Barcelona furious with agents for implying that youngsters should sign with them to be selected
Barcelona have close ties with two of the biggest agents in the game in Jorge Mendes and Pini Zahavi, something that was admitted by president Joan Laporta, who described both as friends. However, Zahavi's agency, Gol Internacional, have crossed the line in the eyes of the Blaugrana.
As part of his efforts to recruit the best talents from La Masia, Zahavi's agency, his son Alexander Zahavi sent many of the same messages to many parents in their efforts to sign their children to Gol Internacional. The tests ensure that the agency decides the destinations for the likes of Neymar Junior, David Alaba, Christian Nkunku and Hansi Flick, who is placed in the capital. This so far is not far from the standard for agencies.
Víctor Font (former presidential candidate): “Three years in office, three sports directors, three coaches, 30 signings of which only eight are in the team. We signed Olmo and we say that Gündo left for sporting reasons. Because we cheated . people?” Via @sport pic.twitter.com/AnitGstvjp
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 10, 2024
However, Barcelona are not happy, as Relevo said, that Zahavi's agency has implied that signing with them is a requirement to move up at the club.
“Pini and Joan Laporta have a relationship like brothers and this is well known. Hansi Flick as our client is another very important detail,” read the standardized message.
“There is no representative with a better relationship with the club and even more importantly: with more INFLUENCE than us.”
Most parents ignored the messages, but some footballers signed with Gol Internacional, a reasonable move in any case, but the messages continue to hint that they have a bigger voice than they do.
“I would also like to mention our huge contacts in the rest of the football world with the biggest clubs in the best academies in Europe.”
“Also, just so you know, we are investing heavily in Barça's grassroots football, focusing on recruiting the best.”
The Madrid outlet continues to detail that not only Zahavi's agency, but also others, visit parents and return with the message that their children's progress could be compromised if they do not sign with that agent. Barcelona will warn Gol Internacional about their behavior and to use the image of Laporta and Flick, they believe that the lines have been crossed.
