Real Madrid Win the Race: Three Premier League Clubs Miss Out on Endrick Sensation
Endrick is finally set to put pen to paper and join the Spanish giants at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, with thousands of fans expected to pack the stadium for his unveiling. The 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy has been on the radar of top clubs across Europe, and it’s little surprise that Manchester City, Liverpool, Paris St-Germain, and Chelsea were all keen to snap him up.
But despite their best efforts, the English trio failed to clinch a deal, with Chelsea pushing hardest to sign the teenager. In October 2022, they even went as far as inviting Endrick’s parents to visit their Cobham training ground, where they met Thiago Silva, Jorginho, and Cesar Azpilicueta. Chelsea even found them a local church to attend, according to reports.
However, talks stalled due to Chelsea’s reluctance to pay a significant fee for a player who wouldn’t be eligible to play for them for two more years. Real Madrid, meanwhile, had learned from their experience of signing Vinicius Jr from Flamengo, and were willing to pay the necessary fee to secure Endrick’s signature.
Agent Frederico Pena spoke to The Telegraph, revealing that scouts from all three Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool, had traveled to France to watch Endrick play at the Montaigu Tournament in 2022. It was a performance that left many in awe, with Endrick winning the player of the tournament award and scoring five goals in four games as Brazil took home the trophy.
The lesson, according to Pena, is clear: Real Madrid are unwilling to miss out on talent like Endrick again, and are willing to pay top dollar to secure it. "Maybe there is a lesson for Chelsea because they were in front at the start," he added.
As Endrick prepares to don the famous white of Real Madrid, we can’t help but wonder what could have been for the Premier League clubs who came up short. Would Chelsea’s willingness to pay the fee have swung the deal in their favor? Perhaps, but ultimately, it was Real Madrid’s persistence and willingness to take a long-term view that won out.
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