Chelsea are trying to get to the front of the Endrick draw queue. The 16-year-old Brazilian phenom is currently one of the most sought-after teen talents in sports. Reports suggest the Premier League club recently invited the player’s family to his training facility.
The Times claims that Endrick and his family traveled to Cobham training camp. His fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva also apparently met the youngster at the facility. The 38-year-old Brazil center legend has over 100 appearances for the country and will soon be heading to his fourth World Cup.
Chelsea are supposed to be confident of signing Endrick after his visit to London went well. The Blues have revamped their draft squad in recent months since new owner Todd Boehly took over. Boehly hired Joe Shields as co-director of recruiting and talent.
Shields previously held a similar role at Premier League club Southampton. The Saints are widely known for being one of the best teams in England to identify young prospects.
Chelsea one of many clubs trying to sign Endrick
However, Chelsea will still face stiff competition from other big clubs to sign Endrick. Ajax, Arsenal, Barcelona, Benfica, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have all reportedly shown interest in the youngster.
Endrick’s father reportedly also represents his son in these preliminary decisions with other teams. As he is only 16 years old, Endrick cannot officially move to another club until his 18th birthday in the summer of 2024. However, he can technically strike a deal with a team in early 2023. The winning club will only have to wait a one more year to really introduce the player.
The youngster recently became the youngest player to feature in a senior match for Palmeiras. Endrick also scored his first goal in the Brazilian Serie A after coming on as a half-time substitute a few weeks later. The centre-forward scored twice in just 11 minutes in this particular match. Endrick has amassed 165 goals in 169 academy games for Palmeiras.
Although a transfer fee for Endrick has obviously yet to be determined, it will undoubtedly be a significant package. Fellow Brazilian teen phenom Vinicius Junior previously paid Real Madrid back around $45 million in 2018.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Fotoarena
