dpThings are getting complicated for Endrick once again at Real Madrid. Though it’s nothing new for him. In fact, he’s been in this position before and showed he knows how to respond. During his first season with Los Blancos, under Carlo Ancelotti, he failed to reach 1,000 minutes on the field, yet still managed to score seven goals and add an assist.
His second season got off to the worst possible start with an injury, and Xabi Alonso quickly made it clear that Gonzalo was ahead of him in the pecking order. It reached the point where Madrid arranged a winter loan to Lyon so he could get regular playing time. He certainly made the most of it, finishing the second half of the season with eight goals and eight assists. That earned him a place at the World Cup and secured his return to Madrid, who paid Palmeiras a guaranteed $35 million, with another $25 million in performance-related bonuses.
Now, though, Endrick once again finds himself on shaky ground. First, at the World Cup, where he has received far fewer opportunities than expected. He has played just 34 minutes during the group stage, with Ancelotti giving other players more prominent roles. In particular, Rayan has become the coach’s preferred option following Raphinha’s injury, which ruled him out of the tournament. Endrick has been limited to brief late appearances against Haiti and Scotland, and it remains to be seen how much playing time Ancelotti will give him in the knockout rounds.
Between Mou and Gonzalo at Real Madrid
That is his first challenge. The next one awaits back in Madrid, where he must convince new head coach José Mourinho. Mourinho has already made one thing clear to the club: as AS previously reported, he wants a more traditional penalty-box striker in the squad, someone in the mold of Joselu, to provide cover for Kylian Mbappé. It is not considered a top priority, however, which means there is a strong chance Madrid will not enter the transfer market and will instead hand that role to Gonzalo. The academy product, who had looked almost certain to leave, is no longer expected to do so. The final decision will rest with Mourinho once preseason begins.
Madrid’s plans for Endrick have not changed. The club still sees him as a major long-term investment and fully expects him to be part of next season’s squad. But Gonzalo’s presence is likely to reduce his opportunities. Endrick could still see minutes on the right wing while Rodrygo continues to recover from injury, especially with a loan move for Mastantuono looking increasingly likely. Another highly rated Madrid prospect, Mastantuono’s development has not gone as expected so far.
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