Endrick faces uphill Real Madrid battle after Carlos Espi signing

Endrick is determined to force his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans at Real Madrid despite the Brazilian forward’s difficult position and the club’s decision to sign Carlos Espi as a recognised striker.

According to Marca, Endrick is once again trying to earn a place in Real Madrid’s starting line-up under Mourinho, even though the circumstances appear to be working against him.

The 19-year-old has already faced a similar challenge during his time in Spain. He struggled for regular opportunities under Carlo Ancelotti two seasons ago and encountered the same problem again last season after Xabi Alonso took charge.

Endrick was loaned to Olympique Lyonnais in January, a move which gave him the opportunity to play more regularly and strengthened his hopes of representing Brazil at the World Cup.

His prospects were also affected by the emergence of Gonzalo Garcia during the Club World Cup. Under Ancelotti, however, Endrick had produced some of his best performances in the Copa del Rey, finishing the competition as its top scorer.

The departure of Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham has not significantly changed Endrick’s situation. Real Madrid moved quickly in the transfer market to sign Carlos Espi, adding another established option for the centre-forward position.

That recruitment appears to have delivered a clear message to Endrick. The club sanctioned the arrival of a striker, with Mourinho himself giving the move his approval. Endrick, though, has shown little willingness to give up on his ambition of succeeding at Real Madrid.

One possible route back into the side could be a role on the right wing, but that position has become more difficult to secure following the arrival of Yan Diomande.

Endrick’s future is not expected to be settled within the next few days. He wants to remain involved throughout pre-season and believes he can convince Mourinho that he deserves a regular role. The forward has even shortened his holiday so he could return to training with the Portuguese manager as soon as possible.

Despite having completed only a limited number of training sessions, Endrick started Real Madrid’s friendly against Fiorentina and took his opportunity by scoring. Mourinho has also publicly congratulated him during some training sessions after the Brazilian produced impressive displays.

A second loan spell was not part of Endrick’s plans. His intention was to return to Real Madrid and compete for a place in Mourinho’s squad.

The competition remains severe, however, unless one of the club’s established forwards leaves. The only departure considered possible, although unlikely, would involve Vinicius Junior.

For now, Endrick is prepared to continue fighting for his opportunity rather than seek another temporary move away from the Santiago Bernabeu. His immediate objective is to make an impression during pre-season and persuade Mourinho that he can contribute to Real Madrid’s attack.