Endrick has reported back for pre-season at Real Madrid ahead of schedule in an effort to impress new head coach Jose Mourinho, taking a different approach to Brazil team-mate Vinicius Junior, who has chosen to use his full summer break.
The 19-year-old forward arrived at the club’s Valdebebas training complex on Wednesday after cutting his holiday short by two days, joining Antonio Rudiger in resuming work with the squad once both had successfully completed medical tests.
Their return came a day after Denzel Dumfries linked up with his new team-mates and took part in his first full group session for the Spanish club.
Surprise early comeback
Spanish newspaper Sport described Endrick’s early appearance as the major surprise of the week at Real Madrid.
According to the club’s original pre-season schedule, the Brazil international was not expected back until 31 July, the same date set for Vinicius Junior, following the end of Brazil’s campaign at the World Cup, where they were knocked out in the last 16 by Norway.
Instead, Endrick opted to shorten his rest period and report back ahead of time, a move widely interpreted as a clear signal of intent towards Mourinho as the Portuguese coach begins to shape his new project at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Key summer for Endrick
Endrick is understood to be aware that this pre-season could be decisive for his Real Madrid future.
After a highly successful loan spell at Olympique Lyon, during which he rediscovered both form and confidence in front of goal, the forward is now focused on proving he merits a place in Mourinho’s plans for the coming campaign.
His prospects are being shaped by significant changes in Real Madrid’s attacking options. Gonzalo Garcia is close to completing a move to Fulham, while the club is considering sending Franco Mastantono out on loan.
At the same time, Real Madrid have brought in direct competition for Endrick in the form of Yan Diomande, a forward of a similar profile and age, increasing the battle for minutes in the attacking positions.
Building fitness, not ready for Fiorentina
Endrick will not be available for Real Madrid’s friendly against Fiorentina on Saturday, with the coaching staff viewing his early return as the start of a gradual build-up towards full match fitness rather than an immediate selection option.
However, his objective for the remainder of pre-season is already clear: to accelerate his physical preparation and earn as many minutes as possible in the forthcoming warm-up games, in the hope of convincing Mourinho that he should be part of the main squad when the competitive season begins.
