Manchester City attempted to sign one of the game’s hottest talents but lost out to Real Madrid.
Manchester City have firmly established themselves as one of the biggest clubs in the world, capable of attracting generational players.
The allure of working with Pep Guardiola and the near-guarantee of winning trophies is a big appeal and helped them win the race to sign Erling Haaland at a canter.
However, sometimes even City can’t compete with Real Madrid, whose rich history and prestige is a huge draw for the planet’s hottest prospects.
Jude Bellingham hardly considered any other destination when he left Borussia Dortmund in the summer and Los Blancos are great at securing prodigious South American talent.
Madrid secured the signature of Vinicius Jr when he was just 16 and have done the same again with Brazil’s next wonder kid Endrick.
The teenage sensation is a player City also ‘came in’ for but lost out to the Spanish giants.
Manchester City attempted to sign Endrick
Endrick is just 17 but already has 18 goals for Palmeiras and two senior Brazil caps.
The forward inspired his country to win the 2022 Montaigu Tournament – competed at Under-16 level – in France and that is when City’s interest piqued.
Endrick’s agent, Frederico Pena, told The Telegraph: “That was when the world really sat up and took notice.
“People in football already knew about him, but that’s when all of the top clubs came in.
“Manchester City, Liverpool, Paris St-Germain, Chelsea and, of course, Real Madrid.”
Man City missed out
Like Vinicius before and Neymar before him, Endrick looks destined to be a player who will fulfil all his potential and take the football world by storm.
Madrid have committed to paying a massive £60m for the teenager but it might turn out to be a bargain.
Madrid have proven success in nurturing their Brazilian talents into world-class stars and they should have a team to be feared for years to come when Endrick arrives.
City look as though they have missed out on an absolute gem but their own South American scouting system is delivering.
Julian Alvarez played a massive role in winning the treble after his move from River Plate while Claudio Echeverri appears to be another great find.