Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick is one of the most in-demand young prospects in football currently. Having burst onto the scenes at the Copinha tournament earlier this year, the teenage forward has captured the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Endrick’s stats a youth player showed him to be a hot prospect. Indeed, he scored six goals in seven games for Palmeiras’ academy side.
The forward has also had an impact in international football. In four games for Brazil Under-17s, he has scored five goals and assisted a teammate once.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are the Premier League clubs mentioned in connection with the Brazil youth star – who recently scored against England’s Under-16s.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also understood to be monitoring his progress.
According to ESPN Brasil, Manchester City and Real Madrid will both send representatives to watch Endrick in action when Palmeiras face Fortaleza tonight in the Brazilian Serie A.
Just 16 years old, the striker signed his first professional contract with Palmeiras only in July earlier this year, committing himself to the club until 2025. The deal is said to contain a massive release clause worth €60 million, which does not seem to be dissuading his suitors.
Endrick mimicked Erling Haaland’s trademark celebration after scoring his maiden senior goal last month against Club Athletico Paranaense to remind his long list of admirers of his huge potential.
After scoring against Athletico, Endrick put his left index finger to his left ear and pointed his right index finger to the sky – just like Haaland does. He then posted a photo of the celebration on Instagram and tagged Haaland, revealing the Norwegian as his inspiration.
He will be hoping to follow in Haaland’s footsteps. The 22-year-old has quickly become one of the best strikers in Europe after prolific spells at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund. Remarkably, he’s scored 17 goals in 11 Premier League games this term.
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is among those to heap praise on Endrick. “I’ve been following Endrick a lot,” he told ESPN, as quoted by 90min. “During the time I was training at the academy when I was coming back from injury, Ze Roberto introduced us.
“Then I saw him on the field… Wow, he’s a star. Phenomenon! He’s 16 now, right? When I was 15, I was in the academy but he’s in the seniors. I’m really rooting for him. I think Palmeiras are doing well by involving him in training and taking him to games.
“I remember when I was 17, and I went to a game against Atletico-MG. Just being on the bench, it was a top experience. I believe Palmeiras are doing a very good job with him. I went through it too and I know that his anxiety to play is huge.
“Of course, Endrick can score goals because he has that quality, but we also know that, being very young, he has the issue of anxiety. I’m rooting for him. The only thing I can say to Endrick right now is to be patient.”
