Brazil's next superstar and Real Madrid forward Endrick is facing a crisis that threatens his future at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 19-year-old was hailed as part of Real's new era of Galacticos, but his career has hit a stumbling block under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Endrick joined Real Madrid in July 2024 and was expected to be a key player for the Spanish giants. However, he has played just 14 minutes in a single appearance this term and has been left out of Brazil's squad by his former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti for the fourth international window in a row.
The lack of first-team action under Alonso has raised questions about Endrick's development and whether he is ready for senior football. The teenager's playing time has been limited, with many of his appearances coming from the substitutes' bench. His injury record also raises concerns, having suffered a hamstring injury in May that ruled him out of the Club World Cup.
Despite this, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes that Alonso sees Endrick as a forward with plenty to offer - if not now, then before long. "Alonso recognises he has a good relationship with the goal, it is easy for him to score, but there are priorities," Balague said. "Gonzalo Garcia gives him more because he holds the ball well. He is more linked to the team, whereas Endrick is a finisher and hasn't managed to get into the dynamics of the team."
Endrick's future at Real Madrid is uncertain, with sources indicating that there has yet to be a final decision on whether he leaves on loan when the January transfer window opens. However, it is understood that Real are reluctantly giving consideration to sanctioning a move.
A loan departure could come with an element of risk, and success elsewhere could persuade Alonso that Endrick is ready for a more significant role in his plans. On the other hand, a failed or difficult move could lead to negativity over Endrick's long-term ambitions in Madrid.
Those close to Endrick are acutely aware of the pros and cons of any January move, and many believe that the safest bet would be to stay at Real. Having spent up to €72million (£63m) on Endrick, a deal that made the youngster one of the most expensive teenagers of all time, Real clearly want to protect their investment.
However, if Endrick is unable to find his footing in Spain, there are other destinations where he could thrive. Intriguingly, several Premier League clubs and top European leagues have been alerted to the situation that may be on the horizon. French club Lyon, for example, has shown a firm interest in loaning Endrick.
Ultimately, the decision on Endrick's future will depend on various factors, including his development, team dynamics, and personal ambition. One thing is certain: the teenager's career is at a crossroads, and the next eight months will be crucial in determining the path forward for this talented young player.
Endrick joined Real Madrid in July 2024 and was expected to be a key player for the Spanish giants. However, he has played just 14 minutes in a single appearance this term and has been left out of Brazil's squad by his former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti for the fourth international window in a row.
The lack of first-team action under Alonso has raised questions about Endrick's development and whether he is ready for senior football. The teenager's playing time has been limited, with many of his appearances coming from the substitutes' bench. His injury record also raises concerns, having suffered a hamstring injury in May that ruled him out of the Club World Cup.
Despite this, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes that Alonso sees Endrick as a forward with plenty to offer - if not now, then before long. "Alonso recognises he has a good relationship with the goal, it is easy for him to score, but there are priorities," Balague said. "Gonzalo Garcia gives him more because he holds the ball well. He is more linked to the team, whereas Endrick is a finisher and hasn't managed to get into the dynamics of the team."
Endrick's future at Real Madrid is uncertain, with sources indicating that there has yet to be a final decision on whether he leaves on loan when the January transfer window opens. However, it is understood that Real are reluctantly giving consideration to sanctioning a move.
A loan departure could come with an element of risk, and success elsewhere could persuade Alonso that Endrick is ready for a more significant role in his plans. On the other hand, a failed or difficult move could lead to negativity over Endrick's long-term ambitions in Madrid.
Those close to Endrick are acutely aware of the pros and cons of any January move, and many believe that the safest bet would be to stay at Real. Having spent up to €72million (£63m) on Endrick, a deal that made the youngster one of the most expensive teenagers of all time, Real clearly want to protect their investment.
However, if Endrick is unable to find his footing in Spain, there are other destinations where he could thrive. Intriguingly, several Premier League clubs and top European leagues have been alerted to the situation that may be on the horizon. French club Lyon, for example, has shown a firm interest in loaning Endrick.
Ultimately, the decision on Endrick's future will depend on various factors, including his development, team dynamics, and personal ambition. One thing is certain: the teenager's career is at a crossroads, and the next eight months will be crucial in determining the path forward for this talented young player.
Alonso needs to figure out what he wants with Endrick ASAP 
he had so much hype around him when he joined Real Madrid 
but now it seems like his career is stuck 
️ what's going on with Alonso's team dynamic 
and how will this affect Endrick's future at the Bernabeu? 
he was like super hyped to join Real Madrid but now he's just sittin on the bench collecting dust 
Alonso's gotta make a decision tho, can't keep him on loan 4eva... 72 million bucks and still nothin? 
that's some crazy money 4 a player who can barely get game time 
Lyon might be a good option tho, at least they'll give him some action 
. i think lyonnais 
are makin a good move loanin him out tho, who knows maybe thats where hes meant 2 b? 
oh man i feel so bad for this kid endrick he was so hyped to join real madrid but now its like hes stuck in limbo his playing time is non existent and hes been benched by brazil too its not just about the football though its about his confidence and self belief does he even no what hes doing on the pitch or is he just winging it 
The thing that gets me thinking about Endrick's situation is how easy it is to get caught up in the idea of being a "Galactico" or having a big price tag, you know? We need to remember that talent alone isn't enough, and there are other important factors at play here. It's not just about the money he spent on him or his goals per game – it's about how he fits in with the team and if he can develop as a player.
. I mean, what's wrong with giving a teenager some chances? He's only 19! You can't just write him off because of a few injuries. I get that Alonso wants to prioritize players who are more 'team-friendly' like Gonzalo Garcia, but that doesn't necessarily mean Endrick isn't worth it 
. Maybe a loan move is the way forward for Endrick? Not sure, but at least it shows Real are willing to listen to other clubs' interest 
.
. I mean, it's not like he's not scoring goals or anything... but it's about developing his skills and getting into the rhythm of the team. And that hamstring injury does raise some concerns 
. What happened to all those goals and assists Endrick scored for Brazil? 
The thing that worries me is the lack of confidence in him from Alonso. Is he just not seeing somethin' in Endrick that we do? 
At the same time, I think the fact that Lyon's interested in loanin' him out shows that there are still plenty of clubs who believe in his potential... now it's up to Endrick to prove 'em right!