Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran superstar becomes part-owner of French club Le Mans FC
In an interesting update, AS reports that Real Madrid veteran Thibaut Courtois, through his investment fund, has become a shareholder in Le Mans, a Ligue 2 club in France.
Le Mans, currently fifth in Ligue 2, announced a significant internal restructuring earlier today. The Brazilian investment fund Outfield, which entered in the summer as an investor, has become the majority shareholder.
Prominent sports figures such as Novak Djokovic and Felipe Massa, as well as former Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen, became shareholders in the club.
Meanwhile, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, through his investment company NxtPlay, has contributed capital to join the project, thus becoming a part-owner of the French outfit.
Courtois has been attracted by the strong work being carried out by a team with great history in French football and which had to descend into serious difficulties years ago due to its substantial debts.
Things, though, have been looking up for the club over the past year or so. Last season, in National, the third division of French football, the team was at one point in 15th place.
An extraordinary end to the season secured their return to the second division of French football, where they are currently fifth after putting together a run of 20 consecutive matches without defeat and reaching the Round of 16 of the Coupe de France.
There has been a growing trend in footballers investing into football clubs, with Real Madrid superstars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. being part owners of SM Caen in France and Alverca SC in Portugal, respectively.
Now, Courtois, too, has joined the list, with his investment in Le Mans.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
