- 20 hours ago
Barcelona optimistic of Endrick signing after Xavi talks
FT Desk
- 26 Nov 2022 14:10 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona coach Xavi has revealed that he has already engaged in talks with Palmeiras' teenage wonderkid Endrick.
Endrick, 16, burst onto the scene towards the end of the Brazilian season in 2022, scoring three goals in seven games to help his team see out the final stage of their successful bid to lift the Serie A title.
It was his fourth title in a wildly successful year, having helped Palmeiras to glory in the Copa Sao Paulo Junior, Brasileirao Under-20 and Copa do Brasil U17 competitions.
Pedri calls on Madrid star to join him at Barca
His talents have unsurprisingly caught the eye of Europe's giants, with the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain all reportedly interested in his signature.
Barcelona too have been closely linked with the young forward, and Xavi has wasted no time in getting to know Endrick and his family on a personal level.
"We have been talking with his father and also directly with the player," the coach revealed during an interview with ESPN Brasil.
"I told him about our project here in Barcelona. We want talent and he is a talent, capable of making a difference.
"He scores goals, he can dribble, he has so much ability to make the difference. He is a player for right now, who is already playing in the Brazilian league, and also for the future.
Could Endrick move to Camp Nou?
Endrick must yet wait until 2024 and his 18th birthday before he joins a European club, but the continent's elite are wasting no time in courting him - and Xavi admits sealing his signature will be no easy. task.
"He is the kind of player that we need. He know the project we are working on at Barcelona and we are in contact," he added.
"I hope that he becomes a player of ours. It is up to him.
"It is always up to the player. Generally a player ends up playing where he wants. It is a very personal decision for Endrick."
