Endrick arrived at Real Madrid as one of the club’s most exciting long-term bets. Signed when he was just 16 after impressing with Palmeiras, the young Brazilian generated huge expectations among fans. However, his first year in European football has proven more challenging than expected.

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Endrick saw limited game time. He featured in 37 official matches but started only eight — most of them in the Copa del Rey. In LaLiga, he was in the starting lineup just three times and scored only once. The lack of minutes led the club to consider loaning him out this season… and it was almost a done deal.

Real Sociedad move falls through

According to journalist Arancha Rodríguez on El Partidazo de COPE, the 18-year-old striker was very close to being loaned to Real Sociedad. The clubs had reached an agreement, and the player was ready to make the move. However, a muscle injury relapse during the Club World Cup derailed the transfer.

At the time, Kylian Mbappé had missed the tour of the United States due to illness, and Endrick was still recovering. In his absence, academy product Gonzalo García seized the opportunity, further clouding the Brazilian’s future.

Xabi Alonso awaits… until January?

Now under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, Endrick continues his recovery process. He is expected to be sidelined for at least another month, which has ruled him out of preseason activities. Meanwhile, other players like Jude Bellingham and Ferland Mendy are also in recovery, while Argentine youngster Franco Mastantuono will join the squad after turning 18 on August 14.

With only one friendly match scheduled before the La Liga opener against Osasuna, the coaching staff is working with a reduced squad and many uncertainties. If Endrick fails to earn a spot in the rotation, the club may revisit the idea of loaning him out in the winter transfer window.

For now, Endrick remains in Valdebebas, but his future at Real Madrid is anything but clear. His talent is unquestionable, but time and injuries are working against him. Will he earn a second chance, or will January mark the beginning of a new chapter away from the Bernabéu?