Endrick Could Be Brazil’s Priciest Teenager In $76 Million Real Madrid Deal

Still processing the national team’s heartbreaking exit from another World Cup, all while seeing its rival Argentina reach the final, Brazil is ready for one of its most precocious soccer talents to make a career-defining move. Palmeiras striker Endrick seems set to join European giant Real Madrid in a potentially record-breaking deal.

Aged just 16, Endrick has long been on Los Blancos’ transfer radar and could officially sign by the end of the year should all the contractual details be finalized promptly. According to recent reports, he will cost Real €60 million ($64 million), with nearly half of that amount depending on performance-based add-ons. However, the total amount may reach €72 million ($76 million) if you include an additional €12 million ($13 million) premium assigned to his current club.

Endrick would not become the Brazilian top flight’s record sale. That title belongs to Neymar, who left Santos for Barcelona for approximately €88 million ($93 million) in 2013 when he was 21, and the soccer market was arguably less inflated than it is now. Since then, other Brazilian transfers around Europe have generated more money, including Neymar’s switch to Paris Saint-Germain for a world record €222 million ($236 million) in 2017.

But if all the relevant sums of the proposed deal add up, Endrick would comfortably become the country’s most expensive teenage star. The remarkable thing is he’s so young, complicating proceedings slightly and meaning he can only legally start playing for the Spanish club when he turns 18 in 2024. That says Real Madrid is taking a risky but confident early punt on someone it believes will prove a valuable player in seasons to come.

In signing the youngster, Real would pump more money into Brazilian domestic soccer. Regarding its present squad, two young stars—Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo—hail from its nation’s first division. The duo cost Real around €90 million ($96 million) combined to prise away from Flamengo and Santos, respectively, although their estimated market values have since virtually doubled.

While Europe is the ultimate destination for South American talents to make their name—including less renowned leagues in the continent’s East—La Liga, unsurprisingly, proves an attractive place for Brazilians. Real is among those particularly active in finding them, constantly scouting possible recruits. As well as Vinícius and Rodrygo, Real has the likes of countrymen Eder Militão and Girona loanee Reinier Jesus on its books, and more compatriots may arrive in upcoming windows.

Of course, there is no guarantee that Real will be Endrick’s making. While many big-name additions have enjoyed success there, failure to thrive has sometimes left players on the fringes. Flamboyant and direct, it’s clear to see why he put Real on red alert, however. And despite having only a modest handful of senior appearances for Palmeiras, he will have significantly more when eventually tested at a higher level.

The La Liga title holder looks to have staved off competition from interested party Chelsea in pursuit of its target, with the hotshot set to end up in the Spanish capital. That could be down to personal goals. Or the side’s established reputation in Brazil and the money it’s willing to pay. In any case, there is plenty of time for him to find his feet.

Real’s financial stability means it’s also in contention for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, a sought-after name on the market after a promising World Cup campaign with England. Despite being only two points adrift of La Liga title rival Barcelona and competing for all the other honors, the powers at the club are trying to get ahead. Sealing Endrick’s commitment represents a steady start.