Real Madrid strike agreement with Palmeiras for Brazilian prospect Endrick

Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Palmeiras’ teenage striker Endrick Felipe, according to reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Los Blancos have beaten European giants, including Paris Saint Germain, Barcelona and Chelsea, for his services.

Madrid will pay Palmeiras a lucrative package of €72 million. The La Liga giants are expected to complete the paperwork and announce his signing within December.

After creating a huge impression at Palmeiras’ youth ranks, the 16-year-old made his senior team debut months ago and went on to rack up three goals and an assist in seven games in the Brazilian top-flight.

The young centre-forward boasts incredible physicality for his age and wide range of skill set, which has already seen him compare with Brazilian legends like Ronaldo Nazario and Romario.

It is an absolute masterstroke from Los Merengues, who continue their tradition of snapping up the highly-talented players from Brazil.

Endrick will move to Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2024 when he turns 18.

The Palmeiras wonderkid has been touted as the heir to the throne of Karim Benzema. The French striker’s contract expires at the end of this season, but he is soon expected to sign an extension for one more year.

As of now, Madrid’s plan is not to sign a marquee player until the arrival of Endrick, but Benzema’s fitness concerns could force them to change it.

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has struggled with injuries this term, missing a handful of games for Real Madrid in the first half as well as withdrawing from France’s World Cup squad.

Kylian Mbappe’s links have reemerged after he is said to have grown unhappy with his situation at Paris Saint-Germain, not long after signing a mega extension deal with the French giants while snubbing Los Blancos.

However, Madrid have reportedly decided not to pursue Mbappe nor any other expensive centre-forwards.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side could go for cheaper alternatives in the market or rely on first-team players like Marco Asensio and Rodrygo as a stop-gap solution.