Real Madrid youngster facing a fight for minutes as January exit not ruled out

Real Madrid youngster facing a fight for minutes as January exit not ruled out One player whose future looked uncertain at Real Madrid all summer was Endrick, with the Brazilian considering a potential loan exit for regular minutes. Eventually, Jose Mourinho’s steadfast stance to keep him in the squad played a pivotal role in the 20-year-old staying at the Bernabeu. Finding the minutes to justify that decision has been difficult, though, with the Brazilian’s injury further complicating the situation. According to AS , Endrick now faces a fight to get into the team and has little room for error when he does get a chance, with the possibility of a January exit not being ruled out. The Brazilian international had been close to joining Roma during the summer before Mourinho intervened. The coach was impressed by his pre-season and believed his versatility could become particularly useful while Rodrygo remains sidelined, with his return not expected until January 2027. The Italian side still remain interested in a January move for him and could look to sign him on loan with purchase and buyback options. Mourinho stopped Endrick from leaving Endrick trusted Mourinho’s plan and remained at the Bernabeu, knowing his situation could be revisited in January if opportunities proved too limited. Endrick has a decision to make on his Real Madrid future. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images) His season then suffered an immediate setback. Muscular problems kept him unavailable for Real Madrid’s opening four La Liga matches. Endrick has since returned to the squad, making the bench against Inter Milan and Rayo Vallecano, but he has yet to make his first appearance of the campaign. Mourinho’s admiration remains clear. “He is a player I like a lot. He had contact with several clubs, but I didn’t want to loan or sell him. He has important talents,” Mourinho said. Mourinho sees the 20-year-old as a player who can play anywhere across the attacking line, and that ability is what makes him an option for the Portuguese tactician. “On the right, left, as a nine, as a ten… he can play anywhere up front,” the manager explained. Real Madrid’s attack is overstocked Kylian Mbappe already has seven goals and is playing at a level that makes resting him difficult. Carlos Espi has scored and impressed without yet earning his first start. Elsewhere, Arda Guler has become increasingly important, Yan Diomande is gaining momentum and Brahim Diaz has delivered when given opportunities. Endrick could play on the left-wing to help Vinicius rest in the coming months. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) This leaves Endrick with his clearest opening on the left wing, where he needs to compete with Vinicius Junior for minutes. September is too early to panic about Endrick’s minutes, but another four months of not playing much is not going to help anyone. Endrick already benefited enormously from regular football during his previous loan at Lyon. At his age, another season spent largely watching from the bench would offer little value. Mourinho may have fought to keep Endrick in the summer, but a more practical call needs to be taken in January. It remains to be seen how the South American’s future plays out in the coming months.