Aston Villa are considering a loan deal for Real Madrid forward Endrick as they look to strengthen Unai Emery’s attack following Morgan Rogers’ move to Chelsea.
The Brazilian is open to leaving the Bernabeu temporarily, while Real Madrid are prepared to pay part of his wages to help facilitate a transfer. Aston Villa are understood to have registered their interest in a move that could represent a relatively inexpensive opportunity to add firepower to their squad.
Endrick, 20, spent last season on loan at Lyon, where he scored eight goals and supplied eight assists in 21 appearances. However, the former Palmeiras wonderkid remains some way down the order at Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe is ahead of him in the attacking pecking order, while the arrival of new signing Carlos Espi has added to the competition for places. Endrick is now seriously considering another loan spell after Jose Mourinho left the decision over his future to the player.
Mourinho views Endrick primarily as a centre-forward, although not as a traditional number nine. While the youngster operated on the wing during his time in France, he would still face competition at Real Madrid from Yan Diomande, Brahim Diaz, Bernardo Silva and Rodrygo.
According to AS, Aston Villa could meet the conditions Endrick wants from his next loan club. The forward, who played in four of Brazil’s five matches at the World Cup, is looking for European football, with Champions League participation his preferred option. He also wants assurances that he would be used as a starting striker.
Villa face competition from Roma, but Real Madrid are reluctant to sanction a permanent sale because of the possibility of making a loss on the player. The Spanish club are reported to have invested almost €80m (£68.53m) in Endrick when the transfer fee, commissions, wages and bonuses are included.
Aston Villa are continuing to reshape their squad before returning to Champions League football. The club’s spending power has been increased by the £130m sale of Rogers to Chelsea.
The Midlands club have also spoken publicly about their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha. Damian Vidagany has confirmed that discussions have taken place with the German club.
“We need a midfielder because Amadou Onana is out for the entire season – and Joao Palhinha is a very good player who would fit our plans,” Vidagany told Bild.
“We are in talks, but there is currently no agreement. If something were to happen, it would always be based on the great respect we have for Bayern.
“We are friendly clubs, and our relationship with Max Eberl, Christoph Freund, and all the other officials is excellent. Therefore, I cannot and do not wish to comment on any further details.”
Vidagany added: “I believe Aston Villa would be a great club for the player. In the league, six or seven clubs have a bigger budget than us.”
Aston Villa, the Europa League winners, are therefore assessing options in both attack and midfield as Emery prepares the squad for the demands of domestic competition and a return to the Champions League.
