Palmeiras believe they will sell Brazilian wonderkid Endrick for around £50 million amid interest from clubs including Premier League duo Liverpool and Arsenal, according to Globo Esporte.
During a week in which 19-year-old Jude Bellingham orchestrated arguably England’s finest World Cup performance since the turn of the Century, another of football’s up-and-coming superstars was never going to be out of the headlines for long.
Endrick de Souza wasn’t even born when Brazil lost to France in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup. But, despite only celebrating his sweet sixteenth in July, perhaps the most exciting young Brazilian since a baby-faced Neymar finds himself at the heart of football’s most competitive tug-of-war.
Endrick, The Times say, has already visited Chelsea’s training ground. Paris Saint-Germain, his father admits, have now submitted an ‘official’ offer. Liverpool and Arsenal, meanwhile, also watched a sparkling forward dubbed a ‘phenomenon’ by the Emirates’ own Gabriel Jesus (BBC).
Who will win the race for Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick de Souza?
It’s not just Endrick’s dazzling footwork or nose for goal that marks him out as a potentially generation-defining talent either. Such raw ability, coupled with an insatiable work-ethic, doesn’t come around all too often.
“He has quality, a strong personality and a champion mentality. In that regard, he resembles Cristiano (Ronaldo),” Joao Paulo Sampaio, Palmeiras’ youth director, tells 90Min.
“He has everything to be a world star in the future. He’s a player for any great team. For Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Chelsea, Manchester United. He’s different.
“He is a born goalscorer and can be a world star. He has the technique, physique and mentality to go a long way. Wherever he goes, I wish him, above all, much happiness.”
With Palmeiras expecting to bring in a staggering £50 million for a player who has made just seven league appearances, Endrick looks certain to become the most-expensive 16-year-old footballer of all time, replacing a certain Vinicius Jr.
Even if he cannot technically sign a professional contract with his next club until he turns 18. Whoever that club ends up being, only time will tell.
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