Endrick and the cost of signing youth

Anybody know anything about this kid Real Madrid have just signed? Should we have been in for him? Read they've spent 50 million+ to secure his signature, which, at 16 years old, seems insane. His highlight reel is a thing of beauty, mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86Jzmub8flI

Madrid seem to have a habit of snapping up the best young talent from South America these days. Should we be doing the same, and spending that much, to have a better future?

Looks a talent.....



165 goals in 169 games....

Originally Posted by BarryX

Anybody know anything about this kid Real Madrid have just signed? Should we have been in for him? Read they've spent 50 million+ to secure his signature, which, at 16 years old, seems insane. His highlight reel is a thing of beauty, mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86Jzmub8flI

Madrid seem to have a habit of snapping up the best young talent from South America these days. Should we be doing the same, and spending that much, to have a better future?

Doubt he'd get a work permit in the UK.

You'll remember that we used to have a deal with Royal Antwerp where we'd sign young players and park them there because UK labour laws prohibited us signing players who although showed potential didn't qualify for a Work permit.

I don't think the situation has change much.

Was watching videos of him a a few months back. Think someone on here mentioned his name. Utterly ridiculous talent at 16.

They paid about £50m for Vinicius Jr did they not? If it pays off its a hell of a long term investment.

When the oil pimps can chuck £150-200m at the likes of Neymar and Mbappe, the likes of Madrid have to be a bit more creative as they're not guaranteed to be able to outspend other clubs the way they have done in the past.

Originally Posted by shenwen

Was watching videos of him a a few months back. Think someone on here mentioned his name. Utterly ridiculous talent at 16.

I'm guessing Pure.

Most players in their 30's would be happy with that highlight reel.... absolutely disgusting talent

they signed the Japanese kid at 11

They’ve been doing it for years tbf, snatched up Marcelo and Higuain for being g money when they were teenagers. Vinicius, Rodrygo, Reinier, Valverde.. there’s probably others too. Add in Camavinga and Tchouameni and it’s clear they’re doing exactly the right thing.

Originally Posted by dunk

They’ve been doing it for years tbf, snatched up Marcelo and Higuain for being g money when they were teenagers. Vinicius, Rodrygo, Reinier, Valverde.. there’s probably others too. Add in Camavinga and Tchouameni and it’s clear they’re doing exactly the right thing.

Odour Guard too, who has turned into a decent player.

City signed Steve Mackenzie for 250k in 1979, the most expensive teenager.

He looks like a seasoned pro ffs

His power is ridiculous, coupled with composure and technique it looks like a great deal for Real. Something a bit Rooney like in his play, tenacious & bouncing off challenges with no fear of playing against men.

Originally Posted by Switching Off

Odour Guard too, who has turned into a decent player.

anti-perspirant?

Originally Posted by Selhurst Samurai

They paid about £50m for Vinicius Jr did they not? If it pays off its a hell of a long term investment.

When the oil pimps can chuck £150-200m at the likes of Neymar and Mbappe, the likes of Madrid have to be a bit more creative as they're not guaranteed to be able to outspend other clubs the way they have done in the past.

Not sure what the going rate is for top South American teenage talent is, for a club of our or Madrid's stature. But am sure the oil/state sponsored clubs will be driving it up, as they try to get their mucky fingers into the pot as well.

However you look at it, it's an obscene amount to spending on someone so young and untested at the top tier. The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward perhaps???

Originally Posted by redhegemony

they signed the Japanese kid at 11

GMT? Hope they plugged their fax in

We've got pellistri....

Madrid ain't got shit on us....

Originally Posted by BarryX

Not sure what the going rate is for top South American teenage talent is, for a club of our or Madrid's stature.

For us it's moot, Brazilian kids don't care about United. When we were good then maybe we'd have a bit more of a sniff, but by and large they have their eyes on Spain. Be deluded to think otherwise.

Originally Posted by Selhurst Samurai

For us it's moot, Brazilian kids don't care about United. When we were good then maybe we'd have a bit more of a sniff, but by and large they have their eyes on Spain. Be deluded to think otherwise.

I get what you're saying, but - as much as I hate to think it - an extra 5 or 10 million would surely turn a few heads (wherever their from). If we're not competing for the best young talent, on a global scale, we'll be stuck with our current CL trophy count for a long, long time.

Originally Posted by BarryX

I get what you're saying, but - as much as I hate to think it - an extra 5 or 10 million would surely turn a few heads (wherever their from). If we're not competing for the best young talent, on a global scale, we'll be stuck with our current CL trophy count for a long, long time.

You're probably right. End of the day these kids are in thrall to their agents, as dirty as it seems, greasing the right palms is ultimately what will get them to your club.

Doubt we'd ever chuck that amount at a Brazilian 16 year old. Not with current ownership anyway. They can't join until 18 and that is a huge development period for a player. Then there are work permit issues which mean they might not arrive for a while longer


Mejbri can't be far off the British record for a 16 year old. Think the full deal (with add ons was around 10m). Walcott was the biggest move for years. Must be something to do with when pro contracts start.

Shaw was a world record fee for a teenager