Endrick’s Real Madrid future could be revisited in January despite Mourinho backing

Endrick could leave Real Madrid on loan again in January, despite manager Jose Mourinho telling the Brazilian forward that he remains part of his plans.

According to Foot Mercato, Mourinho faces difficult selection decisions with a squad packed with high-profile players, particularly in attack.

Real Madrid allowed Gonzalo Garcia to join Fulham this summer after Mourinho initially considered keeping him following an impressive pre-season. The manager ultimately approved the move and asked the club to sign a striker in the style of Joselu – a proven goalscorer capable of providing a decisive alternative.

The club instead presented him with Carlos Espai, a decision that created another obstacle for Endrick. The 20-year-old returned to Madrid after a fairly productive six-month loan spell at Lyon, where he scored 8 goals and supplied 8 assists in 21 appearances.

There had been suggestions that Endrick might immediately be sent out on loan again, but Mourinho rejected that option. He told the player he could be used either in attack or on the right wing. However, competition for both positions is intense and regular playing time is far from guaranteed.

Kylian Mbappe, 27, is regarded by the coaching staff as the undisputed first-choice striker after scoring 5 goals in 5 matches. Carlos Espai, 21, who has scored once in 4 games, is expected to act as his deputy.

On the right, Endrick may have to compete with Yan Diomande, who cost 140m euros including bonuses, as well as Ibrahim Diaz, 27, who has recorded 1 assist in 3 matches. Arda Guler, 21, has also played in the position and has contributed 1 goal and 1 assist in 4 appearances.

The Brazilian has yet to make a competitive appearance this season after a muscle injury delayed his return.

Mourinho provided an update on Monday, saying: “Tomorrow (Tuesday) he may be ready to play five or 10 minutes at most. That’s all. He trained with the team for the first time yesterday. He has not played since… Budapest or Austria, in a friendly. He is not fit enough for more than five to 10 minutes.”

He added: “But because there are many positions available on the bench, he is here. Maybe he will play five minutes. He is an attacking player and he will play as a striker. Don’t worry, he will not be a full-back or a centre-back. He will be a striker.”

Endrick, who was born in 2006, remained an unused substitute in Real Madrid’s match against Inter. Although he has not yet shown his full potential, he is expected to receive opportunities.

A source close to Real Madrid told The Athletic that the club was taking a cautious approach to his return to avoid a setback, adding: “He is confident because Mourinho told him that he would be an important player and would get enough playing time.”

However, people close to Endrick remain uncertain about how consistently he will feature. The Athletic reports that his situation will be assessed before the winter transfer window, with another loan move considered a realistic possibility.