Real Madrid News
Ronaldo hails Endrick as a ‘great talent’ ahead of impending Real Madrid transfer
Ronaldo Nazario is one of football’s greatest icons, and rightly so, for he was an extraordinary striker whom very few players have been able to come close to. In his long and illustrious career, he also had a stint with Real Madrid where he won the Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup and La Liga.
The Brazilian legend spoke to AS recently where he put forth his thoughts about Endrick and Real Madrid’s agreement with the player. He had nothing but praise for the 16-year-old Brazilian star and said,
“Endrick is a great talent for the next few years. I don’t know if his signing with Real Madrid is completed, I can’t guarantee it.”
Earlier this week, it was reported that Real Madrid had beaten Barcelona and PSG in the race for teenage star Endrick and that only the paperwork was missing.
Real Madrid are reportedly shelling out €35 million in fixed fees plus another €25 million in add-ons for the 16-year-old prospect. However, the player will only be able to join the team in Madrid after he turns 18 in 2024.
Endrick is one of the country’s highest-rated prospects and already made his senior debut for Palmeiras in October. Moreover, he became their youngest-ever goalscorer thanks to his brace against Athletico Paranaense.
While the fee is large considering the player’s age, it could be a gamble that reaps rewards in multifold.
During the same interview, Ronaldo was also asked about Carlo Ancelotti’s potential move to Brazil as the next head coach for the national team. Along with the Real Madrid boss, Man City’s Pep Guardiola has also been linked with the job following Tite’s exit.
And Il Fenomeno insisted that he would be excited to see either of the two managers take over the reins for Brazil. “I welcome it. I would love it,” he said.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
