In preparation for Endrick’s summer transfer to Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti has advised the Brazil forward to “enjoy the moment” while he is in town.
Endrick, 17, traveled to Madrid on Friday to tour the team’s Valdebebas training facility. On Sunday, he will watch La Liga play at the Santiago Bernabeu against Villarreal.
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With 11 league goals in 31 appearances this season, the teenager was the star of Palmeiras’ Serie A victory in Brazil this month. On December 7, in a 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro, he scored the game-winning goal that sealed the title.
“My recommendation is to savor the present and relish the events taking place,” Ancelotti stated during a press conference on Saturday. “He’s making excellent progress. We are thrilled to have him as our player starting in July.
As Palmeiras won the Brazilian championship earlier in December, Endrick was a star player for the team. Getty Images/DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP photo
“He stopped by to watch the game and we had a brief conversation with him. But July is when we have to wait.”
Madrid announced that Endrick will join them in December 2022 for a total of €72 million ($78.6 million) including taxes and variables. However, they will not be able to bring him in until July 2024, when he turns 18 years old.
He had a rough start to 2023, but he finished the year strong for Palmeiras and made his senior debut for Brazil last month, competing in World Cup qualifying matches against Argentina and Colombia.
Ancelotti stated, “He’s still learning Spanish.” “This young man is content with his accomplishments thus far. His team has won trophies and he has performed well for them. While savoring the present, he is now concentrated on his tasks with the Brazilian Olympic team. We’ll hold out until July for him.”
With only Joselu as their recognized center-forward going into the 2023–24 season, Madrid had an empty No. 9 shirt. Coach Ancelotti has favored an all-Brazilian front two, when available, consisting of VinÃcius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes.
Ancelotti declined to be drawn on Saturday in response to rumors that Real Madrid would extend his contract past June 2024. Ancelotti has been linked to a move to Brazil, where he would take over the national team the following summer.
“I already have my [Christmas] present, which is being Real Madrid coach,” he stated. “[The players] can win the game and give me my present tomorrow. All I have on my mind is winning these final two games [of 2023] and enjoying a peaceful Christmas.”
When asked about his chances of being renewed, Ancelotti responded, “If the club is happy, I’m happy too.” “There’s no hurry and no problems.”
Second in the La Liga standings, behind surprise leaders Girona, Madrid will host Villarreal on Sunday.