Real Madrid have seen off competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea to sign one of Brazil’s most highly rated prospects.
Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Palmeiras forward Endrick, with the 16-year-old sensation set to join the Champions League holders in July 2024.
Endrick scored three goals in seven games as Palmeiras won Brazil’s top flight in 2022, becoming the first player born in 2006 to play a match for Brasileiro in October.
The left-footed forward cannot officially join the European side until he turns 18 in July 2024, but that has not stopped several of the continent’s biggest clubs – including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea – from being interested in him.
However, Madrid have won the battle for Endrick’s signature after reportedly offering €70m for his services, with it suggested he will sign an initial three-year deal with an option for a further three years.
A Madrid statement said: “Real Madrid CF, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Endrick and his family have reached an agreement whereby the player will be able to join Real Madrid when he reaches the age of majority in July 2024.
“Until then, Endrick will continue training at Palmeiras. The player will travel to Madrid in the coming days to visit our club’s facilities.”
Upon his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu, Endrick will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who both joined the youngster in similar circumstances.
Madrid agreed to sign Vinicius and Rodrygo when they were 16 and 17, respectively, with both playing key roles in their 14th European Cup/Champions League triumph last term.
While Palmeiras refused to disclose the financial details of the deal, president Leila Pereira described it as “the biggest negotiation in the history of Brazilian football”.
“Real Madrid’s proposal is compatible with Endrick’s enormous talent and matches the sporting and financial goals we have set since the beginning of negotiations,” she said.
Endrick said: “Thank you to Palmeiras, the greatest champion of Brazil, the champion of the Americas, the champion of the world and forever the club of my heart, for offering me everything I needed to become what I am today, for helping me achieve several successes.” of my dreams and for respecting my desire and my family’s wish to fulfill another dream.
“Until I join Real Madrid, I will continue to dedicate myself as I have always dedicated myself to being able to offer Palmeiras even more on the pitch: more goals, more victories, more titles and even more joy for our fans.”