Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president convinced by 16-year-old target who admires Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius
16-year-old Palmeiras attacker Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa has grabbed everyone’s attention through his blistering performances in South America.
As of today, Real Madrid remain his biggest aficionado and Spanish publication MARCA has said that club president Florentino Perez is satisfied with what he has seen of the youngster.
As a result, there are rumours that an official move from the European champions is expected soon, but everything depends on the price of the negotiation.
For now, earlier reports claimed that the 16-year-old Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A champion, who has scored three goals in his last two matches, has a release clause worth €60 million.
While it’s true in some sense, it’s not entirely correct at this very moment, meaning that in case of an early agreement, he can leave for about €30-40 million.
The mentioned €60 million figure was included when the youngster signed his first professional contract with the Brazilian team, but it is something based on a series of variables like the number of games he plays until he is 18.
Everything was pre-determined by Palmeiras when handing him the deal, but nothing is concrete at the moment. This means if there is a price tag, it is because the player, himself, cannot move to the senior team in Europe before he turns 18.
As far as Real Madrid are concerned, those sitting in the offices are pretty much assured of his capabilities.
Even the player is passionate about the current European champions and is fascinated by the success stories of the likes of Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, while he is a huge admirer of the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.
“It is a club that I have great affection for Cristiano Ronaldo, whom I always followed, with the four Champions Leagues he won there,” the youngster told MARCA.
“I have a great affection for Real for Cristiano, although I have also looked for things in their history and they are a very good team. It is very gratifying for me to know that they are watching me and witnessing my games,” he added.
Lastly, Real Madrid are aware of the interest the 16-year-old forward has generated across Europe, but they are mostly calm about the situation because they know economic muscle will not decide the course of this transfer.
The recent successes of Real Madrid in La Liga as well as the Champions League pay a testament to the club’s high level of quality this season; but manage to look even more impressive considering Carlo Ancelotti has been shorthanded with an influx of injuries.
Despite crucial absences, the Merengues have not let injury-related setbacks hamper their ambitions for the season.
Still, it is clear Real Madrid are walking on a tightrope with such a thin squad amid all these injuries, and thus minimizing the risk of any more unexpected misfortunes will be key.
Ancelotti faces a dilemma
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, the Italian coach is facing a predicament: he can either utilize his starters in the next game or chart a pragmatic course and rest them to prevent any physical problems.
Ancelotti is tossing up whether to rest some players or keep “squeezing” them in because they do not have a midweek game the following week due to cup commitments.
The players in question are Antonio Rudiger, Federico Valverde, and Rodrygo. They have all been crucial to Ancleotti’s team this season.
But they have also played a significant number of minutes over the past month due to their respective teams’ needs.
The likes of Valverde and Rodrygo currently maintain an indispensable role in the team, especially following their recent performances.
After Luka Modric’s injury, who is doubtful to play Granada, Valverde’s presence will be all the more vital.
Furthermore, Rodrygo has played exceptionally well in his last two encounters, despite worries about his knee injury.
As such, his demotion to the bench would not be a wise move in his current form, especially with Jude Bellingham’s involvement also in doubt.
Time will tell how Ancelotti approaches the next few games. With the threat of injuries always looming large, he will potentially be compelled to make some sacrifices to the XI.
