"We're also including escalators for market growth and individual achievements," Claudia added. "Meaning your earnings can increase annually based on specific targets. If you hit twenty Serie A appearances in your first season, the base salary for year two jumps to seventy-five thousand. If you make thirty appearances, it goes to eighty-five thousand."

"It's designed to reward success," Alessandro said. "The better you perform, the more the partnership grows in value."

The screen changed again, showing campaign visuals—young players in Nike gear, professional photoshoots, stadium backdrops.

"You'll be part of our Generation Pack shoot scheduled for September seventh," Alessandro continued. "It's a key marketing initiative designed to spotlight rising stars across Europe. Players like you, Gavi at Barcelona, Bellingham who just moved to Dortmund, Musiala at Bayern—the next generation."

He leaned forward slightly, his expression earnest.

"It's a chance to build your brand globally. The campaign runs across digital platforms, print media, retail locations. Millions of impressions. That kind of exposure is invaluable at your career stage."

Claudia picked up where he left off. "Additional perks include access to exclusive training resources at our innovation labs in Portland if you ever want to visit. Early product releases—you'll get new boots before they hit retail. Invitations to special Nike events, networking opportunities with other athletes in our roster."

"And of course," Alessandro added, "full product support. Whatever you need for training or matches, we provide it. Custom boots if you want them, tailored fit, specific colorways for big games."

The room fell quiet as the offer settled. Marco made notes on a small pad he'd pulled from his jacket, his pen moving quickly across the page. Demien sat still, his hands resting on the table, his expression thoughtful.

The Agent Negotiation Perk trait activated subtly in the back of his mind—not intrusive, just present, like a trusted advisor whispering insights.

「TRAIT ACTIVATED: AGENT NEGOTIATION PERK」

「CONTRACT ANALYSIS:

・Base Salary: €65,000 - BELOW market for first-team Serie A player with visibility

・Performance Bonus: €35,000 - CONDITIONAL and vague milestone structure

・Marketing Obligations: 2 campaigns per year - REASONABLE

・Product Allocation: Standard

・MISSING: Image rights discussion, World Cup clause, creative input on campaigns

・RECOMMENDATION: Counter with higher base, specific bonus triggers, tournament clauses・LEVERAGE: Three brands competing, first-team status, growing social media (300k followers)

NEGOTIATION STRATEGY:

・Opening Ask: €90,000 base (aggressive anchor - expect negotiation)

・Realistic Target: €75,000-€80,000 base (15-23% increase)

・Performance Bonus: €40,000 with specific, achievable triggers:

€5,000 per 5 Serie A goals€3,000 per 5 assists€10,000 for international youth team call-up€20,000 for senior national team call-up

・World Cup Clause: €50,000 for squad selection + match bonuses

・Creative Input: Request consultation rights (low cost, high value to you)

・Escalators: Tie to appearances (20+ apps = increase year 2, 30+ apps = higher increase)

JUSTIFICATION: First-team player in top-5 league, high visibility matches (Milan, Sampdoria televised), strong social media growth, international eligibility」

The panel faded from his consciousness, but the insights remained crystal clear—specific numbers, exact structures, negotiation psychology that would let him aim high while appearing reasonable.

Alessandro watched him expectantly. "What do you think? We believe this is a strong offer for someone at your stage."

Marco set his pen down, ready to speak, but Demien shifted forward slightly—a small movement that drew both executives' attention.

"I appreciate the offer," Demien said, and his voice was calm, measured. "And I appreciate Nike's interest. The presentation was impressive."

"But?" Claudia asked, reading between the lines.

"But I have some concerns about the structure," Demien continued. He glanced at the screen showing the numbers. "The base salary—sixty-five thousand—feels low considering I'm already playing first-team football in Serie A, not development squad or youth level."

Alessandro's eyebrows rose slightly. Marco stayed quiet, letting Demien lead.

"Most players at this stage are still working their way up through youth systems or lower divisions," Alessandro countered smoothly. "You've played two matches. While impressive, it's still early to command higher rates."

"True," Demien acknowledged. "But those two matches were against Sampdoria and AC Milan. Both televised. Both with significant viewership. I'm not asking for Mbappé money, but I am asking for recognition that I'm contributing at the top level right now, not in two years."

Claudia tapped her tablet, clearly impressed but not showing it. "What number are you thinking?"

The trait fed him market data, comparables, leverage points.

"Ninety thousand base," Demien said. "With a forty thousand bonus structure."

The room went very still.

Alessandro leaned back in his chair, processing. He glanced at Marco, who gave nothing away, then back to Demien.

"That's a significant increase from our initial offer," Alessandro said carefully.

"It is," Demien agreed. "But it reflects my current situation more accurately. And it accounts for something neither of you mentioned."

"Which is?" Claudia asked.

"World Cup qualification." Demien's voice stayed even. "England and Italy are in the qualifying process right now for the 2022 World Cup. If I continue performing at club level, there's a real possibility I get called up to youth teams, potentially senior squad consideration down the line. That's global exposure Nike would benefit from, but there's no clause addressing tournament participation or bonuses for that level of competition."

Alessandro exchanged a quick look with Claudia. They hadn't expected this level of preparation from an eighteen-year-old.

"You're thinking ahead," Claudia said, and there was respect in her tone.

"I have to," Demien replied. "This contract covers the next three years of my career. A lot can change. I want terms that account for success, not just current status."

Marco finally spoke, his voice supportive. "Demien raises valid points. Tournament participation is a significant value driver for both parties. And the base salary should reflect that he's already competing at Serie A level."

Alessandro tapped his fingers on the table, thinking. "The ninety thousand base is outside our typical range for this tier of player."

"Then let's find middle ground," Demien said. "Eighty thousand base with escalators based on appearances—same structure you already proposed, just starting from a higher baseline. Keep the forty thousand bonus but make the triggers specific: five thousand for every five Serie A goals, three thousand for every five assists, ten thousand if I make any international youth team appearance, twenty thousand if I make a senior national team call-up."

The Agent Negotiation Perk whispered approval—specific, achievable, mutually beneficial.

Claudia made notes on her tablet. Alessandro rubbed his jaw, considering.

"And the World Cup clause?" Alessandro asked.

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