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Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick is just 16 years old but is already on the radar of Europe’s big guns.
Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been linked to the Brazilian forward, who recently became his club’s youngest-ever scorer.
Endrick had previously entered the limelight having reportedly scored 165 goals in 169 games for the youth team — drawing comparisons to Brazil icon Ronaldo.
With the youngster gaining traction around the world, we turn the spotlight on a potential future star.
Instant impact
Born in 2006, Endrick signed his first professional last summer and was handed his first-team debut on October 6 in a 4-0 win over Coritiba.
His first goal came four games later and he stole the headlines with a well-timed header that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Of course, Endrick is no stranger to finding the back of the net and now that he has his first senior strike, the floodgates are likely to open during his time in Brazil’s Serie A.
Many of his eye-catching goals have done the rounds on social media and his flair has naturally piqued the interest of many football fanatics.
The Brasilia-born striker is likely still a way off of earning a senior call-up to the Brazil national team but he has been on form for the Under-17s, scoring five times in four appearances.
It appears that wherever the teenager steps foot, he excels — he has shown his worth in the youth sides and is now proving he can compete with the world’s top athletes.
The complete forward
It may be premature to describe a 16-year-old as the complete forward, but Endrick’s versatility is what makes him a special talent.
He can play across the front three and as an attacking midfielder, has the ability to use both feet and creates opportunities because of his explosive nature.
Despite being 5ft 8in, the South American is very physical and loves to fly into challenges — his strong build makes him hard to dispossess and he will never back out of a tackle.
Tottenham forward Richarlison is just one Brazilian who has been keeping an eye on Endrick and has expressed his excitement at his development.
Speaking on which rising stars have caught his eye, he said: “I think Endrick, he’s playing in Palmeiras.
“Yeah, he’s very strong, same as Adriano. Good player, I watch him play in the national team. I think in two years, he’ll be playing in Europe.”
European calls
Endrick cannot sign a professional contract with a European club until he turns 18, meaning he will likely remain at Palmeiras for another two years.
It is reported that there is a £52million release clause in his contract and he may have his pick of the crop when it comes to choosing his next club.
Real Madrid are just one of the European giants monitoring the progress of the talent and Endrick could follow a similar path to Vinicius Junior.
The Champions League winner emerged during his time at Flamengo and the winger made his debut at 16 before moving to Los Blancos just over a year later.
Any conversations between the two could tempt Endrick into a move to Spain — he even admitted that Vinicius is his favourite player in a recent interview.
Arsenal and Liverpool are two English sides who have expressed an interest in the future superstar, but the physical demands of the Premier League may hinder his development at such a young age.
Brazilian heritage
Endrick embraces the reputation of Brazil’s football heritage and the excitement around the player is certainly not misplaced.
Like Neymar before him, the man who grew up in the land of Joga Bonito is not shy when it comes to flaunting his tricks, flicks and skills.
This trait goes hand in hand with his precise finishing ability — something that can only be described as phenomenal.
Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has backed the Gunners to sign Endrick because of their ties to Brazil via sporting director Edu.
In a recent interview, he said: “We know the importance in football of being well connected, to people, clubs, sporting directors, presidents of the club.
“There is big competition to get the best players, from the best leagues. For Palmeiras, they are going to receive a lot of calls from many clubs, the best clubs in the world to try and bring him to them.
“Let’s see, if at some point Arsenal did manage to bring the player, they will be getting a very good player.”
For now, Endrick’s future lies in Brazil and he can secure his first senior title if Palmeiras beat Fortaleza next week to take an unassailable lead in Serie A.
But sooner rather than later he will have to make a decision on where he will want to play next — he will not be short of options.
