La Liga champions Real Madrid are reportedly making progress in their talks to sign Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, a target for Barcelona.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, talks between Real Madrid and Endrick’s representatives are progressing satisfactorily. The Brazilian prodigy is also a target for Barcelona, but Los Blancos might be the favourites to secure his services.
Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, better known as Endrick, is one of the most prodigious prospects to have ever emerged in Brazil. The 16-year-old has already attracted some of Europe’s most high-profile clubs following his exploits in age-group football. And his stock might rise further following his debut for Palmeiras’s first team.
The teenage wonderkid earned 21 minutes in his first-team debut, becoming Palmeiras’s youngest-ever player. And clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona are keen on signing the youngster. But the Brazilian club will enjoy Endrick’s services for two more years due to FIFA rules that prohibit clubs from signing youngsters aged lower than 18.
The interest from Real Madrid comes amid Karim Benzema’s advancing years. While the French striker has been sensational in the last four years, he is well into his thirties. So the Merengues need to lay down a succession plan for Benzema, bringing Endrick into the picture.
Benzema should ideally be a regular for two more years, and Endrick might join Real Madrid by then. And according to Defensa Central, talks between the Spanish champions and the player are progressing well. But like Real Madrid, another club is in talks to sign the 16-year-old wonderkid, that team being Los Blancos‘ bitter rival Barcelona.
Much like the reigning La Liga champions, an ageing striker graces the field for Barcelona every week. But Robert Lewandowski is in the twilight of his career. And despite his brilliant form, the Blaugrana will need to plan for life after the Polish international. Endrick is thus a viable target for the Catalan outfit.
But the Brazilian whizkid will not come cheap, with Palmeiras reportedly demanding €70 million for him. It will be interesting to see if discussions between Real Madrid and Endrick continue to progress satisfactorily. But Barcelona should have something to say about those matters.
