Endrick’s Real Madrid future is under fresh scrutiny again, with Fichajes reporting the Brazilian is seriously weighing his options after the club’s swift signing of Carlos Espí from Levante — a development that’s reportedly left the striker and his representatives seeking urgent clarity from the club hierarchy.
A settled plan thrown back into doubt
Endrick returned to Valdebebas this summer with real optimism, off the back of a productive loan spell at Olympique Lyonnais where he contributed 8 goals and 8 assists in 21 appearances — a goal contribution roughly every 102 minutes. The plan had been drifting toward a role sharing the frontline with Kylian Mbappé, with minutes on the right wing also a possibility once Gonzalo García’s exit opened space in the pecking order.
Espí’s arrival changed that calculation almost overnight. Real Madrid triggered his €25 million release clause within hours of Gonzalo’s move to Fulham being confirmed, and the 1.94-meter forward offers a physical, aerial profile that fits Mourinho’s apparent preference for a genuine target man — a trait Endrick doesn’t share. According to AS, Endrick’s situation, which had looked settled only months ago, is now a live subject of debate inside the club again.
Not every report agrees
It’s worth noting the picture isn’t entirely one-sided. While Fichajes describes Endrick as actively considering an exit, journalist Jorge C. Picón reported as recently as July 30 that Endrick’s stated intention is still to stay and fight for his place at the Bernabéu. Those two positions aren’t necessarily incompatible — a player can want to stay while also exploring his options if minutes don’t materialize.
Why a straight sale looks unlikely
Complicating matters further: Real Madrid haven’t yet recouped the roughly €60 million they paid to sign Endrick back in 2024, which leaves the club weighing a loan or a partial-rights sale over an outright departure. Sources describe the club as practically ruling out selling him outright, with a loan — the same route being explored for Franco Mastantuono — currently the preferred solution if he does leave this window. Roma have been credited with monitoring his situation for a possible loan, and Liverpool have also been mentioned among his suitors.
What happens next
A meeting between Endrick’s camp and Real Madrid’s sporting director is expected in the coming weeks, aimed at establishing exactly how many minutes he can realistically expect under Mourinho’s system in 2026/27. Neither the coaching staff nor the club’s hierarchy have made a final call yet. If they can’t guarantee him a meaningful role, Endrick is expected to formally push for a loan before the market closes.
RMxtra Verdict
This has become a familiar pattern for Endrick at Real Madrid — genuine talent, repeatedly squeezed out by whoever the club signs next. With Mbappé untouchable and Espí now occupying the physical presence role Mourinho wants, Endrick’s clearest path to regular football this season may run through a loan spell rather than a place in the matchday squad at the Bernabéu
