Chapter 165: A Good Snow Promises a Bountiful Year

Words : 1386 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

After three rounds of the Champions League, Dinamo Zagreb's performance and results have been nothing short of astonishing. With two wins and one draw, they've jumped to the top of their group. Although they unexpectedly handed points to Roma in an away match, luck is part of strength—and their performance against Leverkusen proved it. Even if that match had been played in full, stretched to the 90th minute, could Roma, who are currently in disarray, really have defeated this high-spirited Dinamo Zagreb? UEFA Champions League Group B Standings: Dinamo Zagreb – 2W-1D-0L – 7 points Real Madrid – 1W-2D-0L – 5 points Bayer Leverkusen – 1W-1D-1L – 4 points AS Roma – 0W-0D-3L – 0 points Roma's performance has been a major disappointment. From the first round, they've shown instability—both in the locker room and among the coaching staff. With such poor results, there are rumors that Roma is already dissatisfied with new head coach Delneri and are considering yet another managerial change. Roma is a mess right now, and this has made Group B of the Champions League all the more dramatic. Three group stage matches remain—each critically important. For Dinamo Zagreb, the upcoming games pose even greater challenges. Of the final three matches, two are away fixtures. They'll have to travel to face Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. If they want to preserve their chances of qualifying, they'll need to at least secure draws. Dinamo Zagreb's dazzling performance in the Champions League has made them a focal point across Europe. They've been dubbed the new wave of "youth storm." Davor Suker's dream is coming true—this whirlwind from the Balkans has finally swept into the heart of Europe. As a result, attention on Dinamo Zagreb's young stars has skyrocketed. Suker and Modric are, of course, at the center of that attention. One is the attacking core, the other the midfield maestro. Their obvious talent has made top European clubs drool. Now that it's November, there's only about a month left until the winter transfer window opens. During this time, Dinamo Zagreb's fax machine has practically gone haywire, constantly receiving transfer offers. Arsenal was the first to act. Wenger is anxious! He spotted Suker early, but with the player's impressive Champions League displays, competition is increasing rapidly. Suker's market value has skyrocketed from €2.3 million to the latest Arsenal bid of €10.5 million. This is the first time Wenger has made such a bold offer for a young player. "Still no response from Dinamo Zagreb?" Inside Arsenal's manager's office, Wenger looked worried. Truthfully, he doesn't have much money to spend. Just a few days ago, the board approved the construction of a new stadium, meaning the club will pour a lot of money into the project—even borrowing from banks. At such a critical juncture, the funds Wenger has available are painfully limited. Right now, his maximum budget is €12 million. Yes—Wenger is throwing nearly all of his season's transfer funds into this deal. "There's no more budget? Kroenke won't invest?" The scout remained silent. His eyes told Wenger—it's impossible. Wenger pursed his lips and sat back in his chair with a sigh. "No way around it." "Well, not necessarily," the scout suddenly spoke. Wenger waved him off. "Don't bring that up again. I promised Bergkamp he'd retire in the new stadium." "Then what do we..." "That Dutch kid—how's he doing?" "Robin? He's fallen out completely with Van Marwijk at Feyenoord. The club plans to sell him this winter!" "Start talks." Robin van Persie, the Flying Dutchman. Wenger had already marked him as a future star. Before discovering Suker, Van Persie was his intended heir to Bergkamp. But after learning of Suker, Wenger shelved that plan. Now, he's being forced to pivot. Suker is too expensive. Meanwhile, Van Persie could be had for less than €3 million—a far more cost-effective option. Of course, Wenger isn't giving up on Suker. The situation is still fluid—the summer transfer window will be the key moment. What they don't know yet is that Dinamo Zagreb has just received a new offer from AC Milan: €12.5 million! Crushing! In Dinamo Zagreb's office, Besic looked at the latest offers. The highest for Suker now comes from AC Milan—€12.5 million. No doubt, the big clubs come with big offers. He bought Suker for €800,000. In two years, the return has multiplied several times over. It's not just a bargain—it's a goldmine. There's also an offer for Modric, from the Premier League—but not Arsenal. Chelsea is after him. That Russian tycoon, Abramovich, wants Modric. The bid: €12 million—just €500,000 less than Suker. And there's more—Chelsea has made a combined offer for Suker + Modric: €37 million total! Besides these, many other scattered offers have come in—though none matching these in value. But one thing is clear: Suker and Modric have fully broken into the European market. Looking at all that money, Besic felt the urge to cash in this winter break. But he held back. "Summer transfer window."That's what he'd decided long ago. Let them finish the season—then we'll talk transfers. No matter how tempting, he forced himself to wait. Besic walked over to the window. The sky was slightly gray. Bare trees swayed in the wind. Before long, flakes of snow began to fall. "It's snowing." Besic tilted his head up slightly, a smile forming on his lips. Winter arrived a bit early this year—and it was colder than usual. Typically, in November the temperature hovers around 3–5°C. But now, it's already dropped below freezing. This year, winter came faster than expected. "A good snow promises a bountiful year." On the training ground, Suker stretched out his hand to catch snowflakes. "Looks like a harvest season is coming." November 1st, 2004/05 Croatian League, Round 15. Dinamo Zagreb hosted Hajduk Split. For this match, Dinamo fielded many substitutes. Starting XI: Goalkeeper: SubašićDefenders: Strinić, Jarni, Šimunić, PranjićMidfield: Ćorluka, Vukojević, RakitićForwards: Vukušić, Jelavić, Suker Around the 55th minute, Suker was subbed off. At that point, the score was 3–1 in Dinamo's favor. After coming off, Suker wrapped himself in a blanket and sat next to Modric. "It's freezing—why is it so cold this year?" Suker shivered. Modric chuckled. "If you're cold, imagine how those visiting European teams must feel." Suker grinned. "That's why this year is going to be a good one." "A good year?" Modric asked, puzzled. Suker just smiled without explaining. He turned to watch the match. The substitutes were playing well. After 15 rounds, they'd adapted to the rhythm of the Croatian league and were starting to show their own talents. Even if Suker and others left, these backup players could help Dinamo stay strong domestically. Of course, Dinamo doesn't have a monopoly on talent. Hajduk also promoted a 16-year-old from their youth academy— Ivan Perišić. However, Dinamo's players had Champions League experience, making them mentally and tactically superior. As a result, Hajduk was completely outplayed. Young Perišić had a rough time—constantly toyed with by Rakitić. It's hard to imagine that this young man, struggling today, would one day become a key part of the Croatian national team. Suker turned his gaze back, and murmured— "The Champions League is about to resume." Modric's expression turned serious. "Two away matches—against Leverkusen and Real Madrid." Suker nodded solemnly. "We must hold steady in the next game." "And that's the end of this match! Dinamo Zagreb defeat Hajduk 3–1 in Round 15 of the Croatian league. Even with a mostly second-string lineup, their substitutes delivered an excellent performance." "Soon, the Champions League resumes. Let's turn our focus to the upcoming Group Stage Round 4 match—and let's cheer for Dinamo Zagreb!" With the commentator's impassioned voice, the match concluded. Dinamo's players returned to the locker room and, after quickly packing up, boarded the team bus to head back. In the coming days, they will begin preparations for their fourth Champions League match. They've performed superbly so far—now they must stay composed for the final stretch.

Chapter 165: A Good Snow Promises a Bountiful Year

Comments (0)