussed how the extra players were merely a temporary fix, emphasizing that the core team would soon settle back into their rightful roles once injuries healed. Giovanni Reyna commented, "These youngsters are here because of the injury mess. Once we're at full strength, the hierarchy will be restored. Until then, let's focus on what matters—winning matches."

Richard listened and nodded. "I'm here to help the team, not to disrupt anyone's spot. I want us all to succeed." His words, sincere and confident, eased the tension just a bit.

Despite the underlying awkwardness from the unexpected squad selection, a sense of unity began to emerge as the session progressed. Marco's encouraging nods, Giovanni's supportive claps, and even a reluctant smile from Hummels after a well-placed assist all hinted at a gradual acceptance of the new talent.

By the end of the session, as the extra call-ups were gradually dismissed and the first-team lineup reasserted itself, the message was clear: Richard Blake had arrived not just to fill a gap, but to elevate the entire squad. In the eyes of Coach Schmidt and Karl-Heinz Bauer, his performance had already silenced much of the skepticism—even among those who were not originally meant to be part of the first-team roster.

As Richard packed up his gear, the echoes of friendly jibes and cautious compliments followed him. He knew that in this chaotic moment, his resolve had been tested, and he had responded with the skill and determination that would define the next chapter of his career.