Endrick Considers Leaving Real Madrid
Endrick's future is once again up in the air. After returning to Real Madrid following his spell at Olympique Lyon, the Brazilian striker hoped to find a new opportunity with Los Blancos, but the arrival of Carlos Espí may have completely changed his plans.
According to information published by AS, the 20-year-old is seriously considering another loan move, as he believes his chances of earning consistent playing time could be significantly reduced during the new season.
José Mourinho's position would not close the door on a departure either.
The Real Madrid manager has reportedly left the decision in Endrick's hands. If the Brazilian wants to stay and fight for minutes, he will be allowed to do so. However, he is also believed to be fully aware of where he currently stands in the competition for a place in the team.
And that is where the problem begins.
Carlos Espí's Arrival Changes the Picture
The signing of Carlos Espí adds another striker to an area of the pitch where Endrick was already facing a difficult battle for playing time.
Kylian Mbappé enters the season as Real Madrid's main attacking reference, while Espí arrives with a different profile that Mourinho was reportedly looking for: a more traditional striker with a strong presence inside the penalty area and an ability to compete in the air.
The Portuguese coach had previously looked for a similar profile in Gonzalo García, but his move to Fulham forced Madrid to search for another alternative, eventually leading to the signing of Carlos Espí.
That leaves Endrick in a difficult position.
Although he occasionally played from the right wing during his time at Lyon, Mourinho reportedly views him as a player better suited to playing through the middle. At the same time, he does not exactly possess the characteristics of the traditional No. 9 the coach wanted as an alternative to Mbappé.
That could initially make him the third option for the position.
In other words, staying would mean accepting a very difficult battle for minutes.
Endrick Needs to Play
The Brazilian's concerns are understandable considering what happened last season.
His loan spell at Olympique Lyon proved important in helping him regain consistent playing time. In France, he made 21 appearances, scored eight goals, and provided seven assists, numbers that ultimately also helped him achieve his goal of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After that experience, spending long stretches on the bench again could represent a step backward.
That is why, if he ultimately decides to leave Real Madrid again, his priority would reportedly be to join a club where he can play regularly as a striker and also compete in European competition.
According to reports, Roma and Aston Villa are among the clubs that have already shown interest.
For now, however, there is no final decision or agreement regarding his departure.
Mourinho Leaves the Decision in His Hands
Mourinho's position could ultimately prove decisive.
The coach is not reportedly pushing Endrick out of Real Madrid, but he has also not promised the Brazilian a level of playing time he cannot currently guarantee.
The message appears relatively simple: he can stay and compete, but he will have to earn every minute.
The competition is not limited to the center-forward position either. In other attacking areas, Madrid has options such as Brahim Díaz and Bernardo Silva, while the club is also waiting for Rodrygo to return from injury.
Finding a consistent place in the attack could therefore become a difficult task for Endrick.
Another Loan Could Be the Solution
For Real Madrid, another loan move would not necessarily represent a problem.
The club made a significant financial investment when it signed the Brazilian from Palmeiras and still views the striker as a player with plenty of room to develop.
Precisely for that reason, allowing him to spend a season barely playing could be a bigger risk than sending him out on loan again.
A temporary move would allow Endrick to maintain regular playing time, continue his development, and potentially return to Madrid with even more experience, just as he did after his spell at Lyon.
Reports even suggest that Los Blancos could consider different options to facilitate a potential loan move if that is ultimately what the player decides.
The ball is now in Endrick's court.
The arrival of Carlos Espí has changed the situation, and Mourinho has reportedly already been clear about the competition the Brazilian will face within the squad.
Staying means fighting for an opportunity behind Mbappé and Espí.
Leaving would mean searching for the minutes he needs to continue developing.
After a loan spell that allowed him to regain an important role and reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Endrick must now decide whether he is willing to start from behind once again at Real Madrid or whether his best path, once again, lies away from the Santiago Bernabéu.
