Chelsea were interested in signing the Palmeiras star, but he has snubbed them for the Spanish giants.
Brazilian players are some of the most talented in the world, with European clubs raiding the South American country for them. They have left their mark in Europe, with hardly any Champions League-winning side not having a Brazilian in the squad. They have continued to be the most sought-after players in the world.
With the economic crunch biting on most clubs, the idea for signing players has changed, with many looking to sign them young and hope they grow to their full potential. Some Brazilian players have arrived in Europe and got consumed in the bright glare of the spotlight on them.
Real Madrid seem to have perfected the art of signing them young and turning them into superstars. A few names readily come to mind, with players like Vinicius Junior, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo Goes topping the list. There is competition for another bright Brazilian prospect, and Los Blancos are in the thick of it. They are looking to beat all-comers to the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick.
Real Madrid stay ahead for Endrick
There has been much talk about the qualities of Brazilian whizkid Endrick. The Palmeiras star has caught the attention of several top clubs and could leave the Brazilian club in 2024. Endrick is one of the most sought-after youngsters in world football. Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are all queuing up to land his signature.
While the English clubs seem favoured to land the Brazilian, Real Madrid seems to have hit the head of the queue. An earlier report claimed the 16-year-old favoured a move to Chelsea, but recent reports suggest that Real Madrid has become his preferred destination. The Spanish champions could wrap up a deal before the year is over.
According to the rules, Endrick cannot leave Palmeiras until 2024. Despite this, several clubs are already looking to tie him to a contract. Chelsea went ahead of other interested parties with a charm offensive in November. They invited his family to their Cobham training ground, enlisting the help of Thiago Silva to sell the project.
Endrick took an interest in joining Chelsea but has had a change of heart and now prefers Real Madrid.
Offers on the table for Endrick
It is now a money game, with Palmeiras being the biggest beneficiary. However, Endrick would decide on his final destination. The bids have started arriving, and PSG made an opening bid of €45 million for the teenager in November. The club instantly rejected the offer. They expect interested parties to meet his release clause of €60 million.
The figure seems a bit steep for Real Madrid, and the Spanish giants have indicated that they would not pay the fee upfront and will offer the majority of it with the rest to follow in bonuses and achievable goals. Palmeiras seems satisfied with the terms, and an agreement is close.
Los Blancos signed a then 16-year-old Vinicius Jr from Flamengo in a deal worth €46m in 2017. It made him the second most expensive signing in Brazilian League history.
In 2018, 17-year-old Rodrygo arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Santos and proved a shrewd buy for Real Madrid.
