Real Madrid new boy tipped to be ‘worth £172million’

Matt Stead

Vinicius Junior could be “worth €200m” if he succeeds at Real Madrid, according to Brazil great Edmundo.

Sixteen-year-old Vinicius Junior became the most expensive 16-year-old in history on Tuesday, with Real announcing that they had come to a £39.6m deal to sign the Flamengo forward in summer 2018.

Barcelona were also thought to be interested in the Brazilian, leading to predictable comparisons with coutryman Neymar.

Former Brazil international Edmundo reckons the teenager could follow a similar path and become one of the world’s best.

“Madrid did not want to take the risk that Barca signed him and then lose another jewel,” Edmundo told Marca.

“They need a substitute for [Karim] Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and other players. They need to renew their team with youth. They do not want Vinicius to go to Europe with another team, and then have to sign him later.

“I believe they have made a bet on him. If he goes well at Madrid he will be worth €200m.

“He is very good for his age, better than average, but he must develop a lot yet. Neymar did not fall off with his physical development, but Robinho did. You cannot find a good player in Europe for less than €100m.

“They are making a bet on him, he is on an excellent path, he has everything to be a star. Real Madrid have made their bet and believe he can be a new Galactico. Now the player needs to play. Sooner, later, at 15, 16, 20 … he is good enough, he should be part of the [Flamengo] team.”