Endrick, Real Madrid and Brazil player
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Endrick returned to Real Madrid this summer on the back of a stellar loan spell at Olympique Lyon, with many expecting him to play a key role for Los Blancos in the season ahead.
However, in the early days of pre-season, things are not looking good for Endrick, who will have to cope with more competition than he would have expected.
A recent report from Gazzetta Dello Sport has given comprehensive insights into Endrick’s tricky situation at Real Madrid, heading into the new season.
Endrick, Brazil and Real Madrid player
Endrick will undergo key conditioning from Mourinho in coming weeks. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images)
According to the report, Endrick’s characteristics do not appear entirely compatible with Real Madrid’s new project under Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach, aside from Kylian Mbappe, was on the lookout for a different kind of striker, a more physical presence better suited to his tactical ideas.
He found exactly that in Carlos Espi, the young forward who signed this week and impressed on his debut against Fiorentina.
That leaves Endrick as something of an awkward fit. His profile does not align neatly with what Mourinho wants from his forwards, and in an attacking line already boasting Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo, the Brazilian could find himself well down the pecking order.
Endrick will reportedly undergo an evaluation from Mourinho in the coming days, a process that could prove decisive in determining his immediate future at the Bernabeu.
Endrick of Brazil
AS Roma are interested in Endrick. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
The danger for Endrick is clear. Should he slip down the order, he risks receiving few or even no minutes, a scenario that could ultimately force Real Madrid to consider sanctioning a loan move.
That possibility has not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Roma have been monitoring Endrick for over a month, with the Brazilian a genuine target for the Serie A side.
Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is a firm admirer, viewing him not just as a central striker but also as a player capable of operating on either flank.
Roma’s sporting director even travelled to Madrid recently to gauge the feasibility of a deal and assess Real Madrid’s willingness to let the player leave.
The Italians are keen to include an option to buy, much like Como did in the Nico Paz deal, to avoid the risk of developing Endrick only to lose him later.
For now, though, Endrick’s fate rests on his evaluation under Mourinho, with a pivotal few weeks ahead.
Ferland Mendy, Real Madrid player
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
With Marc Cucurella arriving this summer, Real Madrid are stacked with options at left-back. Fran Garcia’s departure undoubtedly reduces some of the burden and overload of resources in the department, but Alvaro Carreras and Ferland Mendy still remain as two backup options.
Cucurella and Carreras are expected to take over as the first and second-choice left-backs for the upcoming season while the Frenchman is expected to continue as an option who is not counted upon.
After all, his fitness has been poor in recent years and the player has simply struggled to even string appearances in back-to-back games with regularity. His situation, needless to say, has led to several shouts for the club to terminate his contract.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano in a recent report, Mendy’s close circle completely deny any talks of terminating Mendy’s contract with Real Madrid and all rumours surrounding the same.
Ferland Mendy of Real Madrid
Mendy will be the third choice left-back. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
At the present moment, the player is not in negotiations with the club regarding ending his contract at Real Madrid and he wishes to return to fitness and contribute to Jose Mourinho’s project.
Mendy’s recovery is progressing faster than initially expected and all signs point to his return by the end of September. Whether or not he can make a case to return as a starting option remains to be seen, although it is highly unlikely.
Given the sheer speed at which Real Madrid are completing new transfers, the departure front is simply not able to keep up to balance out the books.
A contract termination may be essential. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The first-team has a limited capacity of players which is currently full, and the club have to complete some departure operations before they can register Yan Diomande, Rodri or a new centre-back.
On that front, Mendy does indeed stand out as deadwood who will have limited minutes next season and who can leave the club to free up a much-needed spot. The club will benefit from the wages saved as well, making it an attractive option.
In that sense, a termination of contract will make sense for Real Madrid, although the player must first open up to the possibility for that to unfold.