Chapter 31: Eyes of the Premier League

The morning after Blackhaven's victory against West Brom felt different.

The usual routine—players recovering, analysts breaking down the match, and staff preparing for the next fixture—was still in place, but the energy had shifted.

Something had changed.

Daisuke Kurogane sat in his office, watching the replay of their win. Every goal, every pass, every moment of control—it all played out again in front of him. It wasn't just about reviewing the match anymore. It was about what came next.

His phone buzzed.

Hana's name flashed on the screen.

"You're about to get busy, Coach."

Daisuke exhaled. He already knew.

By midday, the offers started rolling in.

Not just from Championship clubs looking to poach Blackhaven's best players. Premier League clubs were paying attention now.

Chelsea's youth development director wanted a private meeting.

Brighton's scouting department had requested footage of Carter and Ricardo.

Leicester City's sporting director had sent a personal message:

"We should talk soon. I have a proposition."

It was happening fast. Too fast.

Daisuke set his phone down, leaning back in his chair. The moment Blackhaven had started winning, he knew this would happen. Bigger clubs would try to cherry-pick his players.

But he wasn't about to let that happen.

He picked up the phone and called Hana.

"Schedule a press conference for tomorrow."

The next day, journalists packed into the Blackhaven press room. Cameras flashed as Daisuke took his seat at the front, calm as ever.

The questions came immediately.

"Coach, after the West Brom win, multiple clubs have shown interest in your players. Are you open to transfers?"

Daisuke's expression didn't change.

"Blackhaven is not a feeder club. We're building something here. Any club that wants our players should be prepared to wait."

Another journalist pressed further.

"What about Premier League interest? If a top club comes in for one of your stars, will you stand in their way?"

Daisuke leaned forward slightly.

"If a move is truly in a player's best interest, we'll discuss it. But make no mistake—our goal is not to lose players. Our goal is to be the club others want to join."

A murmur went through the room.

Daisuke wasn't just reacting to the attention. He was setting the tone.

Blackhaven wasn't going to be picked apart like a small-time success story. They were going to rise.

After the press conference, the players were buzzing.

"Premier League clubs are watching us?" Carter muttered, still in disbelief.

Ricardo smirked. "I mean, of course they are. We just took down a Championship team."

Even Stojanovic, normally quiet, nodded. "This is just the beginning."

Daisuke entered the locker room, and the energy shifted. Players straightened up, waiting for him to speak.

He looked around, making sure every eye was on him.

"Enjoy the recognition. You earned it." He let the words settle before continuing. "But understand this: Attention means pressure. Clubs will watch your every move now. Some of you will get offers. Some of you won't. What matters is how you handle it. Do you get complacent? Or do you prove that you belong at this level?"

The room fell silent.

Daisuke nodded, satisfied.

"Training starts at 6 AM tomorrow. Let's see who's serious about this."

London, Stamford Bridge

In a sleek boardroom at Chelsea's headquarters, a group of executives sat around a table. A match replay was playing on a massive screen—Blackhaven vs. West Brom.

One of Chelsea's top scouts paused the footage and pointed at the screen.

"That right-back, Carter. He reminds me of Reece James. Physical, aggressive, great crossing ability."

Another analyst nodded. "And the midfielder, Ricardo. His movement is sharp. He's got that quick decision-making we look for."

A senior director leaned forward, steepling his fingers.

"We'll monitor them for now. If they keep performing, we make our move before their value skyrockets."

Blackhaven was on their radar.

And the big clubs were already planning their next steps.

Later that night, Daisuke found himself standing outside the training facility, staring up at the night sky.

He had always known success would bring outside interest. It was part of football. But a thought lingered in his mind.

Could Blackhaven hold on to its best players long enough to reach the top?

He wasn't worried about transfers this season. But if they kept rising… it would only get harder.

He sighed, pulling out his phone. A message from Hana popped up.

"Meeting scheduled with Leicester's sporting director for next week. Also, a new sponsorship offer came in. Call me when you're free."

Daisuke exhaled.

Success had its price.

But he wasn't backing down.