Endrick waits for his chance at Real Madrid: January looms again | OneFootball

Endrick is going through a particular moment at Real Madrid. The Brazilian striker has played only four minutes in LaLiga during the first eight matchdays of the season, a minimal involvement that contrasts with the prominence he is enjoying with the Brazil national team.

His situation has important context: an injury during preseason caused him to miss the first four matches of the campaign, but he was later called up by José Mourinho for the following four games without managing to accumulate meaningful minutes.

In Brazil, Endrick is getting real playing time

While his involvement with Real Madrid is practically symbolic, Endrick has found a different scenario with Brazil.

Carlo Ancelotti called him up for this FIFA international break and gave him a key role from the very first match against Australia. The striker started and even scored, although his goal was later ruled out.

In the second match he featured again, this time in the second half, and responded with an assist.

The difference between the two situations is clear: with Brazil he is getting minutes and opportunities, while in Madrid he is still waiting for his moment.

Mourinho blocked his move in the summer

The situation could have been very different. Endrick received several loan offers during the last summer transfer window, and one of the options that appealed to him most was Roma.

The Italian side also offered the chance to play in the Champions League and share the attack with players such as Malen and Dybala. The loan deal was well on its way, but a conversation with Mourinho changed the picture.

The Portuguese coach spoke directly with Endrick and asked him to stay at Real Madrid. Mourinho told him he was counting on him, and the Brazilian decided to accept the challenge, aware that his main goal remains to succeed at Los Blancos.

The exit door could open in January

The decision, however, does not mean that Endrick has definitively ruled out a departure.

The striker still has the option to review his situation during the winter transfer window. If the lack of minutes continues, a loan move could once again become an alternative, with Roma still interested and other European clubs monitoring his situation.

The closest precedent is precisely his spell at Lyon. During the second half of last season he played 21 matches, scored eight goals and provided five assists. That stint allowed him to regain prominence and show that he can perform as a centre-forward, but also operate from the right wing.

Now, Endrick is waiting for his opportunity to come in Madrid. But he also knows he needs to play to continue his development.

Real Madrid want to protect their investment

At the club there is confidence in the Brazilian’s potential and support for Mourinho’s decision to keep him in the squad. However, there is also an awareness that his development requires playing time.

Real Madrid paid €35 million fixed plus another €25 million in variables for Endrick, a deal that, including different concepts linked to the transfer, represents a considerable investment.

That is why the situation presents a delicate balance: Mourinho wants to keep the striker, but the club also need Endrick to continue evolving.

At 20 years old, the Brazilian still has time to establish himself at the Santiago Bernabéu. The question now is when the opportunity he is waiting for will arrive, and whether it will be enough to convince him to remain in Madrid beyond January.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.