Real Madrid News
Real Madrid very happy with deal for 16-year-old ‘top talent’ – Romano
Towards the end of 2022, Real Madrid managed to clinch the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, beating other clubs like Chelsea and PSG to the teenage forward’s capture.
Los Blancos agreed a deal worth €35 million plus add-ons with Palmeiras, which would take the entire value of the operation up to €60 million.
Endrick will only be arriving at Real Madrid in 2024, once he turns 18 and is understood to have signed a contract until 2027, with a three-year extension option until 2030.
After his explosive performances for Palmeiras’ youth sides and consequent breakthrough in the first team, Endrick’s stock was sky-high and Real Madrid’s signing was hailed as a coup, with the striker being touted as the next best thing in Brazil.
However, the 16-year-old endured a rather slow start to the new season in 2023 and soon the daggers were out against the youngster. The spotlight and the subsequent pressure from the media coverage were seemingly starting to have an effect.
It also raised some skepticism about Real Madrid spending heavily on the teenage prodigy.
But, according to Fabrizio Romano, the reigning champions of Spain and Europe are very happy with their deal for Endrick and are convinced that he is a top talent.
This comes after Endrick scored a goal in the second leg of the Paulista finals as Palmeiras secured a 4-0 win over EC Agua Santa last night. The 16-year-old had also found the back of the net in the first leg of the final as well.
Endrick has now won three trophies with Palmeiras despite being just 16 years old. Having lifted the Brazilian league title last season, the teenager has now added the Brazilian Super Cup and the Paulista championship to his CV.
Speaking after the triumph, Endrick spoke about the question marks being raised over his potential, saying: “Criticism that it was too early to start me in the 1st team? I always take criticism on board.”
“I have 3 senior trophies now, with a goal in the final… maybe I’m ready to start for U20s,” he added, firing a dig at his detractors.
As iterated earlier, Endrick will arrive at Real Madrid in 2024 and is expected to slot right into the first-team setup and no go through the Castilla team before breaking into the senior squad.
Real Madrid are looking towards a heavy splurge in the coming summer transfer window. After all, they do not even have another option given the sheer number of player departures already finalized.
Los Blancos have lost the services of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, and Eden Hazard over the past week. While three of the four players predominantly featured on the bench, their presence in the squad gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side much-needed depth and a cushion of sorts.
The forward unit is, thus, the most prioritized department ahead of the transfer window. However, pieces are beginning to fall apart on other fronts and could potentially put the club in a difficult situation.
According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are eyeing Lucas Vazquez and hope to sign him in the coming month. Contacts between the two parties have begun and the transfer fee discussed appears to be around the €6 million to €8 million ballpark given that he has just one year left on his contract.
The player, for his part, is willing to sign for the Italian giants given his relative lack of minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu. At 31 years of age, he understandably does not want to play a second-fiddle role.
Vasquez played part in 23 of Real Madrid’s 38 La Liga games last season, starting only on 12 occasions. Even in his few appearances, he averaged a mere 50 minutes per game.
The veteran completed the season with four goals and an assist to his name. Further, he averaged five defensive actions and a key pass in every game and feels hard done by his limited role.
Vazquez’s departure would place the club in a tricky situation as it would leave Real Madrid with only Dani Carvajal as a natural right-back option. Nacho Fernandez could, in theory, serve as the backup but a new signing for the position cannot be ruled out.
