Endrick, a 16-year-old wonderkid from Brazil, admits admiring Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, dealing Chelsea a setback in the hunt to recruit him. As he continues to shine for his boyhood club Palmeiras, the youthful wonder has been extensively linked with a move to many of Europe's biggest teams recently.
Endrick and the Blues have allegedly held "many" discussions regarding a prospective transfer to Stamford Bridge, according to the Evening Standard. In spite of this, the report claims that Real Madrid thinks they are in the driver's seat for the striker.
Endrick's father Douglas is rumored to be actively involved in choosing his son's destiny and to be collaborating with the representatives of Los Blancos actor Vinicius Junior. Any future contract Endrick enters into with a European side will be in the New Year and he'll only be able to join a new club in 2024 once he turns 18.
The report concludes that Douglas will prioritise offers that showcase a clear plan which will see his son fulfil his superstar potential. While the Blues have earned a great reputation for developing some of the world's best youngsters in recent years, the pathway from Cobham to the first-team hasn't always been as easy a transition.
In an interview with the EFE agency, as quoted by Goal, Endrick spoke of his inspirations and named two Real Madrid players and two Barcelona players. He said: "Benzema, [Robert] Lewandowski, Vinicius Jr and Raphinha are high-class players that I try to watch to learn from them."
Then, Endrick, who has been compared to Neymar, backed Vinicius Jr to impress at the World Cup. He said: "I think he will conquer the world and that in this World Cup (in Qatar) he will be one of the best. He will make an extraordinary duo with Neymar. I never imagined having a friendship with Vini because he is someone I only see on television and I hope we can have a lasting friendship."
If reports are to be believed and Real Madrid do lead the race for Endrick amid his fondness for the Spanish giants, then Chelsea face an up-hill battle to make up ground. Todd Boehly looks to have got the ball rolling already and the American billionaire has played his trump card.
According to The Times, the Blues have urged fellow countryman Thiago Silva to lure Endrick to west London. The 38-year-old defender is a hugely influential figure in Brazil - let alone around the world - and could be the secret weapon Chelsea need to wrap up a deal.
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