Endrick turns 16 and signs his first professional contract with Palmeiras | OneFootball

Our “next-big-thing” Endrick today celebrated his 16th birthday by signing his first professional contract with the club. In the crosshairs of the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona, Palmeiras made sure the release clause is hefty: the number US$ 60m is mentioned. His contract will run until mid-2025.

“It’s a feeling of pride to see what I have planted and what I am reaping with the beginning of this new cycle,” says Endrick. “I am grateful for the trust Palmeiras has vested in me. I will stay humble with my feet on the ground.”

Endrick was born in Brasilia but joined Palmeiras at the age of eleven. Prior to turning 16 he had already made seven appearances for our U20 team, scoring six goals. Endrick also has two caps for the U17 Brazilian national team, scoring once. In total, during his five years at Palmeiras’ youth divisios, he has scored 165 goals in 169 games.

“Palmeiras was the only club that always believed in me. They took me in when I was ten years old, when I first went on trial here. They have always betted on me and this is further proof of that”, he continues.

Albeit his young age, Endrick is expected to join the first team possibly already next season, especially after we the other day learnt Palmeiras has stuck a deal to sell the promising young forward Gabriel Veron, a one-time target of Manchester United, to Porto for €10m for 50% of the player’s economic rights.

“I’m never satisfied, I always want more”, Endrick concludes. “Palmeiras will grow more and more. They are the greatest champions in Brazil. They are the team of my heart. I will have gratitude for the rest of my life.”