Leading football agent Jonathan Barnett – who masterminded Gareth Bale’s £85m Real Madrid move – ‘set to retire’
- Barnett, 74, was named the world’s most powerful sports agent by Forbes
- His Stellar Group, founded in 1992, was sold to Hollywood agency ICM
- Is Kevin De Bruyne’s confidence ill-mannered or should we defend the confidence of the world’s best? It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Prominent British football agent Jonathan Barnett is reportedly retiring following a death in his family.
Barnett, 74, was once named the world’s most powerful sports agent by Forbes and has represented stars such as Gareth Bale and Jack Grealish.
The Stellar Group, which he founded with David Manasseh in 1992, was sold to top Hollywood talent agency ICM Partners in 2020.
Barnett’s biggest deal was the then world record £85 million transfer of Welsh star Bale from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2013.
According to the mirror, Barnett decided to retire after a family loss made him reconsider his future.
Famed cop Jonathan Barnett is reportedly retiring after a family loss
Barnett negotiated Gareth Bale’s then world record £85 million transfer to Real Madrid in 2013
Barnett defended Bale against criticism in the Spanish media when his career at Real Madrid fizzled out.
Marca newspaper described the winger as a ‘parasite’ who would ‘suck the club’s money’ in 2022, despite winning 14 trophies during his time at the Bernabéu.
He said at the time: ‘Bale deserves a grand farewell to the club. He speaks Spanish. What happens is that people who don’t know him say he doesn’t do that.
‘Stupid and ignorant people who have not spoken to him. It is a shame.
‘He has always been very happy in Madrid, he arrived as a young man, his children were born in the city, he has donated a lot of money to Spanish hospitals for Covid and he loves the city and the club.
“I think it’s the parasites speaking ill of him.”
Last month, Barnett joined Brentford and the Premier League in condemning the online racist abuse directed at the Brentford striker and his client Ivan Toney.
Barnett said: “I unequivocally condemn the racist abuse our player Ivan Toney has been subjected to on social media.
Bale is welcomed to Real Madrid by their president Florentino Perez in 2013
“Everyone at ICM Stellar is shocked that this type of unconscionable and despicable behavior is still prevalent in society today.
‘This is unfortunately not the first time Ivan has been racially abused online and social media can no longer ignore a widespread and recurring problem on their platforms.
‘We call on all forms of social media to do more to prevent, address and combat unacceptable and distressing incidents of discrimination such as this.
“My team will investigate and report any findings to the appropriate authorities – we won’t just be bystanders.
“Some time ago, I personally established a diversity and inclusion department at our agency and under the leadership of Pokuaa Ansere, we have taken significant action against all forms of discrimination.
“We will continue this fight and will never give in to prejudice, intolerance or hatred.
Barnett recently condemned online racist abuse sent to Brentford striker and client Ivan Toney
‘We now call on all clubs, institutions, fellow agencies and governing bodies to join us and send a clear message that we stand united against racist, discriminatory or unacceptable forms of abuse.
‘Personally, I stand with Ivan, his family and friends, and also with everyone who has been a victim of discrimination.
‘We beg the football world to throw it out – once and for all.’
