Is Endrick in Brazil's Copa America squad? Soon to be Real Madrid star could be the striker Selecao needs

Endrick, a 17-year-old striker for Palmeiras, captured the attention of the football world and major European clubs at the age of 15 with his incredible exploits in youth football.

The Brazilian's reputation grew further when it emerged Real Madrid and Chelsea were among a host of prominent clubs monitoring the Verdao star.

But it was Madrid who went and secured his signature in 2022 as the club paid the release clause of €60 million (£52m/$64m) with €35m due up front and a further €25m in add-ons.

Endrick is yet to move to the Spanish capital because of FIFA regulations that state he is unable to formally become a part of the Madrid squad until he turns 18 on July 21, 2024. 

The Sporting News takes a look at whether the Brazilian wonderkid will be involved in Selecao's 2024 Copa America squad.

Brazil Copa America squad announcement as it happens

Head coach Dorival Junior will name his squad for the Copa America on Friday, May 10, at 11 a.m. ET. He will announce the roster at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in Rio de Janeiro.

Breaking into the Copa squad could be Endrick's biggest success to date as Brazil have plenty of talent in the forward department with current Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo leading the line. Other notable names are Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Tottenham's Richarlison, who had his best spell in a Brazil shirt at the Qatar World Cup in 2022.  

But Endrick received a call-up to the squad for their March international friendlies against England and Spain, and he certainly made the most of his opportunity.

In a match against England, Brazil bucked their recent struggles against major European nations. Despite missing key players like Casemiro, Alisson, Gabriel and