Endrick’s Real Madrid situation is becoming a serious problem for the young striker | OneFootball

Endrick’s situation at Real Madrid is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook, with the Brazilian yet to make a single appearance this season after returning from a successful loan spell at Lyon.

Notably, the 2026/27 campaign was expected to offer the young striker a greater role in Jose Mourinho’s squad. 

Instead, the opening weeks have produced the opposite picture. Endrick is the only striker in the squad who has not played a minute, while Andriy Lunin and Thiago Pitarch are the only other players yet to make their debuts this season.

Mourinho has spoken positively about Endrick on several occasions, but words of encouragement have not translated into opportunities on the pitch. 

More strikingly, Carlos Espi, the summer signing, has moved ahead of him in the pecking order after only a month, leaving Endrick facing a familiar question: whether another loan move could be the best route towards regular football.

Endrick’s lack of minutes raises questions

There is still plenty of time before the January transfer window opens, but Endrick’s lack of involvement will inevitably fuel speculation over his future.

Endrick’s situation is getting hard to ignore. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

As such, his previous loan spell at Lyon demonstrated the value of playing regularly, as rather than remaining on the fringes of a bigger squad, the Brazilian was able to gain rhythm and confidence through consistent minutes.

A similar solution could now appeal if his situation at Real Madrid does not change. 

On that note, the objective would not necessarily be to sever his connection with the club, but to give him another opportunity to develop away from the pressure of competing for limited minutes.

Real Madrid’s expensive investment under scrutiny

For what it is worth, Endrick’s predicament also puts question marks on Real Madrid’s recruitment strategy.

The club invested heavily in Endrick and Franco Mastantuono, currently at Fiorentina on loan, with the two players costing more than €100 million combined. 

Yet neither has so far delivered at the level expected from such significant investments.

Endrick is yet to play a single minute under Jose Mourinho. (Picture courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

That does not mean either player should be written off. Young attackers rarely develop along a perfectly predictable path, and Endrick has already shown during his time at Lyon that regular football can accelerate his progress.

Another loan could make sense for Endrick

For Endrick, the priority should be playing, as talent alone cannot compensate indefinitely for a lack of competitive minutes, particularly for a young striker who needs responsibility and continuity.

If Espi continues to receive opportunities while Endrick remains on the bench, a temporary move could become increasingly logical.

The important point for Real Madrid is that a loan should have a clear sporting purpose because Endrick does not need another destination merely for the sake of leaving.

For now, his future remains in Madrid. But unless his involvement changes, another loan may become the most practical solution for a player whose development cannot afford to stand still.