Real Madrid News
Manchester City enter race for Real Madrid, Barcelona-linked Brazilian prodigy
Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick is one of the most in-demand young prospects in football currently. Having burst onto the scenes at the Copinha tournament earlier this year, the teenage forward has captured the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Indeed, Real Madrid and Barcelona are staunch admirers of Endrick, with Los Blancos even said to be preparing a bid for the 16-year-old. However, the two La Liga heavyweights have now been joined by Premier League champions Manchester City in the race for the striker.
According to ESPN Brasil, Manchester City and Real Madrid will both send representatives to watch Endrick in action when Palmeiras face Fortaleza tonight in the Brazilian Serie A.
The teenager made his senior debut for the Verdao less than a month ago and has already made a big impression, bagging two goals and an assist in four matches.
He is likely to be called upon by manager Abel Ferreira against Fortaleza, in a match that could confirm Palmeiras’ league victory.
And both Real Madrid and Manchester City will reportedly have representatives present to keep tabs on Endrick and his performance.
Just 16 years old, the striker signed his first professional contract with Palmeiras only in July earlier this year, committing himself to the club until 2025. The deal is said to contain a massive release clause worth €60 million, which does not seem to be dissuading his suitors.
Reports suggest that Endrick has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid, who have a good relationship with his family and entourage.
But Manchester City’s entry into the picture, coupled with Barcelona’s presence as well, not to forget PSG, will make for an interesting battle for the services of Endrick.
It is astounding that despite being the biggest club in Spain, Real Madrid do not have many Spanish players to show for it.
Los Blancos do indeed boast of a special diversity in the dressing room, but their lack of locally trained players could pose problems according to MARCA.
The Spanish outlet confirms that UEFA does not mandate the inclusion of any minimum number of locally grown players for a club. However, the Spanish federation stipulates that a club in Spain must boast of at least eight players who meet a specific set of conditions.
Of the aforementioned eight candidates, there must be at least four players who have spent three seasons or 36 months at the club between the ages of 15 and 21.
Currently, only Nacho Fernandez, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez, Federico Valverde, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Mariano make up the required number on that front.
The problem, however, arises with the condition for the other four players in the list of eight. RFEF stipulates that the second set of four players must have completed at least 36 months in teams attached to the federation of Spain between the ages of 15 and 21.
Only Jesus Vallejo, Alvaro Odriozola, Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos tick the aforementioned box. However, all four players have uncertain futures at the club and are well-placed to depart in the summer.
There are thus big decisions to be taken over the transfer strategy for June. Real Madrid can work ways to ship all four players out, it would require the re-integration of players like Sergio Arribas, Miguel Gutierrez or Fran Garcia to ensure the fulfilment of the criteria.
With both Vallejo and Odriozola seemingly frozen out of Ancelotti’s plans, their departures from Santiago Bernabeu appear inevitable. Thus, the management could be forced to renew one of Asensio or Ceballos come June.
