Chelsea fail to sign €60m teenager as Real Madrid are ‘closing in’ on deal after rivals ‘walk away’ | OneFootball

Chelsea have reportedly failed to sign Palmeiras youngster Endrick as Real Madrid are now ‘closing in’ on completing a deal to sign him.

€60m being spent to sign a 16-year-old sounds a bit ridiculous on the face of it and there will certainly be a lot of pressure on Endrick to live up to this price tag in the coming years.

But on early evidence, the teenager looks to be a potentially world-class talent as he has already made an impact for Palmeiras at senior level.

During the 2021/22 campaign, he grabbed nine goals and one assist in 14 appearances for the Brazilian side.

In recent months he has been linked with clubs around Europe. Teams are looking to tie him down to a contract now with the view of him joining in 2024 when he turns 18. This is when his €60m release clause becomes active.

It has been heavily reported that Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG have been the sides leading the race to sign him.

But last month, FC Barcelona boss Xavi revealed that they are also “speaking to” Endrick.

Barcelona, Chelsea and PSG are missing out, though. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Real Madrid are ‘in pole position to get this deal done’

‘Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Endrick from Palmeiras. PSG have left the race for the Brazilian teenager after seeing a bid turned down by Palmeiras,’ Romano told Caught Offside.

‘Meanwhile, Real Madrid have agreed personal terms and are discussing the details of the contract.

‘Real Madrid are in pole position to get this deal done for a package worth €70m, they are working on the final details and hope to get it done soon.

‘Some fans have asked me about how this affects potential interest in Kylian Mbappe, but I don’t see links between Mbappe and Endrick, to be honest.

‘Mbappe is world class while Endrick is a top talent for the future who won’t arrive at Real Madrid before 2024.’

He added: ‘Endrick was a target for Chelsea but they have many others in the list, – they are following many top young players around the world, albeit with nothing imminent.’

Romano has also explained why PSG opted to ‘walk away’ from their deal for Endrick.

‘PSG have walked away from a potential deal to sign Endrick,’ Romano added.

‘A few days ago, PSG offered €58m to Palmeiras after discussing personal terms with the player. PSG also offered €35m for Estevao, making a total package of €93m to Palmeiras.

‘However, the Palmeiras president rejected the bid and now PSG have left the negotiations and are no longer in the race.’

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