The transfer speculation revolving around Palmeiras sensation Endrick Felipe appears to be coming to an end, as Real Madrid are on the cusp of securing his signature.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Los Blancos are in the final stages of negotiations with Palmeiras over a lucrative deal worth €72 million.
The Spanish giants are also close to agreeing personal terms with the 16-year-old, who burst onto the scene after making his senior team debut with Palmeiras in October.
European giants, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Barcelona, have shown interest in the Brazilian prospect, but Madrid have now won the race.
PSG had a €58m offer turned down by Palmeiras a few days ago. Meanwhile, Chelsea tried to persuade Endrick to Stamford Bridge with the help of his compatriot Thiago Silva but to no avail.
Los Merengues’ arch-rivals Barca also explored a move, with Xavi revealing that he had held talks with the Brazilian teenager.
However, the reigning European champions have always stayed ahead in the race, and Endrick also prioritised a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
Endrick has been cited as the long-term successor to Karim Benzema, who has entered the twilight of his career.
The French striker’s follow-up to the remarkable 2021/22 campaign – which won him the Ballon d’Or award for 2022 – hasn’t gone the way he would have liked, with injury issues hindering him this term.
Benzema’s current deal at Bernabeu runs until next summer, but Madrid have an agreement in place to extend his stay until 2024.
Endrick will add to an exciting Brazilian contingent at Madrid that contains Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao.
