Why Vinicius Jr. is key to Real Madrid's Endrick deal

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 10 Jan 2023 17:52 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are attempting to beat Barcelona, Chelsea and PSG to the signature of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, and the presence of Vinicius Junior at the Bernabeu should help them.

Endrick has burst onto the scene this year, racking up seven goals in seven games at the Copa Sao Paulo de Futebol Junior tournament in January before becoming Palmeiras' youngest debutant and Brazilian football's second-youngest ever goalscorer in October.

Accordingly, European football's biggest clubs have put out their feelers, with Real, Barca, Chelsea and PSG all sending scouts to watch the young striker, who now has nine goals and an assist in 14 senior games with Palmeiras.

READ: Why Erling Haaland is no longer a transfer priority for Real Madrid

Still just 16, Endrick can only move to Europe on his 18th birthday in the summer of 2024. But Real have had success with pre-contract agreements in the past, with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo following a similar path in recent seasons.

"Of course, Real Madrid have a good history with signing top young talents," transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano wrote in his daily briefing for Caught Offside. "They were in control in the race for Vinicius a few years ago as well, and it's proven a great move for them.

"Speculation was normal as Vinicius was the best talent in South America by far, so all the clubs from England, Spain and Italy sent their scouts to monitor him. Still, he always wanted Real Madrid, he only wanted Real Madrid. There was never another option for him."

READ: Vinicius Junior set to make major career change after 'unfair treatment'

Real advantage

Real Madrid's prestige is one thing - they are the record 14-time European champions after all - but Vinicius' example helps them two-fold.

First, his transfer shows a clear path from promising Brazilian talent to Champions League winner - as does Rodrygo's. Real can look Endrick in the eye and tell him he can expect the same in the coming seasons.

Second, the presence of fellow young Brazilians can help Endrick settle in the Spanish capital. Off the field it will ease his socialisation having Vinicius, Rodrygo, and also Eder Militao to lean on. On it, his playing style, that of out and out striker, is complemented by his compatriots, who currently play either side of No.9 Karim Benzema.