World’s most in-demand wonderkid Endrick does Cristiano Ronaldo celebration

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Brazil have produced many of the world’s best players over the years and the latest wonderkid to have the football world buzzing is Palmeiras sensation Endrick.

The 16-year-old is already starring for Palmeiras’ first team, where he has three goals in five league appearances.

While this year’s World Cup comes too soon for him, Endrick is a future star of the Selecao, and one who has been linked with many of the best clubs in Europe.

Manchester United are one of those. The Mail reported back in January that United, Real Madrid and Barcelona have already expressed interest in the forward.

Endrick’s admiration of Cristiano Ronaldo is worth noting – it’s a factor both Manchester United and Real Madrid will attempt to play off.

Endrick does Cristiano Ronaldo celebration

This week after Endrick’s goal in Palmeiras’ win over Fortaleza, he mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo’s new celebration.

This is a theme among the world’s best young players this week, from Alejandro Garnacho, to one of Ajax’s top youngsters.

Endrick’s admiration of Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t end there. His father Douglas Sousa told Nossopalestra: ‘He even says: “Dad, I want to be like Cristiano”.

“He read some articles and knows that Cristiano doesn’t have a tattoo, because he donates blood. In the same way that Cristiano is driven by challenges, so is Endrick.”

Manchester United moving for Endrick is unfortunately not very straightforward. The Brexit rules introduced in late 2020 mean the club cannot sign non UK players who are under 18.

This gives both Real Madrid and Barcelona an advantage, if they decide they want to pay up early. United have to hope Endrick is prepared to wait.

The trouble is, by 2024 when he would be eligible to move, Cristiano Ronaldo almost certainly won’t be a Manchester United player.

This would leave United attempting to play the ‘Ronaldo’s former club’ angle in negotiations – the same card Real Madrid could use.

At least Endrick will surely be paying attention to Manchester United right now and watching his hero. If he is, then he will see a very interesting side being put together by Erik ten Hag, who need to sign a striker.

He could end up being a perfect fit, playing alongside compatriot Antony. This is a long way off, but it’s one which might eventually be possible, and Endrick could be worth waiting for.