There are few things in football more exciting than links to potentially the next Brazilian world star - even for Chelsea fans.
The masterminds behind ‘samba’ football and arguably some of the technically gifted footballers in the world, it is certainly a tantalising prospect to have a Selecao star in the club’s ranks.
Chelsea have had their fair share of Brazilian players over the years, including Oscar, Willian, Ramires and most recently, the ever-reliable Thiago Silva.
Now, the Blues are seemingly aiming to secure one of the most exciting prospects to come out of South America in recent years in the form of Palmeiras’ 15-year-old prospect Endrick.
It is claimed by Sky Sports that the current European champions are among the front-runners for his services, alongside Manchester United.
With that being said, football.london takes a look at all you need to know about Endrick.
Who is Endrick?
Endrick is a Brazilian striker currently plying his trade for Serie A side Palmeiras.
Born in Brasilia, he joined the club’s youth sides at the age of 10. He has sparkled thus far in their development sides but is yet to make an appearance for the senior team.
Why do Chelsea want him?
Whilst it might be brave for Chelsea to go all-out to sign a player who has not yet made his senior debut, the performances throughout his youth career have certainly caught people's attention.
He has plundered goal after goal for Palmeiras’ youth teams, whilst he also starred at the renowned Copinha under-20 tournament, netting five goals in just three appearances in Sao Paolo.
Prominent European clubs such as Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, among many others, are reported to be interested, so the Blues could potentially be attempting to steal a march on their rivals.
Where would he fit in?
Considering his tender years, it is hard to predict exactly where Endrick would fit in should he complete a move to Chelsea.
For the time being at the very least, he is likely to stay in his homeland for the next few years, with foreign clubs unable to sign him until he is 18.
However, he can sign a pre-contract agreement when he turns 16 in the summer, so the Blues could potentially go down that route.
What has been said?
Endrick has certainly courted plenty of attention, not least from ex-Flamengo star and current journalist Renato Maurício Prado.
Speaking to News.TVS.24, he suggested that he would be tempted to take the youngster to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He said: “I also took [Endrick] because he’s looking like it, everything indicates that he’s going to be a phenomenon, he’s going to be a phenomenon like Neymar and like other players that Brazilian football has had.
“It’s always good to remember that at the age of 15 Pelé was already playing for Santos’ professional team and at 16 he was world champion.”
