Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dealt blow as Barcelona make move to sign 16-year-old transfer target
There is no doubt that Endrick is seemingly becoming the hottest prospect in South American football right now. The Palmeiras whizkid has raised many eyebrows with his dazzling performances in the youth leagues.
He is already on the books of the first team and is soon poised to make his professional debut for the club. Having enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence over the past 12 months, Endrick has found himself on the radar of several top clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants had been keeping track of Endrick for a while now and intend to make a move in the near future. However, according to Diario SPORT, it appears they are set to face a major blow in their pursuit of the Palmeiras whizkid, who is also targeted by Barcelona.
The report suggests the Catalans have identified Endrick as their primary target in the South American market. To that end, they have made contact with the teenage forward’s entourage to express their interest in signing him.
A meeting was held in Catalonia, during which the Blaugrana explained in detail to Endrick’s representatives their intentions to land the 16-year-old.
On top of that, Barça intend to start talks with Palmeiras at the end of the season, even though the youngster is not eligible to move to Spain until 2024 when he is of legal age.
Barça have found major success when it comes to nurturing young players in recent years, as evidenced by Gavi, Pedri, and Ansu Fati’s recent rise to prominence. The Catalans are now willing to bet on Endrick to become the next big thing in world football.
The club have already held intense talks within their own camp over the possibility of signing Endrick and are closely monitoring the youngster’s progress at Palmeiras.
All is not lost for Real Madrid, though. Despite Barcelona’s recent efforts, they are expected to struggle in funding a move for the Palmeiras whizkid.
Not to mention, Los Blancos have built a solid reputation for nurturing Brazilian players in the recent past and could emerge as the preferred destination for Endrick himself, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
With PSG also on the lookout for the 16-year-old’s signing, Real Madrid will have a tough battle on their hands to sign Endrick.
Real Madrid News
U-turn? Benzema hints at Real Madrid stay during ceremony: “Reality is not the internet”
There has been a lot of talk around Karim Benzema’s situation over the course of the last week or so, with reports claiming that the Frenchman was on his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu.
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it was reported that Benzema was joining Al Ittihad as part of an incredible deal worth nearly €200 million. The striker was also offered 100% of his image rights and advertising deals by the Saudi government.
Over the last day or so, it has been reported that the move is all but official at the moment, as Benzema has accepted the offer, and will soon inform Real Madrid about it.
Benzema was awarded the MARCA Leyenda awards for contribution to sports today, and speaking during it, he dropped a rather cryptic message about his future – one that says quite the opposite to what has been in the news recently.
“Speak to the fans? Speak about what? Why should I speak of the future if I’m in Madrid?”, Benzema said.
“It’s the internet speaking, and reality is not the internet,” he added.
This certainly falls away from the departure line for Benzema, who was reportedly already contemplating his life away from Madrid.
At first, though, he was hesitant about speaking about his future, saying, “Staying or leaving Real Madrid? At the moment, I’m here…we have a game on Saturday.”
He repeatedly talked about the fans, calling them the best in world football. He also said, “I know how much Real Madrid fans love me. I feel that when I’m on the pitch, I give my best for them, always.”
“I always say that we play with 11 on the pitch but also with a crucial factor, Real Madrid fans,” Benzema concluded.
