Real Invested Nearly €80 Million in Him
Brazilian striker Endrick is seriously considering a new loan move from Real Madrid following the arrival of Carlos Espí and Jose Mourinho's clear message that he cannot guarantee him a starting spot.
Brazilian striker Endrick is seriously considering a new loan move from Real Madrid following the arrival of Carlos Espí and Jose Mourinho's clear message that he cannot guarantee him a starting spot.
Endrick, the 20-year-old Brazilian striker in whom Real Madrid has invested nearly €80 million, is seriously considering leaving the club. According to Spanish newspaper AS, the arrival of Carlos Espí was the final straw, and coach Jose Mourinho has already made it clear that he sees him only as the third option in attack, behind Kylian Mbappé and the newly arrived Spaniard.
The situation came to a head after Mourinho's statement in Budapest, where the Portuguese coach said he wants a relatively small squad of around 20 players, not counting injured ones. That statement particularly affected Endrick, who was already aware of his position in the hierarchy.
Mourinho sees Endrick primarily as a central striker, not as a right winger where he occasionally played during last season's loan at Lyon. The problem is that he is currently the third choice in that position, and the competition is no less fierce on the right side, where Real has Diomande, Brahim Diaz, Bernardo Silva, and Rodrygo will be an option again after recovering from injury.
Goal.com notes that the situation is reminiscent of Gonzalo Garcia's, whom Mourinho wanted to keep but openly told him he could not count on a starting spot. Garcia eventually ended up at Fulham, and Mourinho requested the signing of Espí.
Last season at Lyon showed what potential he has. Endrick scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 21 matches, and his consistent performances helped him earn a place in the Brazilian national team for the World Cup. He is now looking for exactly that role at his next club.
According to AS, Endrick is already considering offers. If he goes on loan again, he wants a club that plays in European competition, preferably the Champions League, and an environment where he would have the status of first-choice striker. Roma and Aston Villa are interested, and both clubs meet most of the conditions the Brazilian has set.
Real Madrid has invested a huge amount of money in Endrick. They paid Palmeiras €35 million, with a potential additional €25 million in bonuses. When salary, commissions, and other expenses are included, the club's total cost has already approached €80 million. Endrick's net annual salary is €5 million.
Therefore, a loan also suits the Madrid club. Real does not want a player of such value to spend the season without significant playing time and is even willing to cover part of his salary to facilitate a new move, similar to what they did with Mastantuono.
