Jose Mourinho played key role in keeping 20-year-old star at Real Madrid this summer amid multiple offers

Jose Mourinho played key role in keeping 20-year-old star at Real Madrid this summer amid multiple offers Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid to take charge of the first team for his second stint, with Florentino Perez trusting him to get the project back on track. The Portuguese tactician has already had a positive influence in the dressing room, bringing the superstars together. He has also played a key role in the transfer market, both in terms of the signings the club have made and potential exits. According to Mario Cortegana , Mourinho was largely responsible for ensuring Endrick did not leave during the transfer window. The Madrid coach has supported the youngster both publicly and internally, making it clear that he continues to believe in his potential. Mourinho backed Endrick during uncertain summer Endrick’s future became an interesting question as Madrid reshaped their attack. The arrival of new attacking options increased competition for minutes, while Endrick’s own situation was complicated by injury. Real Madrid resisted the option to send Endrick out on loan. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) With Kylian Mbappe firmly established as the team’s leading striker and Carlos Espi also pushing for opportunities, a temporary departure could have offered Endrick more regular football. His representatives had explored possible solutions during the summer, but Madrid ultimately resisted the idea of letting him leave unless circumstances changed dramatically. Mourinho’s position now appears to have been particularly influential in that decision. Rather than viewing Endrick as an expendable member of an oversized squad, the Portuguese coach has continued to show confidence in the 20-year-old and wants the opportunity to work with him. Endrick now has to reward that faith Mourinho’s support is now a challenge for Endrick. Staying at Real Madrid means competing for minutes in one of the most demanding attacking departments in Europe. Opportunities may initially arrive from the bench, and he will have to make those appearances count. Even off the bench, the Brazilian has someone like Carlos Espi fighting toe-to-toe with him for minutes in the same position. Endrick has recovered from his injury and is now ready to compete. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images) The good news for him is that he has recovered from his injury. For Mourinho, the Brazilian also provides a different profile. His directness, dribbling and willingness to attack spaces could allow him to play in a similar role to Mbappe when brought on. Endrick does not need to become an automatic starter immediately. He needs to stay healthy, learn Mourinho’s demands and gradually force his way into the rotation. Madrid protected one of their biggest young investments this summer. Now Endrick has the opportunity to show why Mourinho was so determined not to lose him.