Real Madrid, Barcelona  interested in 15-year-old prodigy Endrick

Neither of the clubs will be able to sign him before he comes of age

Real Madrid, Barcelona  interested in 15-year-old prodigy Endrick
Endrick Felipe Moreira

Despite his mere 15 years of age, Endrick Felipe Moreira is poised to become a world-class forward, with LaLiga Santander giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have already placed him on their radars.

Neither of the clubs will be able to sign him before he comes of age, as FIFA does not allow clubs to acquire the services of overseas players under the age of 18.

However, both the Blaugrana and Los Blancos are keen to set up the future arrival of the Brazilian prodigy, who has stood out with his performances at Palmeiras this season. 

A few days ago, Endrick netted a bicycle kick from the edge of the box against Oeste to help Palmeiras clinch qualification to the semi-finals of Copinha - a tournament that brings together the best young talents in Brazil and in which players such as Neymar, Vinicius and Casemiro appeared in the past.

Endrick didn't manage to hit the back of the net in the semi-final against Sao Paulo, but he'll get another chance to do so in the final with Santos on Tuesday.

Standing at 1.73m tall at the age of 15, the left-footed striker is averaging almost one goal per match in his more than 150 games for Palmeiras' youth sides, with Nike having already reached an agreement to sponsor the player.

Real Madrid have made several attempts to find their own Lionel Messi from South America, as Los Blancos unsuccessfully tried to sign Neymar before landing Vinicius, Rodrygo and Reinier at young ages.

Endrick is now Brazil's next big thing and Real Madrid are keen to seal a deal that will see him join the club once he turns 18, getting in there early as they did with Vinicius.

In theory, Endrick can't sign a professional contract until he turns 16 and he is not allowed to play for a European team until the age of 18. FIFA are considering changing this rule, as they believe that European clubs are going to provide a better footballing environment for young players' progress, both as footballers and as people.

It remains in place for now, though, so Real Madrid and Barcelona can only take baby steps for the time being in their latest head-to-head transfer battle.