Barcelona are in talks with his father and the player, Xavi Hernandez revealed as they set to hijack Real Madrid target.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez disclosed that the team is in contact with Endrick Felipe, a Real Madrid target and wonderkid from Palmeiras, in an interview with ESPN Brasil.
After exploding in Brazil this year, the 16-year-old attacker is currently one of the most sought-after prospects in the football world. Before recently making his senior debut with Palmeiras, Endrick originally made a big impression with their young team at the Copinha tournament.
Endrick has already contributed three goals to Palmeiras in seven first-team outings, aiding them in winning the Brazilian Serie A championship.
Along with Barcelona, a number of teams, including Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Chelsea, are vying for the services of the young forward.
According to recent rumors, PSG had gained the lead in the competition to sign the 16-year-old, and given Barça’s financial condition, they appeared destined to lose out.
But Xavi has made a startling admission that he and Barcelona have been holding talks with Endrick and his father and that he desires the youthful prodigy joins the Blaugrana.
“We have spoken with the player directly and with his parent. I described the project we are working on in Barcelona. He is talented and capable of making a difference, and we want talent,” Xavi added.
“He has a brutal ability to create a difference. He has the desire. He can dribble. He is both a player of the present—he currently competes in the Brazilian league—and the future, the speaker said.
Xavi reiterated his desire for Endrick to join Barcelona, saying, “He is the type of player we need. He is already conversant with the project we are working on in Barcelona. I wish he would join Barça.
Depending on him. Always, it’s a player thing. In most cases, a player gets to play where he wants to. Endrick made this decision for very personal reasons.
After turning 16, Endrick earned his first professional deal with Palmeiras in July of this year. The Brazilian club would not agree to a lower price to sell their asset because the deal has a €60 million release clause.
It will be interesting to see if Barcelona can sign Endrick before PSG and Real Madrid, given what Xavi said about their efforts to persuade him.
