Endrick’s long-term future at Real Madrid has been thrown into fresh doubt after the club’s decision to sign Carlos Espi from Levante, despite Gonzalo Garcia’s departure for Fulham.
The Brazilian forward’s position is now being discussed internally at Real Madrid, according to Spanish newspaper AS. His continued stay at the club had appeared to be settled several months ago, but the situation has changed as competition for places in attack has intensified.
Endrick returned to training last Wednesday following a six-month loan spell at Lyon. He made 21 appearances during his time in France, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists – a direct contribution to a goal every 102 minutes.
The picture is not entirely negative for the 19-year-old, however. Kylian Mbappe’s place in the starting line-up appears secure, but there had been an expectation that the pair could form Real Madrid’s preferred attacking partnership.
Endrick had also been considered a candidate for minutes on the right wing. Although that route was never guaranteed, it provided him with possible opportunities to remain involved in the first team.
The arrival of Espi has now altered that calculation.
Espi signing increases competition
Real Madrid gave the go-ahead for the transfer on Thursday evening after making a late approach, allowing the deal to be completed quickly.
Espi, a 21-year-old striker standing 1.94 metres tall, has joined from Levante after Real Madrid paid the €25m release clause in his contract.
His arrival has increased the competition within Real Madrid’s forward line, particularly because he offers a tactical option that Endrick does not provide to the same extent alongside Mbappe: considerable height and physical presence.
The transfer has therefore reopened the question of what comes next for Endrick, who wants to stay at Real Madrid but has begun to have understandable doubts about his prospects.
Real Madrid are not currently considering selling him. Instead, another loan is understood to be the club’s preferred solution, with a similar route being planned for Franco Mastantuono.
No final decision has been made by the club’s hierarchy or manager Jose Mourinho. Endrick’s contract runs until 2030, meaning any move involving the player would require negotiations.
Real Madrid also need to reduce the size of their squad. They currently have 24 first-team players, while the club still needs to complete two deals involving Diomande and Rodrygo. That means departures are necessary, and Endrick could yet be among those whose future is resolved away from the Spanish capital.
Attention has so far focused on other players, including Asensio and Camavinga, as possible candidates to leave. But Endrick’s position is no longer certain, despite the belief earlier in the year that he would remain with the squad.
His productive loan spell at Lyon has shown his ability to contribute regularly, but the return to Real Madrid has not brought the clear pathway to first-team football that had seemed likely. With Mbappe established, Espi now added to the attack and the squad needing to be trimmed, Endrick may once again have to consider a temporary move away from the club.
