Endrick has returned early from his holiday determined to earn a place in Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid team, despite the Brazilian forward facing another difficult fight for regular first-team football.
The 19-year-old is attempting to force his way into Mourinho’s starting line-up, with circumstances once again appearing to be against him. According to Marca, Endrick is preparing to make another challenge for a central role at the club after previously struggling to establish himself under Carlo Ancelotti and, last season, Xabi Alonso.
Endrick’s future at Real Madrid has been the subject of continued uncertainty. In January, he joined Olympique Lyonnais on loan, a move which gave him the opportunity to play more regularly and helped keep open his hopes of representing Brazil at the World Cup.
He returned to Real Madrid for the FIFA Club World Cup, where Gonzalo Garcia’s emergence became a significant obstacle to his progress. Under Ancelotti, Endrick had impressed in the Copa del Rey and finished the competition as its leading scorer, but that form has not yet translated into a guaranteed starting role.
The departure of Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham might have been expected to improve Endrick’s chances. However, Real Madrid moved quickly in the transfer market to sign Carlos Espi as a recognised centre-forward.
That decision represents a clear message from the club to Endrick. It also reflects Mourinho’s approval of the move, with the Portuguese manager giving the green light for another striker to be brought in. Endrick, though, is not regarded as a player who gives up easily.
He could attempt to find an opportunity on the right wing, but that route has become more difficult following the arrival of Yan Diomande. The competition for attacking places at Real Madrid remains intense, and Endrick’s prospects would become even narrower if the club’s established forwards remain available.
Despite the pressure, no immediate decision is expected on his situation. Endrick wants to continue playing during Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations and believes he can persuade Mourinho that he deserves a role in the team.
He shortened his holiday so he could return to training with Mourinho as quickly as possible, recognising that he had little time to make an impression before the new campaign begins.
Endrick started Real Madrid’s friendly against Fiorentina despite having completed only a limited amount of training. He took advantage of his opportunity by scoring, while Mourinho has also publicly congratulated him during some training sessions after strong performances.
The forward had not been planning to leave Real Madrid on loan for a second successive year. His intention was to return and compete for a place in Mourinho’s side rather than seek another temporary move.
However, his path remains complicated. Real Madrid have added Carlos Espi to the centre-forward options, while Yan Diomande has made a possible move to the right flank more difficult. At present, the only realistic way for Endrick’s chances to improve significantly would be for one of the club’s main forwards to leave.
That possibility is considered unlikely, with Vinicius the only name identified as a potential departure. For now, Endrick’s plan is therefore straightforward: remain at Real Madrid, make the most of every pre-season appearance and attempt to convince Mourinho that he can contribute despite the competition for places.
