Barcelona have reportedly initiated discussions to sign 16-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, a target for arch-rival Real Madrid.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Endrick continues to be a highly sought-after player in the market ahead of his 18th birthday. The 16-year-old prodigy’s representatives recently met with Barcelona, with Real Madrid also among his prospective suitors over a possible move in two years.
Endrick has become one of the hottest properties in the world on the back of a stunning rise to prominence. While the Brazilian wonderkid is still playing age-group football in Brazil, his exploits have captured the attention of several European bigwigs, especially in the wake of his influential displays at the Copinha.
The 16-year-old has also represented Brazil at different age-group levels while currently playing for Palmeiras’s under-20 side, bellying his years. Endrick will likely break into Palmeiras’s first-team squad soon enough, with his performances alerting several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The interest from Barcelona is hardly surprising, considering the Catalan giants have a rich history of grooming some of the most legendary Brazilian players in the game’s history. Some of these stalwarts are Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar, with Endrick showing the potential to emulate the trio.
While Barcelona will face stiff competition from Real Madrid in the race to sign Endrick, they have already initiated discussions with the 16-year-old’s entourage. Speaking of Real Madrid, Los Blancos will fancy the chances of snapping up the teenage whizkid, considering their recent forays into the Brazilian market.
Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes are the shining examples of Real Madrid’s recent success in grooming Brazilian prodigies, and Endrick might be the latest wonderkid to join the Merengues. And his ability to play as a striker means Real Madrid might have a long-term Brazilian core in the final third consisting of Vinicius, Rodrygo and Endrick.
In addition to Barcelona and Real Madrid, Endrick is also the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain. But with Barcelona making the first move to sign the 16-year-old, who will only move abroad after he turns 18 in 2024, it will be interesting to see how Real Madrid, PSG and other suitors respond.
