Real Madrid have won the race for Palmeiras' coveted Brazilian hotshot Endrick - but the talented teenager will not officially link up with the Spanish giants until 2024.
Endrick is one of Brazil's most highly-rated young prospects and has been linked with a host of Europe's elite clubs. The forward, 16, only signed his first professional contract with Palmeiras earlier this year, but it was expected that he would move on swiftly.
Despite interest from elsewhere, Real Madrid were believed to be in pole position to snare Endrick - and the LaLiga champions have now confirmed that a deal has been struck with Palmeiras for their prized asset.
Real released a statement to confirm Endrick's acquisition, which read : "Real Madrid CF, Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Endrick and his family have reached an agreement whereby the player will be able to join Real Madrid when he comes of age in July 2024.
"Until then, Endrick will continue his training at the SE Palmeiras. The player will travel to Madrid in the coming days to visit our club's facilities."
Due to rules in Brazil restricting underage players from moving abroad, Endrick will stay put for the next 18 months - but he will link up with Real Madrid when he turns 18 after signing a deal which will run from 2027 until 2030.
The Spanish giants have shelled out a substantial sum to secure Endrick's services: it is understood that Palmeiras will pocket an initial fee worth £53m, with a further £9m to be paid through various add-on clauses. The deal makes Endrick the most expensive transfer in Brazilian history.
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Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were two other clubs who attempted to beat Real to a deal for Endrick - but the Blues were unable to fend off interest from Real Madrid, who could utilise the youngster alongside his compatriot Vinicius Jr in 18 months time.
Endrick has been labelled as the 'next Neymar' in Brazil after plundering a remarkable 170 goals at youth level and was named the Player of the Tournament when Palmeiras won the Copa Sao Paulo de Futebol Junior earlier this year, breaking multiple records.
But he has done his utmost to ignore all the hype around his future. "How do I cope with the hype? I try to remember that I’m very young," Endrick explained to The Mail earlier this year.
"I try to remember I’m still a child and that it’s only a game. I don’t want to take it overly seriously. Yes, I want to be serious about my career but during the game I want to have as much fun as possible."
