Serie A powerhouse Juventus is reportedly leading the race to acquire Real Madrid's Brazilian prodigy Endrick on a season-long loan. However, another report states that new manager Xabi Alonso intends to keep him as a backup striker to support Kylian Mbappé when needed.
Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig (Germany), Arsenal and Chelsea (England), and Paris Saint-Germain (France) are competing with Juventus to sign the promising young player before the much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup commences in the United States, the reports amplifying the loan-move rumours said.
Dusan Vlahovic is likely to bid farewell to Turin before next season, while the misfiring Arkadiusz Milik and Randal Kolo Muani offer little reassurance. As a result, the Italian side is considering a loan move for the Brazilian, fully aware that Real Madrid are far too smart to sell him outright.
18-year-old Endrick joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras in his motherland in July 2024 on a six-year deal. However, chances didn't come in plenty for him as manager Carlo Ancelotti had several proven goal scorers to choose from, including his international teammates Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr. The arrival of Kylian Mbappe didn't help either as Endrick and Arda Guler were named among the most frustrated players in the Spanish capital under Ancelotti. The teenager got 22 games in the white shirt so far -- many being second-half substitutions.
ALSO READ | Real Madrid to bring back Argentine prodigy for Xabi Alonso: Report
In the national colours, Endrick has so far won 14 caps for the senior team, scoring thrice.
However, to land the young talent, the Old Lady will first need to wait and see whether Los Blancos plan to invest in another striker. Real Madrid are currently focused on a squad overhaul after a trophyless season, but no striker has emerged as a serious target so far. Xabi Alonso is unlikely to risk loaning out Endrick unless someone like Ante Budimir arrives at the Bernabeu before the transfer window shuts.
On the other hand, if a lack of opportunities is the factor forcing Endrick to leave the Bernabeu, Alonso's arrival as Ancelotti's replacement is likely to offer some relief. Endrick's phenomenol speed make him an apt fit in Alonso's system even as Mbappe's deputy. His playtime across competitions is likely to increase this season with Rodrygo set to leave Madrid.
ALSO READ | 'Want to be known for my story': Endrick Felipe tells THE WEEK in exclusive interview
Interestingly, Ancelotti left the Spanish capital to become the new Brazil national team coach. Endrick, along with Rodrygo, was left out of the squad when "Don Carlo" announced Brazil's team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay -- his first as gaffer.