Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Palmeiras forward Endrick in 2024, the club announced on Thursday.
Endrick — who is now 16 and will move to Madrid when he turns 18 in July 2024 — is one of the most exciting young talents in Brazilian football.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Sources told ESPN that the teenager has agreed a five-year contract and will join for a transfer fee worth a total of €72 million including variables and taxes.
Madrid beat a number of top European clubs — including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea — in the race to sign Endrick.
Madrid have targeted the Brazilian market in recent years in a strategy led by the club’s chief scout Juni Calafat, agreeing deals for Vinicius Junior in 2017, Rodrygo in 2018 and Reinier Jesus in 2020.
Vinicius and Rodrygo have both gone on to become key first-team players at the Bernabeu, playing important roles in Madrid’s LaLiga and Champions League double last season.
Madrid have been looking for a young forward who could eventually replace star striker Karim Benzema, who is 34.
Endrick made his debut for Palmeiras’ first team in October at the age of 16.
He became the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history when he found the net twice against Athletico Paranaense on Oct. 25 and helped the team win the 2022 Brasileirao Serie A title, with three goals in seven appearances.
