FIFA rules preventing clubs from signing players under 18 years from abroad is the only thing stopping Brazilian 16-year-old youngster Endrick from joining Real Madrid immediately.

However, everything has been officially agreed to see the Palmeiras teenager join the Los Blancos when he turns 18 in 2024.

Endrick is both the youngest debutant and youngest scorer for Palmeiras and has scored three goals in seven Brazilian top-flight games this season.

The deal is considered the biggest sale in Brazilian football history by Palmeiras president after Real Madrid agreed to pay €35 million fixed fee, €25 million add-ons, and €12 million extra in taxes.

The contract will run till 2027, with another three years extension up to 2030. Endrick, after the confirmation of the deal and a first medical, thanked the Brazilian side Palmeiras for what he achieved there while promising to keep giving his all before making a move in 2024.

“I thank Palmeiras, forever the club of my heart, for offering me everything necessary to become what I am today, for helping me to accomplish several of my dreams, and for respecting my desire and that of my family to make another dream come true. Until I join Real Madrid, I will continue to dedicate myself as I have always dedicated myself to being able to offer Palmeiras even more on the field.” Endrick said.

Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa was born on 21 July 2006, plays as a striker, and has featured for the Brazilian under-17 national team four times, scoring five goals this year.

With the Real Madrid transfer, Endrick is now the second most expensive Brazilian transfer after Neymar’s €91 million move to Barcelona from Santos.

Real Madrid is second on the La Liga table and will return to club football on 30 December when they travel to Valladolid.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu