With the Bundesliga's disciplinary ruling, Borussia Mönchengladbach filed an appeal.
However, it was quickly dismissed.
The Bundesliga committee maintained a firm stance, largely due to Yè Chén's growing influence, which was expanding the Bundesliga's market in the Asia-Pacific region.
Perhaps because Yè Chén is of Asian descent, his rise to prominence attracted attention not only in China but also in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Even Hong Kong, traditionally dominated by the Premier League, saw a surge of new fans.
And they all supported Yè Chén without exception!
This is the power of cultural and racial identity.
Especially after Mönchengladbach fans brought racial discrimination into the Bundesliga, harsh penalties were inevitable.
Punishment was severe and uncompromising!
Meanwhile, Dortmund was focusing on preparations for the Champions League.
Although Yè Chén had no match duties, he still participated in team training to maintain his form and improve his skills.
In addition to team sessions, Yè Chén dedicated extra time for individual practice.
Seeing Yè Chén's dedication, Klopp couldn't help but nod approvingly. A kid this disciplined is bound for greatness!
"If only Yè Chén were my son..." Klopp thought to himself.
However, due to the recent incident, the planned transfer between Dortmund and Mönchengladbach was postponed.
In simple terms, Reus couldn't transfer to Dortmund amid such controversy. Otherwise, both Reus and Mönchengladbach would face backlash.
Now, the challenge lay in securing reinforcements during the winter transfer window.
In Dortmund's café, Klopp sipped coffee alongside Buvac.
"What's the word from the scouts? Any good targets?" Klopp asked with a frown.
Buvac shook his head. "Clubs aren't letting go of any decent players, and the talented ones are already being watched by the Premier League giants. Not many players are keen to come to the Bundesliga."
"No options for the wings? What about defensive midfielders or full-backs?" Klopp pressed.
"We've made contact with a few, but their transfer fees aren't cheap," Buvac replied gravely.
To achieve good results in the second half of the season, Dortmund had to make signings.
Otherwise, the squad's lack of depth would lead to more situations like the past few rounds.
At that moment, Yè Chén, fresh from his workout and sipping a bottle of water, approached. "Boss, are you discussing winter signings?"
"Why, got any suggestions?" Klopp smiled. "I don't recall China having many outstanding players."
"China?"
"Oh right, didn't Schalke 04 have someone... Hao... something? But I think he left without much playtime," Buvac recalled.
"Hao Junmin. He's talented but, like I used to be, just never got the opportunity," Yè Chén chuckled. "But the player I want to recommend isn't him â it's someone else."
"Who?" Klopp asked curiously, sipping his coffee.
"De Bruyne," Yè Chén said after a brief pause.
Those four words represented the future of world-class midfield talent.
After Modric aged, De Bruyne would become the world's best midfielder.
Yè Chén thought of him for a simple reasonâduring a chat with Januzaj, Yè Chén asked if he knew De Bruyne. Januzaj immediately shared De Bruyne's contact info.
At the moment, De Bruyne was still at Genk in Belgium, but many big clubs were already interested.
If Yè Chén remembered correctly, Chelsea was close to making an offer.
Chelsea's interest was no mystery. As Belgian champions, Genk had qualified for the Champions League, and their opponent was Chelsea.
In their last match, Genk held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw. De Bruyne's midfield performance wasn't spectacular, but his passing and control left a deep impression on coach Villas-Boas.
Still, even if De Bruyne joined Chelsea, he wouldn't get much playtime. His slight build wouldn't withstand the Premier League's intensity.
Coming to the Bundesliga for a few years of development seemed more beneficialâeventually securing a tidy transfer fee for Dortmund.
Why would Yè Chén recommend such a talent for free? Simpleâhe wanted the assists.
Yè Chén had a task to conquer Europe. But with Dortmund's current squad, that goal seemed out of reach.
With the squad stretched thin, strengthening the team was a priority for Yè Chén as a time-traveler.
He even considered starting a player agency... but for now, he was too busy.
Maybe partnering with Mendes could workâearning passively sounded appealing!
Why not make something out of it?
"Who?" Buvac asked, intrigued.
Klopp looked equally puzzled. "Never heard of him."
Yè Chén smiled. "De Bruyne, 20 years old, plays for Genk. He helped them win the league last season, with over ten assists, if I recall correctly. More importantly, he became a Belgian international at 18. He's a midfielder but can also play as a winger. What do you think?"
"The Belgian league isn't that impressive. Even with double-digit assists, it doesn't mean much," Buvac said dismissively.
Yè Chén raised an eyebrow. "I suggest you watch his scouting report and game footage before making a judgment."
Having thought of De Bruyne, Yè Chén immediately searched for information online.
Although resources were limited, it was enough.
"Boss, I've given you the nameâtake a closer look. By the way, he started in Genk's match against Chelsea. They're already interested, so if we want him, we need to act fast," Yè Chén informed Klopp.
The rest was up to the club.
As the saying goesâthis is as far as I can help you...
Klopp nodded, eyes fixed on the video.
The player resembled the protagonist from The Adventures of Tintin, and his passing had impressive precision.
What stood out most was his movement and head checks before receiving the ball.
Most midfielders scan their surroundings four to five times before possession. De Bruyne did it six to eight times!
That indicated exceptional vision and game awareness.
But Klopp wanted a winger, not a midfielder...
Rolling his eyes, Klopp decided to give Yè Chén's recommendation a shot.
Especially since Chelsea was interestedâcompetition made things more enticing.
Klopp immediately called the scouting chief to collect reports on De Bruyne.
Meanwhile, Yè Chén finished training and drove home, calling De Bruyne on the way.
"Hey, Kevin! It's me," Yè Chén said, having chatted and even played FIFA with De Bruyne online.
"Yè? I'm busyâI'm about to join one of the top five leagues, like you and Adnan!"
"Wait, Chelsea already contacted you?"
"Huh? How did you know?"
"Don't sign yet! Dortmund wants you too. Trust meâEngland's no place for rookies. Come to Dortmund and rise with me!"
Like Giggs and Rooney soaring down the wings in '99...