Why is 16-year old sensation Endrick wanted by Chelsea, Real Madrid and Man Utd?

Martin Macdonald

31 Aug 2022 16:55 BST
4 min read

Endrick, Palmeiras, 2021/22 — © ProShots

If you're good enough, you're old enough, and that seems to be the case with young Palmeiras forward Endrick Felipe.

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Wanted by some of Europe's biggest clubs, the 16-year-old is making a name for himself in Brazil and could be set for a change of continent despite his alarmingly young age.

Endrick already has enough pressure on his young shoulders, and that has been exacerbated by the fact that he has been compared to none other than Brazilian legend Ronaldo in his homeland, while a recent picture has drawn likeliness to Pele.

So, what kind of player are we dealing with?

What position does Endrick play in?

Endrick plays as a centre-forward.

How good is Endrick?

With any player as young as Endrick, it is extremely difficult to tell just how good a player they will turn out to be, but in this case the signs are promising.

With natural youthful exuberance, Endrick displays an eye for a goal that is perhaps beyond his years, while his work-rate in the final third is superb as he constantly hassles defenders in and around their own penalty area.

Though he has previously been compared to Vinicius Junior, prominent Brazilian journalist Danilo Lavieri believes he is more like Ronaldo or Romario which gives an indication of his potential.

"I confess that I didn't really like this wave again Vinícius Junior in relation to Endrick, but that's how some European newspapers are treating him, who is the new jewel of Palmeiras," Lavieri said on UOL.

"I think he's more like a Ronaldo or Romario."

Lavieri's colleague Brunno Carvalho also waxed lyrical about Endrick, saying: "Endrick is absurd. I saw both Copinha games and he's been playing a lot. His physique is very impressive and I think that helps him a lot to stand out. I believe it's necessary to take it easy. You have to give time to time."

Endrick's shot onto the map with a fabulous goal scored against Real Ariquemes that went viral as it demonstrated his skill and poise in front of goal, while he also scored a stunner against England in the semi-final of the Montaigu Tournament. The tournament is a competition contested between international U16 teams. Endrick also scored in the final as Brazil beat Argentina to win the trophy. He scored five goals in four games and was named 'Player of the Tournament'.

Stop that Endrick. pic.twitter.com/cQGQBnPYoP
— Stop That Football (@stopthatfooty) August 29, 2022

The wonderkid has been training with the Palmeiras first team but went viral again with another goal for the under 20s side against Atheltico Paranaense.

What clubs are interested in Endrick?

Endrick signed his first professional deal upon turning 16 in July 2022, containing a release clause of €60 million.

However, the Brazilian giants already face the prospect of his departure due to the number of clubs currently looking at him.

Endrick has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona recently, with the Daily Mail even suggesting that Premier League sides have already requested scouting reports on the youngster.

Real Madrid are believed to be leading the race for his signature, though, as he shares an agent with current Los Blancos star Vinicius Junior.

Remember the name: Endrick, only 15 years old. Same agents as Vini Jr pic.twitter.com/0E2ssCQwux
— Marcus Alves (@_marcus_alves) January 8, 2022

Paris Saint-Germain reportedly even invited him to the Parc des Princes for the first-leg of the Champions League tie with Real Madrid.

Chelsea also emerged as contenders to sign Endrick after making a proposal which was received well by the teenager's family.

Endrick is believed to prefer a move to Real Madrid and the Spaniards are leading the chase for the wonderkid's signature, with a €60m move likely to be formalised when he can move abroad at age 18.