Sao Paulo have opened an investigation into why they decided against signing teenage star Endrick in 2016, sources have told ESPN Brasil.
Endrick — who is 16 and will move to Real Madrid when he turns 18 in July 2024 — is one of the most exciting young talents in Brazilian football. ESPN reported last week teenage star will join Madrid on an initial three-year contract with the option of a three-year extension, for a transfer fee worth a total of €72 million including variables and taxes.
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Sao Paulo were the first major Brazilian team to have a chance to sign Endrick when he trained at a football school connected to the club. However, when Endrick said he would only join if the club gave a job to his father, Douglas Sousa, Sao Paulo opted not to sign him.
Officials at Sao Paulo now believe the club has suffered « several losses » from that decision, and they are determined to find the person responsible.
Endrick posted on social media in July, remembering his from Sau Paulo, in which he wrote rejection: « Sao Paulo: ‘We can’t afford housing and employment for your parents. You are released! »
The teenager joined Palmeiras shortly after Sao Paulo passed up the chance to sign him. After a highly exciting youth career, Endrick made his highly-anticipated senior debut for Palmeiras on Oct. 6.
Since then, he has scored three goals in six matches — becoming the youngest scorer in club history — and helped the Sao Paulo team win the 2022 Brasileirao title.
