The Offer

A few days after the exhilarating news of the legal approval, Amani received a formal summons. Not to Kristen Stein's usual office or Coach Pronk's tactical room, but to the main administrative building – the heart of FC Utrecht's operations, adjacent to the imposing Stadion Galgenwaard. The request specified his presence, along with Mr. Stein as his guardian representative, in the club's primary boardroom at 10:00 AM sharp.

This felt different. More official, more significant than any meeting he'd attended before. The nervous energy that had dissipated after the breakthrough returned, albeit tinged with anticipation rather than dread. He dressed carefully, choosing the neatest club-issued polo shirt and trousers he owned.

Beside him, Mr. Stein offered a quiet, reassuring smile, though Amani could see the deep satisfaction in the veteran scout's eyes. This was the culmination of the journey Stein had initiated months ago on a dusty field in Mombasa.