Real Madrid News
Chelsea enlist Brazil icon’s help to beat Real Madrid to teenage wonderkid’s signing
According to The Times, Chelsea hosted Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick and his family at their Cobham training facility in order to convince him to join them over the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
The 16-year-old wonderkid is one of the most sought-after young prospects in football currently after enjoying a stunning breakthrough in Brazilian footballing scenes this year.
From making a splash at the Copinha tournament to making his senior debut for Palmeiras and winning the Brazilian Serie A title with the club, Endrick has enjoyed a stunning 2022 and is on the radars of top clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG, Barcelona and Arsenal among others.
Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSG were the frontrunners to sign the teenage striker although there were no agreements with any of the clubs.
However, now, Chelsea seem to have made their move to convince Endrick to sign for them by hosting him and his family at the club’s training facilities.
During the visit, Chelsea also made their star defender and Brazil icon Thiago Silva interact with the 16-year-old as they look to beat the competition for his capture.
Silva is a legendary figure not only in Brazil but in football. At 38, he is set to represent Selecao at the upcoming FIFA World Cup where he will add to his 109 international caps. Interacting with such an icon is certain to have had an influence on Endrick.
The teenager’s father, Douglas, has been holding discussions with several clubs in Europe over a possible move, although he will only be able to join in 2024 when he turns 18 years old.
Signing Endrick will also need a significant investment as he has a €60 million release clause in his contract with Palmeiras. With Chelsea making their move for the Brazilian prodigy, it will be interesting to see how Real Madrid react.
According to a report from journalist Jorge C Picon, former Tottenham Hotspur and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is in pole position to become the next manager of Real Madrid, if Carlo Ancelotti leaves at the end of the season.
Ancelotti’s topic has become a topic of much debate and discussion over the past few weeks. The Italian tactician has a contract that runs until next year and has stated that he wishes to see it out.
However, the team’s failure to win any major title this season could end up spelling trouble or the 63-year-old. The La Liga title looks like a lost cause already while Real Madrid are in a disadvantageous position in Copa del Rey as well.
The UEFA Champions League remains Ancelotti’s best bet to win a trophy this season. Should he do so, the Italian could continue at Real Madrid or even possibly sign a new contract extension.
But, failure to land the trophy could end his second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu and Pochettino is said to be the frontrunner for the position in that case.
The Argentine is currently unemployed after being sacked by PSG in July last year. The 51-year-old did not have the most memorable of stints in Paris but his stock has not diminished in the Real Madrid offices, who had considered appointing him once before as well.
Thomas Tuchel was also a candidate for Real Madrid and talks were also held with him. But, the club informed him that if Ancelotti won the UCL, he would stay on, which played a part in the German signing for Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, club legend Raul Gonzalez, who is currently the manager of Real Madrid Castilla, is also a candidate, but is seen only as Plan B, with Pochettino very much the frontrunner at this point.
A lot will depend on how the rest of the season pans out and whether Ancelotti is able to lead Real Madrid to back-to-back Champions League triumphs.
