Manchester City aren’t short of forwards with Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva at their disposal, but they’re always looking to the future for long-term replacements.
According to Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports, the Premier League defending champions have their eye on Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick. The 15-year-old is regarded as a ‘generational talent’ in Brazil who has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
City scouts watched Endrick perform at the Copinha in Sao Paulo – a renowned U20 tournament. Sky Sports say the teenager scored five times and was named Most Valuable Player, so his stock has skyrocketed. Palmeiras are requesting up to €40m (£33.5m) for Endrick, though City aren’t afraid to shell out for talented hot prospects.
The Sky Blues paid £27.3m for a 19-year-old Gabriel Jesus in 2016 and £9m for an 18-year-old Kayky. City also have a manager in Pep Guardiola who gives opportunities to youngsters – the 51-year-old has handed minutes to Kayky (aged 18), Finley Burns (18), Luke Mbete (18), Romeo Lavia (18), this season.
Sky Sports say City have a ‘very good chance’ of signing Endrick on a pre-contract deal when he turns 16 in July, but he won’t be able to come to Manchester until he turns 18. Also, his favourite club in Europe is Real Madrid and he shares the same agent as Vinicius Jr, so City have their work cut out.
In other news, some fans react as Man City agree deal for the ‘next Sergio Aguero’