Chelsea are thought to be leading the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Endrick.
The Lowdown: Who’s Endrick?
The 16-year-old Palmeiras striker is the next future superstar on the conveyor belt of Selecao talent.
He’s seemingly well worth the hype with him bagging 165 goals in 169 games for Palmeiras’ youth sides, even being the catalyst behind their Copinha win, scoring six goals in seven games along the way to winning the U20 cup.
Making his first team debut at the age of 16 years, two months and 16 days, only 19 days later he scored his first senior goal after coming off the bench to spearhead his side’s comeback from 1-0 down, as he scored the equaliser and the winner against Paranaense in a 3-1 win.
His incredible start continued the week later when he scored against Fortaleza to make it three goals and one assist in six Serie A games.
The Latest: In demand
According to the Evening Standard, the Blues are set to go head-to-head with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain for the teenage sensation’s signature.
The La Liga giants are thought to be the frontrunners but Chelsea are hopeful they can put a better financial package together to lure him to West London.
Due to his age, his father is involved in the decision making with it reported he’s prioritising a move that will benefit his son’s development rather than the most lucrative offer.
Outlet Relevo claims the Brazilian side are looking for €40m (£35m), rising to €60m (£52.4m).
The Verdict: Incredible risk
Despite his outstanding early performances for the three-time Copa Libertadores winners, it’s a huge risk to spend upwards of £35m on a 16-year-old, especially with more pressing issues the money could be spent on with the Blues currently five domestic games without a win.
An alternative to Reece James and a new striker, as well as potential centre-midfield replacements for Jorginho and N’Golo Kante who are both out of contract in the summer, make it hard to justify the funds needed for Endrick.
Anyway, Chelsea will face an uphill battle to persuade the wonderkid not to follow the path of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to the Spanish capital from the Brazilian top flight.
