Real Madrid Turns down Barcelona despite better offer

Vinicius scouting report: Who is the starlet destined for Real Madrid?

New Real Madrid signing Vinicius Junior could have signed for Barcelona for more money, according to his agent.

The Brazilian wonder-kid, for whom Madrid have paid 45 million euros, is set to stay with Brazilian side Flamenco until 2019 before heading for the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

"Barcelona offered more money than Madrid, the player would've earned more" said Frederico Pena, who brokered the deal that was confirmed this week.

"But we arrived at an agreement with Madrid because the player preferred their project more. Some people believe that he chose Madrid for money, but they are wrong.

"Vinicius only concentrated on the sporting aspect and Real Madrid's position in the negotiations was better in that regard."

Vinicius wants to play for another one to two years at Flamenco in order to develop as a player and Madrid were in agreement with the player's stance.

The agent, speaking to Golboesport, said that Madrid's recent signings were a factor in the 16-year-old's decision.

"Varane, Ramos, Casemiro, Asensio, Marcelo," he said. "They all arrived before the age of 22 and they're all very important players in the first team now. Barcelona sign players who already know the team plays, except in Neymar's case, so it is more difficult as can be seen with Arda."

On Vinicius playing for Los Blancos next season, the agent said: "Madrid can sign players like Mbapee. We've got to see the player's development this year and what Madrid will need next summer. Then we'll know when he goes there.

"Vinicius will go to Madrid with his whole family. Such a young lad will need to be surrounded by his own."