Chelsea transfer blow as Real Madrid seal signing of £60m wonderkid Endrick, 16 – but he can’t play for 18 months
REAL MADRID have beaten Chelsea in the bidding war for Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick.
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reports Real have "sealed" a deal for the 16-year-old prospect until 2027 with a further three-year option.
However, the striker can't join Los Blancos for another 18 months due to rules in Brazil prohibiting underaged players from going abroad.
That means Endrick will have to wait until 2024 to officially move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Romano : "Excl: Endrick, new Real Madrid player!
"Contracts and documents have been signed in last 24h. Deal can now be considered sealed.
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"Endrick will join Real Madrid in June 2024. Contract will be until 2027 plus three years option, so 2030. Here we go confirmed."
The deal is estimated to have cost Real £60million, as that is the price tag Palmeiras had placed on the Brazil Under-20 international.
Real confirmed Endrick won't be joining them for another two years and will be playing with Palmeiras until then.
An announcement read: "Real Madrid CF, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Endrick and his family have reached an agreement whereby the player will be able to join Real Madrid when he comes of age in July 2024.
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"Until then, Endrick will continue his training at the SE Palmeiras. The player will travel to Madrid in the coming days to visit our club's facilities."
Endrick scored 12 goals and provided one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions this past season.
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The centre-forward has also registered five goals in four appearances with the Brazil Under-17s.
Chelsea have been investing heavily in youth in the last few years with the likes of Mason Mount, Trevoh Chalobah and Reece James rising through the ranks.
Endrick has also been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.