A quiet update appeared on Dortmund's official website.
Nineteen-year-old Chinese player Wang Chu has transferred from French Ligue 2 team Metz to Borussia Dortmund for â¬500,000!
The post also featured a photo of Wang Chu holding a Dortmund jersey.
Of course, the term "transfer" was used, not "free signing," as this was not a free deal!
Though the news seemed minor, it caused a stir back in China.
"Is this real? Did Dortmund actually sign Wang Chu?"
"Who is Wang Chu? Never heard of him."
"Seriously? How do you not know Wang Chu? He's one of our nation's top talents!"
"Ugh, don't remind me about Wang Chu. He was already exhausted, and they still made him return for a meaningless match. It ruined him!"
"I've already left him a message on Instagram â never return to the national team!"
"Agreed!"
"Feels like Ye Chen had a hand in this transfer."
"Right? Dortmund wouldn't even know about Wang Chu otherwise."
"But... Wang Chu couldn't cut it in Ligue 2. How will he manage in the Bundesliga?"
"Well, he wasn't playing in Ligue 2 anyway. Might as well try his luck in Germany... And let's not forget, Germany is known for top-notch sports medicine!"
"True, their medical facilities are among the best in Europe. Maybe Wang Chu can recover."
"You're too optimistic..."
"I just thought of a way for Wang Chu to boost his stats... Just pass the ball to Ye Chen! Dortmund's youngsters love racking up assists with him!"
The internet exploded.
Ye Chen was immediately informed and shared a secret with Klopp.
Without hesitation, Klopp began scouting another Metz player.
Dortmund's winter transfer budget was â¬19 million â initially intended for Marco Reus.
The agreed transfer fee with Gladbach was â¬17.5 million, but conflicts between the clubs forced the deal's cancellation.
However, Dortmund's need to strengthen the squad was urgent!
The funds instead secured Kevin De Bruyne for â¬10 million and César Azpilicueta for â¬6 million. Additionally, Wang Chu and another Metz player were brought in.
Many dismissed the two Metz players as filler signings.
Even Klopp didn't have high expectations.
But the essence of transfers is like buying a lottery ticket â the price reflects the potential reward.
Why do clubs spend â¬100 million on players? Because the odds of success are higher!
But does spending â¬100 million guarantee success?
Just ask Eden Hazard!
Metz, France.
Wang Chu packed his bags as many came to see him off.
As captain of the youth team, he was well-liked.
A tall, dark-skinned young man looked at Wang Chu enviously.
"Chu, I'll work twice as hard to catch up to you!"
Wang Chu patted his shoulder.
"Sadio, you'll make it to the top clubs one day. Keep at it!"
The young man's face lit up with a bright smile.
"Wait a second, Chu!" At that moment, assistant coach Zerbi rushed over.
"What's up?"
"Sadio's going to Dortmund with you!"
"Huh?"
Sadio looked at Zerbi in confusion.
Dortmund initially offered â¬500,000 for Sadio...
Antonetti rejected it outright.
The second offer was â¬1 million.
Antonetti hesitated but refused again.
Dortmund raised it to â¬1.5 million, their final offer.
This time, Antonetti accepted without hesitation.
Naturally, Mane had no objections.
One club was in Ligue 2, the other a Bundesliga giant.
The choice was obvious.
Thus, Metz lost two players to Dortmund before the winter transfer window even opened.
His name was Sadio â last name Mane!
Since Klopp respected him, Ye Chen reciprocated.
He revealed the surprise he had prepared.
Although Wang Chu and Mane were at the same club, Dortmund's initial interest was solely in Wang Chu. Mane wasn't even on their radar.
It wasn't until Ye Chen mentioned Mane again that Klopp took notice â and was stunned.
Despite only playing half a season of professional football, Mane's speed and talent eclipsed Wang Chu's.
Even if Dortmund hadn't signed him, Red Bull Salzburg would have by season's end...
Not RB Leipzig, but the Austrian Salzburg team.
But that no longer mattered. Wang Chu and Mane were now Bundesliga-bound.
Dortmund's winter transfers concluded before the window even opened!
Because... they were out of money.
On December 17th, Klopp led the team to Freiburg.
It was their final league match before the winter break.
Klopp issued a stern order â victory was a must!
Freiburg sat 18th in the Bundesliga â dead last.
Dortmund fielded their strongest lineup and switched to a 4-2-4 formation.
Shinji Kagawa played left-wing but acted more like a wide playmaker.
Freiburg parked the bus, with all players behind the halfway line.
Ye Chen seized the chance for a long-range strike.
12:29 â Ye Chen scored the opener with a stunning shot!
Traveling fans erupted in song.
Freiburg's defense faltered, leading to confusion.
21:40 â Kagawa's cross found Lewandowski, who headed it in. 2-0!
The match seemed destined for an easy victory.
But Freiburg struck back with a counterattack.
42:28 â Rosenthal smashed a shot past Weidenfeller.
Fans celebrated wildly â scoring against Dortmund was victory enough.
In the second half, Gündogan lobbed a pass to Ye Chen, who assisted Lewandowski.
3-1!
Lewandowski hugged Ye Chen in celebration.
Klopp's two-striker system eased their rivalry.
But seeing Lewandowski score twice, Ye Chen wanted more...
Klopp had other plans, subbing him off at 60 minutes.
Barrios replaced him â likely his final Dortmund match.
Guangzhou Evergrande bid â¬8.5 million for Barrios.
If successful, Barrios would surpass Dario Conca as China's most expensive transfer.
Dortmund welcomed the deal â funds were needed for defensive reinforcements.
Their ambition was clear â Champions League, DFB-Pokal, and the Bundesliga.
They wanted it all.
Greedy? Maybe.
But that's football.