SPAIN’S number one newspaper has heaped praise on Stellar chairman Jonathan Barnett calling him “the most powerful agent in the world”.

In the Marca article, the top-selling daily applauds Jonathan’s steely approach to negotiation and Stellar’s knack of securing the best possible deals for its clients.

Speaking about Gareth Bale’s record-breaking contract with Real Madrid, the article says: “If the Welshman is to leave (Real Madrid) they will have to sit down with the most powerful agent in the world for whom the words “give in” are not in his vocabulary. They know there’s nowhere else to turn with the toughest football agent in the world.”

It continues: “Jonathan Barnett is the most powerful agent on the planet according to the magazine Forbes, thanks to the 114.8 million earned in commission. Not even Jorge Mendes with Gestifute can keep up with Stellar Group’s pace.”

Praising Stellar Group’s continued growth and noting its impressive client roster over all major across the world, the Marca article details Jonathan’s career, his friendship with the late Nelson Mandela (including Jonathan’s role in bringing  international cricket back to post apartheid South Africa) and Jonathan’s  philanthropic and religious convictions. However, it saves its biggest plaudits for his devotion to his clients and how he ensures they get the rewards they deserve.

The article ends: “Jonathan Barnett is possibly the agent with the greatest heritage in the world of football and is said to know right up to the last cent what he has in the bank. He started work almost since childhood and little by little amassed the fortune that he is so proud of, even though a good part of his annual income he gives to charities and hospitals. One thing is clear Gareth Bale will not lose money.”