Vinicius Junior's agent: 'Barcelona's proposal was superior to Real's'

Real Madrid reportedly paid a fortune to secure Vinicius Junior's services, but Frederico Pena, the teenage phenom's agent and the CEO of Talento Football Management, insists Spain's other behemoth put a higher offer on the table.

In conversation with Globo Esporte, Pena confessed Barcelona's remuneration package was superior to the one offered by Real Madrid, who apparently paid €45 million for the 16-year-old product of Flamengo. Los Blancos will allegedly pay two-thirds of the transfer fee up front, while the other third is paid once the youngster plays in Spain. The footballer will remain with the Mengao until July 2019, although he can move to the Santiago Bernabeu beforehand if the two clubs agree to it.

According to ESPN, TFM, formerly known as Traffic and in charge of Vinicius' career since he was just 13 years old, will pocket close to €8 million from the transfer. Pena reportedly participated in all negotiations.

"The success of the deal is practically unanimous," Pena said. "If someone is going to receive criticism it will be Real Madrid for the bet they made. But they have security and certainty that it will work. There were other clubs that were interested, one of which would pay more.

Pena added: "Barcelona's proposal was superior to Real's when it came to the athlete's remuneration package. But as we arrived at an agreement with Real, we didn't want to give that last shot to match. Doing so would have embittered the relationship. Many people think it's crazy what Real is doing, but they're not alone in this supposed 'madness.' They weren't the only 'crazies' willing to pay that amount for Vinicius."

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Asked why Vinicius chose Real Madrid instead of Barcelona, Pena answered: "Because Vini liked Real Madrid's project better. There's always the impression that the player chooses based on financial matters, which isn't true. I assure you that. Real Madrid's negotiating stance was better."

Pena declared Vinicius' transition from Flamengo to Real Madrid will be similar to Neymar's transition from Santos to Barcelona.

"When Vinicius goes to Madrid, the family will go along," Pena stated. "And all the staff around him will be considered. There will be a mix of people: people who he trusts and specialists appointed by Real and by us."