Palmeiras beat São Paulo to sign Goiás youth standout | OneFootball

The competition for increasingly younger talents has further intensified the football market. At the end of this season, Palmeiras won another backstage battle and secured the signing of attacking midfielder Rodrigo Filho, just nine years old, who was also being pursued by São Paulo.

Born in Goiânia, Rodrigo started at Goiás at the age of six and gained national prominence this year when he became U-9 champion and runner-up top scorer of the GO Cup, with 21 goals scored. His performance caught the attention of the country’s top youth academies. In addition to São Paulo, the player also received offers from Flamengo, Cruzeiro, and Red Bull Bragantino.

During his visit to Academia de Futebol 2, Rodrigo couldn’t hide his excitement about joining his new home.

São Paulo had advanced talks and considered the player’s arrival as well on track. The scenario changed when Palmeiras entered the race and presented a solid sports project, with special conditions for a nine-year-old athlete.

According to Max Silva, the family’s representative and the person responsible for negotiations with Palmeiras, the parents’ decision came naturally given what was presented.

NOSSO PALESTRA learned that the involvement of Marcelo Francisco, head of youth development at Palmeiras, was decisive for Rodrigo’s arrival at the club. His role was crucial in convincing the young prospect’s parents to accept the offer and the sports project that Verdão designed for the player.

Farewell

The player said goodbye to Goiás in style. This week, the Esmeraldino club won the U-9 Caldas Cup by defeating F10 Soccer 3-0 in the grand final.

With two goals in the final, Rodrigo finished the tournament as top scorer, with 14 goals in seven matches, and was named the best player of the competition.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.