Endrick joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras in his motherland in July 2024 on a six-year deal | Reuters
Endrick joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras in his motherland in July 2024 on a six-year deal | Reuters
Serie A powerhouse Juventus is leading the race to acquire Real Madrid's Brazilian prodigy Endrick on a season-long loan deal, some reports predict. However, new manager Xabi Alonso intends to keep him as the striker on bench to back Kylian Mbappe, another report said.
Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig (Germany), Arsenal and Chelsea (England), and Paris Saint-Germain (France) are competing Juventus to sign the promising young player before the much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup commences in the United States, the reports amplifying the loan-move rumours said.
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Dusan Vlahovic is likely to bid farewell to Turin before next season, and the misfiring Arkadiusz Milik and Randal Kolo Muani offer little assurance. Thus, the Italian giants are mulling for a loan move for the Brazilian -- well aware that Real are too wise to sell him already.
18-year-old Endrick joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras in his motherland in July 2024 on a six-year deal. However, chances didn't come plenty for him as manager Carlo Ancelotti had several proven goalscorers to choose from including his international teammates Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr. The arrival of Kylian Mbappe didn't help either as Endrick and Arda Guler were named among the most frustrated players in the Spanish capital under Ancelotti. The teenager got 22 games in the white shirt so far -- many being second-half substitutions.
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In the national colours, Endrick has so far won 14 caps for the senior team, scoring thrice.
However, in order to land the young talent, the Old Lady will first have to wait and see if Los Blancos are going to invest in another striker. They are busy with a squad overhaul after a trophyless season, but no striker's name has come up strongly on the potential buys list yet. Xabi Alonso is unlikely to risk loaning out Endrick unless someone like Ante Budimir arrives at the Bernabeu before the transfer window shuts.
On the other hand, if a lack of opportunities is the factor forcing Endrick to leave the Bernabeu, Alonso's arrival as Ancelotti's replacement is likely to offer him relief. Endrick's phenomenol speed make him an apt fit in Alonso's system even as Mbappe's deputy. His playtime across competitions is likely to increase this season with Rodrygo set to leave Madrid.
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Interestingly, Ancelotti left the Spanish capital to become the new Brazil national team coach. Endrick, along with Rodrygo, was left out of the squad when "Don Carlo" announced Brazil's team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay -- his first as gaffer.
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