Chelsea target Endrick has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo by the director of Palmeiras' youth setup. The 16-year-old has been heavily linked with a number of Europe's top sides lately as he continues to impress for the Brazilian side.
The teenage sensation has featured seven times for Palmeiras this season, directly contributing towards four goals. Last month, he broke a 106-year record to become the club's youngest-ever goal scorer after finding the net in a Serie A clash against Athletico Paranaense.
Endrick's impressive performances have seen him be compared to Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and now five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo. Speaking to AS, as quoted by 90min, Palmeiras academy director Joao Paulo Sampaio likened the wonderkid to the Manchester United striker.
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"He has quality, a strong personality and a champion mentality," he said. "In that regard, he resembles Cristiano [Ronaldo]. He trains hard, is kind and has humility.
"We love him very much because he makes himself loved. He tries to please everyone around him."
Sampaio added by claiming that Endrick can become a 'world star' whose potential is as high as 'humanly possible'. The Palmeiras director addressed the speculation regarding the youngster's future and confirmed Chelsea's interest.
"If injuries respect him, I don't see a ceiling for him - as far as is humanly possible," Sampaio said. "He has everything to be a world star in the future.
"I am convinced that Endrick, if he does not have injury problems, will not disappoint anyone. What I want is to see him happy.
"He's a player for any great team, for Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Chelsea, Manchester United - he's different," he added. "He is a born goalscorer and can be a world star. He has the technique, physique and mentality to go a long way. Wherever he goes, I wish him, above all, much happiness."
According to the Evening Standard, Endrick has had 'several' meetings with the Blues over a potential move to Stamford Bridge. Despite this, the report states that Real Madrid believe that they're leading the race to sign the striker.
It's said that Endrick's father, Douglas is heavily involved in deciding his son's future, and he's said to be working with the agents of Los Blancos star Vinicius Junior. Any future deal that Endrick signs with a European side will be in the New Year, and he'll only be able to join a new club in 2024 once he turns 18.
The report concludes that Douglas will prioritise offers that showcase a clear plan which will see his son fulfil his superstar potential. While Chelsea have earned a great reputation for developing some of the world's best youngsters in recent years, the pathway from Cobham to the first team hasn't always been as easy a transition.
90min report that Endrick has a €60million (£52.2m) release clause in his contract with Palmeiras. Whether a club decides to activate said fee remains to be seen.
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