By Sami Mokbel and Emily Salley
He was meant to be Brazil’s next superstar and a new Galactico, but Endrick’s progress has stalled. The 19-year-old enjoyed a promising first season at Real Madrid with 37 appearances, mostly from the bench, and seven goals. Under new boss Xabi Alonso his playing time has dried up: just one 14-minute appearance this term and a fourth consecutive international window omitted from Brazil’s squad by Carlo Ancelotti.
What’s gone wrong?
Endrick joined Real in July 2024 soon after turning 18, following a deal agreed with Palmeiras 18 months earlier. He had already scored three goals in 10 Brazil appearances. At Real he managed seven goals in his debut season but only 352 La Liga minutes, largely as a substitute.
Injuries have interrupted his momentum. A hamstring problem in May kept him out of the Club World Cup and a recurrence delayed his season start. He returned in September but then remained an unused substitute for six matches before his short Valencia cameo.
Spanish expert Guillem Balague says Alonso values Endrick’s finishing but currently prioritises players who link play better, such as Gonzalo García. Balague believes Endrick can become a regular goalscorer but may struggle to displace those ahead of him: “A lot of things suggest he is not ready for now but he can be in the near future.”
Loan talk and development
Real have not settled on a decision but are reluctantly considering a loan for January. Endrick is settled in Madrid and believes staying could aid his adaptation to senior football abroad. Yet the clear development need is regular senior minutes—important with the World Cup approaching and his Brazil prospects at stake. His absence from Brazil squads leaves him vulnerable, especially with players like Estevao Willian rising at Chelsea and capturing public attention.
Balague recalls previous windows when a loan was considered but rejected—Endrick opted to remain, thinking that being at Real would fast-track national selection. With that not materialising, the calculus has changed.
Possible destinations
Clubs across the Premier League and Europe have been informed of a possible availability. Lyon have shown firm interest; Balague says a loan there makes sense because of Europa League football and regular playing time. The Premier League’s profile is tempting but physically demanding, which may not suit an inexperienced teenager.
Reported English interest includes West Ham, though their relegation battle style might not fit Endrick’s development. Chelsea monitored him previously but currently have an abundance of forwards. Aston Villa’s reported interest may be complicated by the departure of sporting director Monchi.
Stay or go?
Real initially resisted a loan but limited minutes could force a rethink. A successful loan could convince Alonso Endrick is ready for a larger role; a poor spell could damage his confidence and market value. Madrid have invested up to €72m (£63m) in him and will aim to protect that investment.
Those close to Endrick see pros and cons to a January move; many view staying at Real as the safer option. Ultimately, Alonso could render the debate irrelevant by giving Endrick more first-team opportunities before the winter break. Endrick remains young enough that the next eight months won’t define his career, but the choices made now—stay and fight for minutes in Madrid, or seek regular football elsewhere—will shape his short-term trajectory and international prospects.
