Endrick’s lack of Real Madrid minutes raises January loan prospect

Endrick is facing another decision over his Real Madrid future, with limited first-team opportunities increasing the possibility of a move away in January.

The 20-year-old Brazilian striker came close to joining Roma on loan during the previous transfer window. However, he remained at Real Madrid after Jose Mourinho encouraged him to stay and compete for his place in the squad.

Endrick chose to accept that challenge because his main ambition is still to establish himself at the Spanish club. Yet his opportunities have been extremely restricted since the start of the season.

He has played only four minutes in La Liga, appearing against Elche. A muscle injury sustained during pre-season delayed his campaign, but returning to fitness has not resulted in a regular role.

Kylian Mbappe continues to take up most of Real Madrid’s attacking minutes, while Carlos Espi’s emergence has created another obstacle for Endrick.

Espi strengthened his claim for a place in the team by scoring late goals against Espanyol and Elche. Endrick, by contrast, has again been left waiting for his next opportunity.

That lack of involvement has renewed the possibility that another loan spell could provide the best route for his development.

Endrick was given a greater role by Brazil during the international break. Carlo Ancelotti played him for 110 minutes across two matches against Australia. He had a goal disallowed in the first game before setting up a team-mate in the second.

The contrast between his international involvement and his club minutes has underlined the difficulty Endrick is experiencing at Real Madrid.

A comparable situation last season eventually resulted in a loan move to Lyon. There, Endrick secured the regular football he had been seeking, featuring in 21 matches during the second half of the campaign.

He scored eight goals and supplied five assists during that period. The spell helped rebuild his confidence and returned him to contention for Brazil.

Roma are reportedly considering another attempt to sign Endrick in January. The Italian club came close to finalising a deal during the previous European summer, and his limited role at Real Madrid could make a renewed approach possible.

Endrick’s preference remains to succeed at Real Madrid, but he also recognises that consistent playing time is important to his progress.

Real Madrid’s next match is against Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday, October 10. The game will be played at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.