Which clubs are tracking Brazil sensation Endrick?

Brazilian youngster Endrick, who is on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City, has again been catching the eye in his native country. The 15-year-old striker, who has drawn comparisons to Brazil greats Ronaldo and Romario, won the prestigious Copinha de São Paulo with Palmeiras in January, scoring seven times during the tournament and winning the fans’ vote as player of the tournament, and then helped Brazil’s under-16s to the Mundial de Montaigu, where he was also voted player of the tournament. Now, Endrick has also added the under-17 Brazilian Cup to his laurels, scoring twice against Vasco da Gama in a 4-1 win and then leading a comeback from 2-0 down in the return leg of the final to seal the trophy. In total, the youngster bagged eight goals in six games, one of them a stunning free kick.

Endrick is being followed by scouts from around the world and shining at tournaments where some of Brazil’s biggest current stars, including Neymar and Vinicius Junior, first came to international attention. Those clubs keeping an eye on the 15-year-old, who Palmeiras are aiming to hand a new contract with a minimum release clause of €100m when he turns 16 in July, will also have been impressed by his harrying and pressure, which forced defenders for other teams into conceding penalties, incurring cards and getting, as someone who once faced George Best famously said, twisted blood. This Palmeiras youth side is packed with talented players who are all expected to make it big in Europe, including winger Luis Guilherme, midfielder Thalys and attacking midfielder Figueiredo, the creative force behind the front line.

Endrick tipped to be Brazil’s next big thing

Endrick has also impressed with his maturity. He has been careful to remain rooted and focused and one of the first things he did after winning the under-17 cup was to applaud the Vasco de Gama fans. He has also been quick to hand over the ball for penalties during the tournament despite his own prowess and is often seen giving instructions to teammates to impose order on the side. He is gaining such a reputation as Brazil’s next big thing that opposition players make a point of offering a hand to pick him up after a challenge.

Worth practically a goal a game with Palmeiras’ junior side, the next step for Endrick will be a definitive move the Brazilian club’s under-20s, for which he played a few games last season, and another question is whether he will be called up for the South American under-17 Championship due to take place next year or fast-tracked into the Brazilian under-20s for the covid-delayed U-20 South American Championship in Venezuela in 2023. The FIFA under-17 World Cup is also scheduled to held next year in Peru, where Brazil will be the defending champions, meaning a potentially very busy summer for Endrick.