West Ham are in need of added goalpower.placeholder image
West Ham are in need of added goalpower. | Getty Images
Real Madrid striker Endrick had been linked with a move to West Ham in January as he struggles for minutes.
The highly rated 19-year-old is expected to leave the La Liga giants on loan as he struggles for minutes under Xabi Alonso. The Brazil international was finally handed minutes for the first time against Valencia last weekend.
Endrick started the campaign nursing a thigh problem but had then been an unused substitute in six consecutive league matches. The striker had featured 37 times in all competitions last term, scoring seven goals.
West Ham and Man Utd linked with Real Madrid move
That lack of playing time had reportedly put West Ham and Manchester United on high alert. Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo claimed that a green light had already been given to a January exit and named West Ham as potential suitors.
Fichajes even reported that West Ham have gone as far as to make contact with Real Madrid over a loan move for Endrick. The Galacticos agreed a deal to sign the talent from Palmeiras back in 2022 but the forward only made the move to Spain in July 2024 for £30 million.
West Ham are in desperate need of added goalpower with Niclas Fullkrug struggling to find fitness. Callum Wilson and Callum Marshall are two other striking options but are unlikely to find the goal output needed to keep the Hammers in the top flight.
Endrick holds ‘direct talks’ with Olympique Lyonnais
The Mirror had also named Manchester United, Brighton and Aston Villa as potential suitors but fresh reports from France suggest that Endrick would rather move to Ligue 1. L’Equipe has claimed that a move to Olympique Lyonnais is the player’s number one choice.
The French outfit are also in the market for a new striker as they struggle in front of goal, drawing 0-0 with Brest last weekend, and Endrick would be able to work under Portuguese-speaking boss Paulo Fonseca.
It’s added that there has already been ‘direct talks’ between Fonseca and Endrick over a potential January move with Real Madrid hoping to have everything in place for the player’s move to happen come January 1.
Endrick has received high praise from coaches in the past, including former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. Speaking after a particularly impressive performance in a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in February, Ancelotti said: "He is spectacular. He has these amazing characteristics he has shown whenever he has a chance. His accuracy is off the charts, he's quick and he still has a lot to improve with the ball.
“But, wow, his dribbling, his runs... the shot he has... he could even score a second goal easily with that great strike off the post... He is just spectacular. Very young, but a very fast learner.”
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