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Report: Liverpool and Arsenal scouted Ronaldo 2.0 in January, Gary Lineker called him ‘special’

Photo by Pressefoto Ulmerullstein bild via Getty Images
Photo by Pressefoto Ulmerullstein bild via Getty Images
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal closes down Andrew Robertson of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on January 13, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

According to the BBC, Liverpool and Arsenal sent scouts to watch Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick in action on January 19th 2022.

What’s the story?

Well, the BBC are claiming that Liverpool and Arsenal – as well as Southampton and Manchester City – watched the 15-year-old last month.

The likes of Barcelona, Ajax and Benfica were also in attendance as Europe’s heavyweights gathered to watch Endrick in the quarter-finals of the Copa Sao Paulo.

Endrick – who the BBC claim has drawn comparisons to Ronaldo – surely left those watching him stunned, as he scored a long-range bicycle kick which he had no right to even get on target.

It led to Gary Lineker describing him as a “special” talent.

To those familiar with the teenager’s rise, that will come as no surprise.

In 169 games for the Palmeiras youth sides, Endrick remarkably scored 165 goals, leading to many tipping him to become the next big thing out of Brazil.

Liverpool and Arsenal must act

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool and Mikel Arteta manager of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on January 13, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Brazilian talents do not come cheap once they’ve established themselves in senior football, so Liverpool and Arsenal must act quickly.

Just take a look at Real Madrid’s recent signings from South America.

Los Blancos paid a huge £39.6m to sign Vinicius Jr from Flamengo when he was aged just 16.

BILBAO, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 03: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid looks on during the Copa del Rey Quarter Final match between Athletic Club and Real Madrid at Estadio de San Mames on February 03, 2022 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Furthermore, Real Madrid spent £37.6m to sign 17-year-old Rodrygo Goes from Santos, and a further £26m on Reinier, who was 18 at the time.

Therefore, if Liverpool or Arsenal are to sign Endrick, they should probably start doing the groundwork now.

Wherever he goes, the Palmeiras wonderkid seemingly has the potential to become a Ballon d’Or winner one day.