Endrick of Brazil
Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images
It has been reportedly widely that Endrick is not happy with his game-time at Real Madrid this season and could explore a move away from the club in the upcoming January transfer window.
After a stellar loan spell at Lyon, expectations were high that Endrick could become the breakout star at Real Madrid this season. But the reality has been quite the opposite.
While a pre-season injury saw him miss a few matches initially, the forward has now struggled for minutes even after returning to full fitness, racking up just four minutes of action all season.
Milan and Roma ready to sign Endrick
Endrick, Real Madrid and Brazil forward
Endrick has struggled for minutes this season. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
As reported by Diario SPORT, Serie A giants Roma and AC Milan are the two main candidates to secure Endrick’s services in January.
It appears both clubs are keen on the Brazilian, with Roma, who happen to be Real Madrid’s next Champions League opponents, and AC Milan leading the chase.
Given Endrick’s age and the significant investment Real Madrid made in him, only a loan move is being contemplated at this stage.
Endrick finds himself stuck behind both Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi in the pecking order, with the latter having scored twice this season in limited minutes. His sole appearance under Jose Mourinho came in a four-minute cameo against Elche.
A nightmare turning sour
Endrick of Real Madrid
Endrick set for another loan spell? (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
What was meant to be a breakthrough campaign has instead become a frustrating ordeal for Endrick.
Having rejected a second loan in the summer, with Aston Villa among those interested, the Brazilian chose to stay and fight for his place following Gonzalo Garcia’s departure.
However, the surprise emergence of Espi has only pushed him further down the order, leaving his European dream looking more like a nightmare.
Even on international duty, Endrick struggled to make his mark, failing to start two of Brazil’s three friendlies during the break.
For Endrick, a January exit now appears his best route to regaining form and confidence. With Roma and Milan circling, a temporary move to Serie A could be exactly what the young striker needs to reignite his stalling career.
Jose Mourinho, Manager of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho has had a mixed start to the new season with Real Madrid, with a few solid performances and a few disappointing ones.
Los Blancos lost the Madrid derby 2-1 to Atletico Madrid just before the international break and have to become more consistent after it.
Mourinho is beginning to establish a recognisable Real Madrid starting XI, but several important questions remain unresolved.
The international break gives the Portuguese coach valuable time to consider decisions that could shape his team during a demanding October.
According to Diario SPORT, Mourinho currently has four major tactical issues to address: his preferred right-back, the hierarchy at centre-back, the balance of his double pivot and how to accommodate Arda Guler and Yan Diomande in attack.
Dumfries, Trent and the defensive hierarchy
At right-back, Denzel Dumfries appears to have an advantage over Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Dutchman’s physicality suits Mourinho’s approach.
He gives Los Blancos intensity and defensive security. Alexander-Arnold offers considerably more in attack, but his defensive lapses make his case much harder to argue.
Denzel Dumfries, Netherlands and Real Madrid player
Denzel Dumfries is the first-choice right-back for Real Madrid. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Then there is another decision centrally. Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen currently look like Mourinho’s preferred partnership.
However, Eder Militao is nearing a return from injury, and if the Brazilian can rediscover his best level after his injury problems, Mourinho will have another important decision to make.
The more complicated question involves Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde.
Together, they provide athleticism, defensive coverage and enormous work rate. However, they lack the creativity Madrid need.
That is where Bernardo Silva becomes particularly interesting. The Portuguese midfielder offers the control and imagination Madrid lack from deeper areas.
Bernardo Silva of Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho needs to look at using Bernardo Silva more in the upcoming games.
However, his involvement so far this season has been surprisingly limited, and Mourinho needs to find a way to address this after the break.
Guler and Diomande are forcing the issue
The biggest selection headache may ultimately come further forward.
Guler has become increasingly difficult to leave out because of his creativity, while Diomande has shown the explosiveness and directness capable of changing Madrid’s attack.
Finding room for both inevitably has to come at the cost of an established starter like Vinicius Junior, who is not in the best form.
Mourinho has publicly backed the Brazilian and expects him to rediscover his best level. However, there is only so much longer he can keep giving him minutes without the performances.
October is an important month for Madrid and should provide answers. It remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses these key tactical calls in the coming month.