Football Dynasty-Chapter 206: Gulfstream GIV-SP and Sportcomplex De Toekomst

Considering that Richard would be traveling abroad more frequently in the future, flying commercial had become increasingly inconvenient—especially given his need to prioritize security as a newly minted billionaire. So, he intended to purchase a private jet.

Before the international break, alongside Adam Lewis—his current legal consultant for Maddox Capital—Richard made a discreet visit to ExecuJet, a well-known private aircraft broker.

"Looking for something light or long-range?" asked the broker, a neatly dressed man with a voice that exuded calm professionalism.

"Long-range," Richard replied without hesitation. "Something comfortable enough for transatlantic flights—private use, but with the performance of a business asset."

Understanding the complexity of such a high-value acquisition, Richard and Adam had already hired an aviation consultant who specialized in new business jet acquisitions. Having discussed Richard’s goals in previous meetings, the consultant immediately stepped in to guide the process.

"We’ll need to consider delivery timelines, international registration, tax-efficient ownership structures, and long-term maintenance packages. My client here is looking for something in the class of a Gulfstream IV—a new build."

Hearing this, the broker’s eyes lit up.

It was rare for someone to walk in looking to purchase a brand-new jet. Most clients came searching for well-maintained pre-owned models—more cost-effective, quicker to acquire, easier to register.

But someone requesting a new aircraft? That meant serious capital and even more serious intent.

"You’re in a very exclusive category, sir," the broker said, adjusting his cufflinks. "Most of our clients are looking for something slightly used. Going new gives you far more control—interior configuration, updated avionics, even bespoke branding options. However, in line with our company policy, I must remind you—"

He cleared his throat politely before continuing.

"A private plane itself costs tens of millions of dollars to purchase. And private-jet owners will need roughly ten times that in net worth to afford the cost of upkeep, which includes storing the plane, hiring staff to operate and maintain it and redoing the interior as needed."

Despite what people assume from reading tabloids, being rich and famous doesn’t automatically mean you fly private. It’s the celebrity illusion of wealth. Even Madonna, the Queen of Pop, has been spotted flying commercial—economy class, no less

"We don’t have a choice—my client here chooses to fly privately because of security concerns," the consultant quickly said as he blinked his eyes at the broker, as if he wanted to say, ’Don’t bullshit me with your corporate rules; you’re just testing whether he can actually afford it!’

As if he understood it, the broker coughed. "Then I’ll arrange private viewings," he said, "and send over the spec sheets for factory delivery slots. If we move quickly, you could have delivery scheduled within the year."

After that, the broker began introducing all the current models available through ExecuJet—from Gulfstream, Dassault, and Bombardier. The G-V, Falcon 900EX, and the Challenger 604 were all top-of-the-line for 1996.

"We have a few listings that fit. One just came in—a 1992 Gulfstream IV-SP, refurbished last year. The cabin’s been updated with premium leather seating and a satellite phone system. I’ll have the spec sheet brought up."

It can be said that this aircraft is the most advanced intercontinental long-haul business jet currently available. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Tay Mk 611-8 engines, each offering 13,850 lbs of thrust and consuming a combined 479 gallons per hour (GPH). The range of the GIV-SP is 4,091 nautical miles, operating under NBAA IFR conditions with 4 passengers and full fuel.

As they reviewed the aircraft options over espresso and legal briefings, Richard gazed at images of the jet’s sleek interior.

The cabin volume of the Gulfstream GIV-SP is 1,658 cubic feet, with a typical configuration featuring 14 to 19 passenger seats and 2 crew seats. It is classified as a midsize cabin business jet.

"The biggest improvement of this Gulfstream over earlier models is the Rolls-Royce Tay engines, which offer more efficient fuel burn and reduced noise emissions. So you can expect pure luxury when you board this jet, sir."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. In fact, the SP in the Gulfstream GIV-SP name stands for Special Performance. It is the first in the Gulfstream family to employ Goodyear Aerospace’s brake-by-wire system and a Dowty fail-passive steer-by-wire system, making maneuverability easier. Its gross takeoff weight is 1,400 pounds higher than the previous GIV. And the requirements for airport runways for takeoff and landing are not too demanding, so medium-sized and larger airports can meet it easily."

With that, Richard rose from his seat. "Alright then," he said, extending his hand, making the broker grin from ear to ear.

After personalized customization, the total price of the GIV-SP was around 40 million US dollars, but it would take several months before the aircraft was ready for use. Therefore, for his trip to the Netherlands during the international break, Richard opted to charter a business jet from an airline.

It wasn’t a GIV-SP, but the earlier GIV model.

On this trip, Richard’s entourage included Adam Lewis, Marina, Miss Heysen, as well as his father, mother, Miss Rowling, and her daughter—a total of seven people.

"Brother Richard, is this yours?"

Though little Jessica was only five years old, she was already curious and observant. Usually, on airplanes, people had to sit in tight rows and stay quiet.

But here?

Everyone was talking. Even Uncle Bryan couldn’t sit still—he kept walking back and forth. Just from that, she could tell this plane was probably something special. Maybe it belonged to her big brother, especially since he had shaken hands with the pilot before they took off.

