Saed News: Josep Maria Bartomeu, former president of Barcelona, revealed in controversial remarks that Vinícius Júnior had reached an initial agreement to join Barcelona before signing with Real Madrid, but in the end, Madrid entered the race with a better offer and changed the course of the Brazilian star’s transfer.
According to SAEDNEWS, Bartomeu stated that Vinícius Júnior had reached an initial agreement to join Barcelona prior to his move to Real Madrid.
Real Madrid announced in May 2017 that it had reached an agreement with Flamengo to sign Vinícius, who was only 16 at the time. The transfer became official in July 2018 after the player turned 18, in accordance with international regulations requiring players to be at least 18 for such transfers.
Vinícius has since scored 127 goals in eight seasons with Real Madrid’s first team and is now considered one of the biggest stars in world football.
Bartomeu told ESPN Deportes regarding the transfer: “Vinícius Júnior was on our radar. We had spoken with his family and agent, and there was in fact an initial agreement.”
He then explained why the deal was not finalized and why Vinícius joined Barcelona’s rivals: “It is likely that Real Madrid made a better offer than Barcelona, and in the end they secured Vinícius.”
