It has come to light that Chelsea withdrew from signing the Brazilian wonderkid Endrick last year. The primary catalyst behind this decision was a staggering transfer fee of £51.4 million, a figure that Chelsea’s owner, Todd Boehly, deemed too exorbitant for a 16-year-old, expressing concerns that such a precedent might inflate the market.
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The Almost Deal
Chelsea’s pursuit of Endrick appeared promising, with the club seemingly securing a deal after an enticing tour of Stamford Bridge and the Cobham training ground in November 2022. The Blues went above and beyond, not only identifying Endrick’s football potential but also facilitating a comprehensive tour that included familiarizing him with his potential new surroundings.
Last-Minute Twist
In a twist of fate, despite all arrangements being in place, Todd Boehly backed out at the eleventh hour, casting a shadow over what seemed like an imminent deal. The sudden withdrawal left Endrick and his family in disbelief, especially considering the meticulous planning that had gone into ensuring a seamless transition to Chelsea.
Real Madrid’s Coup
The plot thickened the following month when Real Madrid swooped in, making a triumphant announcement about the signing of the wonderkid. Although the transfer fee was slightly reduced to £51 million, Real Madrid managed to secure a deal that Chelsea had walked away from. Due to existing rules, Endrick couldn’t make an immediate move to Europe and would join Los Blancos in the summer after turning 18.
The London Attraction
Endrick, expressing his disappointment, shared, ‘I was very close [to joining Chelsea]. My parents really liked London, and everyone speaks very highly of it.‘ This sentiment underlines the allure of the city and the genuine interest the player and his family had in becoming a part of the Chelsea family. The family had received a warm invitation from Chelsea’s owner, involving a visit to the club and an exploration of the city’s offerings.
In-Depth Preparations
Chelsea’s commitment to wooing Endrick extended beyond football. The club took the initiative to introduce the family to the essentials of settling in. They showcased the prospective house, school, and church, creating an environment that seemed tailor-made for the young talent and his family.
Abrupt End to Dreams
Despite the deal appearing to be agreed upon, the news of Chelsea withdrawing came as a shock. Endrick’s father recounted how the Chelsea owner reconsidered the deal due to concerns over the transfer fee inflating the market. The revelation was communicated through a call from Endrick’s manager, leading to a sudden halt to what seemed like a promising journey.
🚨🔵 Endrick was one step away from joining Chelsea, his father Douglas has revealed.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 11, 2023
“We received an invitation from Chelsea, from the owner, and we went there to see the club and the country. We saw Chelsea play against Arsenal and we had the opportunity to see the coach, the… pic.twitter.com/H11yXbKwO8
Boehly’s Transfer Struggles
Despite Chelsea’s lavish spending under Todd Boehly’s ownership since May 2022, the club has faced scrutiny for the performance of its signings. An exhaustive assessment revealed that only Cole Palmer earned a rating of 7/10 or better, raising questions about the effectiveness of Boehly’s transfer dealings.
Endrick’s Success at Palmeiras
As the saga unfolded, Endrick continued to make headlines in Brazil. The 17-year-old forward played a pivotal role in Palmeiras securing their second consecutive Brazilian league title. With an impressive tally of 11 goals, he emerged as the top scorer, showcasing his prowess on the pitch.
Brazilian League Milestones
Endrick’s achievements in the Brazilian league are noteworthy. His six goals in the last eight games propelled Palmeiras to the top of the standings in a dramatic title chase. Notably, he became the first player under 18 in the Brazilian league to score ten or more goals in a season since Neymar in 2009, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
International Recognition
Endrick’s stellar performance earned him a reward in the form of his first couple of caps for Brazil in November, further solidifying his standing as a rising star in the football world.
