Chelsea are continuing their attempts to recruit the best youth talents in world football and currently lead the race for Palmeiras sensation Endrick ahead of Real Madrid, according to reports.
The 16-year-old has already made his debut for the Palmeiras senior side, grabbing three goals and an assist in five games for the Brazilian outfit.
The wonderkid netted on his first start for the club, helping his side clinch the Brazilian Serie A title in the process, and is being courted widely across Europe. Real Madrid have previous when it comes to tapping into the Brazilian market, having recruited both Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in recent seasons, while Barcelona signed Neymar from Santos in a similarly high-profile deal in 2013.
Manchester City are also thought to have sent scouts to watch the sensation, who is comfortable playing anywhere across the front three. In fact, as per South American expert Tim Vickery “it is almost certain that he will move to Europe when he turns 18 in July 2024, with all the continent’s big clubs queuing up to sign him”.
16 anos ✅
Primeiro jogo como titular ✅
Gol e festa pelo título Brasileiro ✅Segura o Endrick! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/zsBVPl12ir
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) November 3, 2022
However, as per the London Evening Standard, it is Chelsea that currently lead the way for the starlet, with the Blues ready to pay the 60m euros demanded by Palmeiras for his services.
The Blues have already begun to plunder the youth market following a change in strategy upon the arrival of new owner Todd Boehly, having brought in Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa as well as Cesare Casadei from Inter Milan over the summer.
Endrick could prove the epitome of this new strategy should the Blues be able to convince him to snub the advances of Real Madrid and PSG for a move to west London.
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