Real Madrid News
Manchester United could revive interest in Real Madrid youngster in January – report
Endrick’s situation at Real Madrid is becoming increasingly difficult.
The 20-year-old has struggled for regular minutes, despite making his return to the pitch last night, when he was introduced for the closing stages as the team searched for a comeback against Elche.
The Brazilian had not expected to be playing such a limited role after returning to the Spanish capital following his successful loan spell at Olympique Lyon in the last season.
Endrick believed he could become an important option not only as a centre-forward, but also on the right wing, a position where he impressed during his spell in Ligue 1.
While his pre-season injury kept him out for a period, Endrick’s expectations regarding his role have not been met, and the situation could force the striker to reconsider his short-term future.
Manchester United could revisit Endrick interest
Now, according to TeamTalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Manchester United could revive their interest in the Real Madrid forward if his lack of playing time continues.
The Red Devils showed interest in Endrick during the summer after contacts were made with his representatives and intermediaries.
However, nothing came of it as Jose Mourinho made it clear that he wanted to keep hold of the 20-year-old Brazilian international.
But, with his role at Madrid yet to develop as expected, Manchester United could return to the possibility of signing him when his situation is reassessed in January.
Another loan move could therefore become an option for Endrick during the winter window.
Repeat of the Lyon formula?
As mentioned previously, the striker already experienced a temporary move last season, joining Olympique Lyon in January.
He made a positive impact in France, scoring eight and assisting eight goals in 21 games, earning him a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Lyon were keen to keep the 20-year-old for longer, but Real Madrid brought him back to the club with the expectation that he would have a more significant role.
That has yet to happen, though, with his pre-season injury and increased competition for places making things difficult.
Kylian Mbappe, after all, is the undisputed starter in the No. 9 position, while summer signing Carlos Espi continues to make a strong case for himself with displays such as last night’s heroics against Elche.
On the right flank, Endrick has to contend with competition from Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, and Yan Diomande.
As such, another departure in January has become a possibility for the former Palmeiras prodigy if his situation remains unchanged.
There has been interest from AS Roma already, but Manchester United could also throw their hat in the ring.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid academy strategy pays off with €210m windfall and 34 Spain internationals – report
Real Madrid’s academy has been a huge success story in recent seasons, even if not many players have found a place in the first team.
Los Blancos have used Castilla as one of the main sources of revenue to fund their first team, and the value of the academy has continued to increase.
According to AS, Madrid generated €210 million from academy-related player operations during the summer.
Meanwhile, 34 players developed at the club have represented Spain across the different men’s national-team age groups during the current international period.
Valdebebas producing players at every level
That international presence stretches from the senior Spain squad, featuring academy products Ivan Fresneda, Victor Munoz and Fran Garcia, all the way down to the Under-16s.
The results at academy level have also been impressive, with Madrid securing the league, Champions Cup, Youth League and Intercontinental Cup.
Behind those results is a structure involving around 300 players, 50 coaches and 40 scouts, with academy director Manuel Fernandez overseeing the project.
The objective is not simply to build youth teams capable of winning trophies. Madrid want players with genuine elite potential.
Some, such as Raul Asencio and Thiago Pitarch, can eventually help the first team. Others can develop into valuable assets sought by clubs across Europe’s top leagues.
€210 million demonstrates the financial value
The financial pathway has become increasingly important.
Madrid’s €210 million return was driven by several major operations, including €60 million from Como for Nico Paz and €40 million from Fulham for Gonzalo Garcia.
Victor Munoz, Mario Gila, Alvaro Rodriguez, Alex Jimenez, Palacios and Jacobo were among the other academy products whose moves exceeded €10 million.
Crucially, most of that €210 million came from footballers who never held a permanent first-team squad place.
La Fabrica does not need every player to become a starter
The strongest argument for Madrid’s model is that an academy cannot realistically produce a first-team starter every season when the senior squad is already at such a high level.
Judging La Fabrica only by how many youngsters establish themselves at the Bernabeu therefore misses much of its value.
Madrid are creating several successful outcomes instead: first-team players, internationals and valuable footballers who generate significant transfer income.
Thirty-four Spain representatives and €210 million in one summer tell you that the proof is in the pudding.
Madrid will hope their academy can continue to be as productive in the coming years, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
