Endrick, Brazil and Real Madrid player
Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images
After selling Gonzalo Garcia and signing Carlos Espi, it looked set that Jose Mourinho would count on Real Madrid’s new striker as his backup to Kylian Mbappe next season. The manager, after all, values the profile of a natural number nine for certain game states.
The club’s decision to sign Espi, however, sent a loud and clear message to Endrick who was hoping to take over the same role after returning from loan.
In the weeks that followed, uncertainty around his future grew with increasing rumours that he could leave on loan this summer. Aston Villa and Roma were the two big parties alert to the possibility and were willing to welcome him on an immediate loan.
As confirmed in a recent update by Diario AS, Real Madrid have now made a final decision on Endrick’s immediate future and have definitively shut down the idea of him leaving on loan. He will stay at Real Madrid for the beginning of the new season.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho counts on Endrick. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho counts on the player and believes that he can have a relevant role in the team in the coming campaign despite the arrival of Espi.
Florentino Perez also shares the same opinion and has a special fondness for Endrick given his talent, age and the fee they paid for him.
The player is willing to accept the challenge of staying and fighting for his spot, and will thus remain in the Spanish capital.
Mourinho hopes to use Endrick not only as a backup centre-forward but also as a possible backup right-wing option if the need arises. After all, the player has played in that position in the past.
Endrick of Real Madrid and Brazil
Endrick will not leave on loan. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
The coming six months, thus, will be critical in deciding the long-term future of Endrick. It remains to be seen what position, and to what capacity the manager trusts the player.
As matters stand, the Brazilian star has not ruled out leaving on loan in January if his situation does not improve. After all, he had a positive experience on loan at Olympique Lyon and is not opposed to taking that route if he is not given enough minutes in Madrid.
Ferland Mendy of Real Madrid
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Real Madrid have spent big on the left-back department in recent summer transfer windows and have made two big-money signings, both of whom are worthy starters.
Last summer, the club signed Alvaro Carreras for €50 million and they have gone on to sign Marc Cucurella for €55 million this time around. Both players remain at the club while Fran Garcia has left in search of more minutes.
A third left-back option who is currently at the club is Ferland Mendy, although the Frenchman has been battling recurrent injuries and is even currently on the sidelines.
Given his situation, a contract termination was seen as an option, but Diario AS now confirm that Real Madrid will not head down that approach this summer.
Indeed, as confirmed by the Spanish outlet, Mendy will stay at Real Madrid next season and is not planning on leaving the club either through a termination or a transfer.
Ferland Mendy, Real Madrid player
Mendy will stay at the club. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
His current contract runs until 2028, and he thus has two more years left on his deal. Real Madrid respect the contract he signed and will not pressure him to leave. In fact, they have not even approached the player to ask him to look for a transfer or a termination.
If Mendy himself requests the club to leave, they will not pose any hurdles. But Real Madrid see him as a player who can add value when he is fully fit as matters stand.
The report also states that Mendy, for his part, is happy in Madrid and has no intention of leaving before his contract ends.
Ferland Mendy of Real Madrid
Mendy is happy in Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Injuries have not been kind to him, but he trusts that if he can stay fit, he can even return to the starting lineup. After all, he is a defensive specialist and would be invaluable in Jose Mourinho’s system.
As matters stand, the player is expected to return to training in September and it remains to be seen if he can get any momentum on his side after that point. His recovery is currently going well, and the club’s goal should be a long-term fix where the player can be of value.