Real Madrid pulled off a major coup when they managed to get a deal over the line for Endrick of Palmeiras. The transfer package is believed to around €60 million, which could rise to €72 million when considering taxes. That is a gigantic amount to shell out to sign a 16-year-old. But then, if he manages to reach his potential, it could look like a bargain in the future. He will move to the Spanish capital in 2024.
Endrick is considered as the best talent to come out of Brazilian football since Neymar. And he has already drawn comparisons to the great Ronaldo Nazario.
Those are sky high expectations. Endrick had made a great start to life in senior football for Palmeiras as well, scoring three times in his first few appearances. But since then, he seems to be struggling to find the back of the net.
Endrick has not scored so far in 10 matches this year. As reported by GOAL, the youngster was pictured covering his face on the bench and his coach has confirmed he was crying, as Abel Ferreira said:
"“Yes, it’s true, he covered his face because he cried. I’m not his father, but I should have given him a hug.“You have to be calm. Nobody likes criticism. There is tremendous pressure on him to score five or six goals and he tries to deal with it himself. The goal will appear at the right time. You just have to be calm and keep smiling.”"
€60 million Real Madrid signing cries after failing to score again amid goal drought
Endrick is going through a bit of a goal drought at the moment. He has failed to find the back of the net in his last 12 appearances.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Endrick has scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists in 17 appearances for Palmeiras till now.
It is quite clear that there is incredible pressure on Endrick to deliver the goods, especially after the deal with Real Madrid has been confirmed. And it feels like the 16-year-old might be struggling under the burden of all these expectations.
It is important to remember that he is still just 16 years of age. There is plenty of time for him to develop and get better. Right now, it should be about him enjoying his football and growing as a player, rather than trying to meet all the lofty expectations that have been set for him by fans and pundits alike.