"No," Richard said with a smile, "but your big brother’s going to have one even nicer than this!"

"Really?"

Richard smiled and gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Of course. You see, this one’s a bit old and small, but soon we’ll have a shiny new plane—all big and fancy. You can even run around while we’re flying."

"Really?!" Jessica’s eyes lit up.

Richard laughed softly. "Of course! We’ll make it fun and cozy, with a special spot just for you."

Jessica beamed, snuggling closer. "I can’t wait, big brother!"

Richard laughed softly as he gently ruffled her hair.

The flight from Manchester to Amsterdam takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, so after playing for a while, little Jessica eventually fell asleep.

Richard used this opportunity to quietly turn to Lewis and ask about the current status of Miss Rowling’s divorce case.

"Finalized last week," he said, his tone measured. "The settlement went through on Tuesday. The judge approved the custody arrangement—Jessica’s with her full-time. The father didn’t contest it."

Richard’s expression remained neutral, but a subtle nod showed his relief. ’The Harry Potter series might be released even sooner now,’ he hoped.

As if she had overheard their conversation, Miss Rowling gently stood up, adjusted the blanket over her daughter, and walked over to Richard’s side of the cabin.

"May I?" she asked softly, gesturing to the seat next to him.

"Of course," Richard replied, motioning for her to sit.

She lowered herself gracefully into the seat, her fingers interlaced in her lap. There was a moment of quiet between them—comfortable, filled not with awkwardness, but with unspoken understanding.

"I just wanted to say..." she began, her voice quiet but steady, "thank you."

Richard tilted his head slightly.

"You didn’t have to do any of it. Not the lawyers, not the support behind the scenes, not this—" she gestured subtly around the cabin, "this whole trip. You helped me when things were... when things were unbearable."

Richard only smiled at this. "You’re family. And Jessica deserves peace. So do you."

Miss Rowling chuckled as she glanced at her daughter sleeping peacefully. "She already thinks the world of you."

Richard could only offer her a warm smile. "Let’s just say we’re all flying toward something better."

"..."

After a few hours, the Gulfstream landed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Richard then parted ways with his parents and Miss Rowling, as he wasn’t here for vacation but for work.

After coaxing little Jessica, who was reluctant to part ways because she didn’t want to be separated, Richard and his entourage finally boarded their car and headed to Sportcomplex De Toekomst.

This is Ajax’s renowned youth training base—once widely regarded as one of the most celebrated academies in Europe and the world, long before La Masia rose to prominence by capitalizing on the Bosman ruling.

In Dutch, the complex is often seen as a symbol of the future. Few realized, however, that Ajax’s future was about to face a significant challenge.

Edgar Davids became Europe’s first high-profile player to benefit from the Bosman ruling when he moved from Ajax to Milan. Following him, many of Ajax’s top talents would eventually scatter across Europe, reshaping the football landscape.

Today’s agenda was to tour the Ajax training base firsthand. This complex would serve as the key reference and inspiration for designing the new City training base at their upcoming stadium, aiming to replicate Ajax’s success in nurturing young talent.

The facility boasted numerous meticulously maintained training pitches, each buzzing with the energy of young players across various age groups.

Around the pitches, parents watched anxiously, their eyes filled with hope and pride, while scouts from clubs near and far observed silently, searching for the next generation of football stars.

It turns out today was the recruitment day for the Ajax youth academy. Well, they do this regularly—so the routine no longer feels unusual.

Richard looked at the training field, his eyes filled with warmth for the hardworking children, admiring Dutch football—433, the eternal attacking football.

"Are you going to make the stadium and everything exactly the same?" Marina asked.

Richard was pulled from his thoughts by her question. "Of course not," he said, turning toward her. "We’re not here to copy—we’re here to create something of our own. Inspired, yes. But built for the future."

The Hillsborough disaster provided the catalyst for the last wave of stadium building. Now, British football appears to be in the grip of a new construction boom, and expectations have risen. Still, most current football stadiums in England are great for football but offer little else.

To be honest, the best way to build a stadium is with somebody else’s money. It’s almost impossible to make a profit on one. That’s why many football club owners hesitate to build stadiums using their own money—only Richard dares to do so.

In fact, the 1990s era, Eastland—whether it was brownland or greenland—worked entirely in Richard’s favor.

It quietly saved him a lot of trouble with the slog of getting planning permission. After all, nobody wants a stadium next door—they all complain about traffic and people causing trouble in their gardens. Plus, you don’t have to ask your fans to change their habits.

"This is for the City Academy," Richard explained, gesturing toward the plans and referencing the training base modeled after Ajax. Then he paused for a moment.

"As for the main stadium..." he looked up, his expression calm but confident, "we will be the first football club to fully integrate football with lifestyle."

City’s new home would be more than just a sports venue—it would be a destination.

Sensory rooms, TV compounds, a state-of-the-art Bose sound system, a Desso hybrid pitch, and two giant screens—it would be best in class.

Moreover, with 800 acres at his disposal, Manchester City’s complex would become a living, breathing hub of culture, media, and spectacle.

Football was no longer just about 90 minutes on the pitch—it was about the entire experience, unforgettable from start to finish.