Real Madrid News
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.
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.
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.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
