Chapter 24: Player Signings & Squad Adjustments
Jake Wilson sat in his office, scanning the data on his tablet. The system had been running squad diagnostics all morning, analyzing every game so far.
A blue screen flickered in front of him.
[Ding! Squad Analysis Complete]
[Urgent Need: Defensive Midfield Depth]
[Solution: Promote a Youth Academy Player Immediately]
Jake leaned back in his chair, thinking.
Daniel Lowe had been playing as the team's only true defensive midfielder, and while he had done well, the system was right—there was no backup. If Lowe got injured or suspended, Bradford would have a massive hole in midfield.
He tapped on the system's recommended players list.
[Recommendation: Promote Charlie Benson (19, Defensive Midfielder, Academy)]
[Strengths: Tackling, Stamina, Defensive Awareness]
[Weaknesses: Passing Under Pressure, Positional Discipline]
Jake nodded. Benson was raw, but he had potential.
He called his assistant coach, Paul Roberts.
"Paul, we're bringing Charlie Benson into the first team," Jake said.
Paul raised an eyebrow. "Think he's ready?"
Jake smirked. "We'll find out."
While promoting Benson solved one problem, Jake still needed to reinforce his squad further.
The system had recommended two signings, both based in Spain:
A young midfielder from Real Madrid's academy—someone who could help control possession.
A 25-year-old right winger/striker—once a top Valencia prospect but forgotten after two years of injuries.
Jake wasted no time. The next morning, he was on a flight to Spain.
Negotiating with Real Madrid
Jake arrived at Real Madrid's training ground, ready for the biggest negotiation of his career so far.
His target? Alejandro Ortega, a 20-year-old midfield playmaker.
[Ding! Player Profile: Alejandro Ortega]
[Strengths: Vision, Passing, Composure]
[Weaknesses: Physicality, Defensive Work Rate]
Madrid's academy director was reluctant to let Ortega leave.
"He's an important player for our Castilla squad," the director said, shaking his head. "We're not looking to loan him out right now."
Jake expected this.
"Look," Jake said, keeping his voice calm. "You and I both know Ortega isn't getting into your first team. He needs real minutes at a senior level. I can give him that at Bradford."
The director hesitated. "Why should we send him to you? Bradford isn't exactly known for developing young talent."
Jake smirked. "Because I'm not just any coach."
Then he pulled out his tablet, showing them detailed tactical breakdowns from his system-generated reports.
How Ortega would fit into Bradford's tactics.
How he'd develop playing under Jake's system.
Projected growth statistics over the next two seasons.
The director sat back, surprised.
"You've done your homework."
Jake shrugged. "I don't gamble with my signings. I know exactly how he'll fit."
After a long discussion, Madrid finally agreed to a one-season loan deal.
Signing the Forgotten Winger
The next stop was Valencia, where Jake was meeting with Diego Castellón—a once-promising winger, now without a club.
[Ding! Player Profile: Diego Castellón]
[Strengths: Speed, Finishing, Versatility]
[Weaknesses: Match Fitness, Injury History]
Jake found Castellón training alone on a local pitch. The winger had been ignored by clubs due to his injury record, but the system had highlighted him as a hidden gem.
Jake approached him. "Diego Castellón?"
The player turned, surprised. "Who's asking?"
"Jake Wilson, manager of Bradford City."
Castellón frowned. "I haven't played in two years. No club wants to take the risk."
Jake nodded. "That's why I'm here. The system says you're not finished yet. I believe it."
Castellón hesitated. "But… what if I break down again?"
Jake's voice was steady. "Then we'll deal with it. But I don't think you will. I think you just need a club that actually believes in you."
A long pause.
Then, Castellón stretched out his hand.
"Alright. Let's do it."
A few days later, Jake was back in England, sitting in front of the media.
Reporters fired questions at him.
"You've signed two unknown players—one from Madrid's reserves and another who hasn't played in two years. Is this smart recruitment?"
Jake smirked. "I don't sign players randomly. Both of them fit exactly what we need."
"Castellón hasn't played competitively in a long time. Isn't this a risk?"
Jake leaned forward. "Every signing is a risk. But I trust my system, and I trust my eyes. He has the talent—we just need to bring it back."
"Ortega is highly rated in Madrid's academy. How did you convince them to loan him out?"
Jake shrugged. "Simple. I showed them I have a plan for him."
The headlines the next day?
"Jake Wilson Takes a Gamble on Forgotten Talent"
"Can Ortega Shine Under Bradford's System?"
"Wilson's Bold Transfer Strategy—Masterstroke or Mistake?"
Jake didn't care about the noise. He knew what he was building.
A week later, both Ortega and Castellón arrived at Bradford's training ground.
The squad welcomed them cautiously—especially Castellón, whose injury history made him a controversial addition.
Jake watched closely in training.
Ortega immediately stood out with his passing ability, though he struggled with the physicality of English football.
Castellón was rusty but still lightning fast, showing glimpses of his old form.
At the same time, Charlie Benson was adjusting to life in the first team. The young defensive midfielder was eager to prove himself, but Jake could see his nerves.
The coaching staff worked closely with him, focusing on:
Positioning during transitions.
Improving his confidence on the ball.
Building his physical endurance.
Jake knew these three players would be crucial for the upcoming season.
Preparing for the Fourth Preseason Match
With three preseason games left, the team now had more tactical flexibility.
Ortega would control possession in midfield.
Castellón would provide speed and finishing up front.
Benson would develop into a backup defensive midfielder.
Their next test? A match against a strong Championship club.
Jake gathered the squad. "We've made great progress, but now it's time to show it on the pitch."
The team nodded, focused.
Bradford was taking shape.
And Jake?
He was just getting started.