Joao Paulo Sampaio has compared Endrick, a target for Chelsea and Real Madrid, to Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Endrick has been linked with clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid recently. And Palmeiras’s director of youth Joao Paulo Sampaio has claimed, as quoted by 90min, that the Brazilian prodigy could be as good as Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Romario in future.
“I understand that Cristiano Ronaldo is his favourite footballer but he has never said so clearly to me,” Sampaio said.
“He looks like Romario and a bit like Ronaldo too. He is left-footed, with a lot of technique, power and privileged genetics. Physically, he is a marvel with a very strong acceleration and running speed that reaches 36.5 km/h at his age. Few players reach that top speed. He is very explosive.
“In addition, he has always worried about watching videos of important players to improve.”
Endrick is regarded as the next big thing out of South America, and it will be interesting to see if clubs like Chelsea can sign him in the coming months. Any move would have to wait until the player turns 18. But recent reports have claimed that the Brazilian prodigy is keen on joining Chelsea.
Endrick's father Douglas: "Paris Saint-Germain are the only club that opened negotiations with Palmeiras with an official proposal, as things stand". 🚨🔴🔵🇧🇷 #PSG
"There are many club from different countries keen on signing him. PSG have already moved", tells Canal do Nicola. pic.twitter.com/X3wuvptRQP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 19, 2022
The 16-year-old was outstanding in the Copinha for Palmeiras, and he has managed to force his way into the first team as well. Sampaio has also claimed that the youngster has massive potential and has a strong work ethic as well. The Palmeiras director likened the youngster to the Manchester United and Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who is renowned for his impressive work ethic and determination.
“If injuries respect him, I don’t see a ceiling for him,” Sampaio said before adding, “As far as is humanly possible.
“He has quality, a strong personality and a champion mentality. In that regard, he resembles Cristiano [Ronaldo]. He trains hard, is kind and has humility. We love him very much because he makes himself loved. He tries to please everyone around him.”
Endrick will hope to continue his development with regular football at Palmeiras for now. And it will be interesting to see if the Brazilian outfit are prepared to sell him in two years. Recent reports have claimed that Real Madrid are confident of signing the 16-year-old.
The young forward will have to choose his next club carefully. He cannot afford to sit on the bench at a top club and halt his development. Endrick needs to join a club where the manager will be open to giving him regular first-team opportunities.
At a club like Real Madrid, such opportunities can be hard to come by. On the other hand, Graham Potter has a history of trusting in youth and could be the man to nurture Endrick’s world-class potential at Chelsea.
The Blues are currently lacking in the attacking department, and Endrick is likely to get more chances at Stamford Bridge if he joins the London club in the near future. It would be a solid long-term investment for Chelsea if they manage to sign him in the coming months.
