Endrick’s Struggles at Madrid: A Potential Loan Move Looms

Endrick realized his dream transfer from Palmeiras to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024. However, he struggled for adequate playing time under former manager Carlo Ancelotti during his inaugural season at the Santiago Bernabéu. Although he featured in 37 matches across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, his total minutes on the pitch amounted to only 847.

The situation has worsened for Endrick following Xabi Alonso’s appointment as manager this summer. The young forward has appeared in just one match this season, primarily due to injuries that have limited his availability. Addressing Endrick’s lack of playing time, Alonso commented: “The situations in our recent matches have been very tight since Endrick returned. I hope he can get those minutes soon. He’s training well, he’s ready – but the right moment has to come.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United has reportedly made an unsuccessful bid to sign Endrick amid concerns regarding the fitness of their forward, Benjamin Sesko. After coming on as a substitute in the club’s recent Premier League match against Tottenham, Sesko sustained a knee injury, prompting head coach Amorim to express his worries. Fortunately, subsequent scans revealed that the injury is not severe, and he is expected to recover quickly.

Endrick is eager to explore a loan move in January to ensure he secures a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad for 2026. To solidify his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s side, he recognizes the need for increased playing time. Reports indicate that Ligue 1 side Lyon is currently leading the race to acquire his services.

Ancelotti has suggested that a loan may be beneficial for Endrick if he aims to join the Brazil national team, stating in an interview with PLACAR: “Yes, I spoke with him at the beginning of this season. He was injured, but now he’s fine, back, and he has to think with his entourage about what’s best. Talk to the club to see what’s best for him. Endrick is very young; this won’t be his last World Cup. He could play in the 2026 World Cup because he has the quality for it, but he could also be in the 2030 World Cup, or the 2034 World Cup, and maybe even the 2038 World Cup (laughs). I believe it’s important for him to get back to playing and show his qualities.”

In September, Ancelotti elaborated on why Endrick faced limited opportunities during his debut season at Real Madrid. “Well, Endrick is like Estevao [Willian, at Chelsea]. He’s a great talent. I think Estevao was lucky. The issue with young players moving to Europe is that they may hold a leading role in their former clubs, but find themselves in a more competitive environment here. I coached Endrick for a year and really liked him as a person and as a professional. Obviously, he didn’t play to his potential, because Real Madrid has players like Rodrygo and Vinicius; competition in a top team is critical, and that can impact a player’s development somewhat.”

While Manchester United’s interest in Endrick is recent, their primary focus remains on strengthening their midfield. The club has compiled a six-man shortlist of potential midfield targets, which includes Premier League talents such as Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson. Head coach Amorim continues to work on a squad rebuild aimed at returning United to contention for major titles.