If there is one footballer who has monopolized the main front pages in recent months, it is him Endrick. At just 17 years old, the young Palmeiras attacker has already made his debut with the Brazilian senior national team and is counting down the months until he finally moves to Spain, where he will join the ranks of Real Madrid. However, the Rio gem was on the verge of joining another club such as England's Chelsea.
Recently, the footballer's father, Arthur, spoke to The Guardian and revealed that the London team not only followed Endrick very closely, but also invited him to visit the Stamford Bridge facilities, but that he ultimately did not go through with the transaction because of the Blues thought his passport was too expensive.
YOU CAN SEE: LDU fans sharply criticize Paolo Guerrero after the first final: “Depressing game”
What did Endrick's father say about his failed move to Chelsea?
“I have to admit I don't like the cold, but my wife and Endrick do. Endrick really enjoys playing in the rain. We received an invitation from Chelsea, from the owner, and we went there to see the club and the city.” Country. We saw Chelsea play against Arsenal and had the opportunity to see the coach, the facilities and the… Georginho, Cesar Azpilicueta j Thiago SilvaArthur explained.
Furthermore, he added that practically everything has been completed for him to become a new Chelsea player. “They explained everything to us. They introduced us to the person who would help us settle in. She showed us the house we would live in, the school Endrick would attend, the church we would attend. Everything was fine for us and Chelsea.” “I can't say it 100% because I hadn't signed yet, but the agreement has been made,” he said.
However, he explained that the London team ultimately withdrew their offer because they believed paying €60 million for a 16-year-old boy would inflate the market.
“I had already decided that I would live in London despite the cold weather. But then, that evening, my son's agent called and said that Chelsea's owner had pulled out of the deal because the price was too high.” “Endrick would inflate the market. It was 60 million euros for a 16-year-old boy who arrived in the country almost two years later,” he concluded.
Endrick has just won the double championship title in Brazil with Palmeiras. Photo: EFE
How much did Real Madrid pay for Endrick?
It should be noted that Real Madrid announced in December 2022 that they had reached an agreement with Palmeira and Endrick's family for him to join the white club once he reaches the age of majority in July 2024.
“Until then, Endrick will continue his training at SE Palmeiras. The player will travel to Madrid in the coming days to visit our club's facilities,” the statement said.
Finally, ESPN sources stated that the operation was concluded for an amount exceeding 75 million euros and that he signed a 5-year contract from the opening of the transfer window in July 2024.
Real Madrid have signed Endrick. Photo: Real Madrid