Real Madrid News
Report: Real Madrid close exit door even as 20-year-old frustrated forward considers future
Real Madrid have one of the most enviable attacking rosters in world football, with world-class starters and quality depth players.
Jose Mourinho has Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Yan Diomande as his starters, with Carlos Espi, Rodrygo, Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz and Endrick providing depth.
Now, according to journalist Miguel Serrano on Defensa Central, Endrick is having doubts about his future at the Spanish club.
The increased competition in Jose’s attack is leaving the Brazilian concerned about how much football he will actually play this season.
New signings complicate Endrick’s position
Serrano has revealed that Endrick and his representatives have explored the possibility of leaving Madrid before the transfer window closes.
Los Blancos, however, have rejected that idea unless an irresistible offer arrives.
Endrick had opportunities as a starting striker during pre-season, particularly because Carlos Espi joined the squad later.
However, the Spaniard is now viewed as the alternative option through the middle when Mourinho wants a traditional, penalty-box alternative to Mbappe.
Endrick, unfortunately, is not that and will not be able to offer what Espi can, complicating his route to minutes.
“Espí’s signing, along with the signing of Diomande, made him realise that he was going to spend another year warming the bench and getting very few minutes,” said Serrano.
Diomande’s arrival creates another problem. The 20-year-old had also hoped to earn minutes from the right, but the marquee signing effectively shuts that door.
Serrano claims that all these factors have prompted Endrick to fear another campaign with limited playing time at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“That’s why he and his agents activated the option of the player leaving Real Madrid again,” he added.
Jose Mourinho wants Endrick to stay
Serrano claims Mourinho wants his entire squad available until at least January, while Madrid do not expect the kind of enormous offer that could convince them to reconsider Endrick’s situation in these final days of the window.
The forward is also recovering from a minor muscular problem that has kept him sidelined for the past couple of weeks, although he is close to returning.
Madrid’s position is understandable. Endrick remains a highly rated young asset, and allowing him to leave simply because competition has increased would be a significant decision.
However, the player’s concerns are equally valid. At his age, development requires meaningful minutes rather than simply occupying another place on a star-studded bench.
If he decides to leave and Madrid agree, there is no shortage of interest in the South American youngster, but it does look like he will have to wait until at least January before that becomes a possibility.
Until then, the 20-year-old will hope to make the most of the minutes Mourinho gives him, and it remains to be seen what kind of role he plays for the Portuguese tactician this season.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid urged to move for Spanish midfielder who can fill Rodri void: ‘Wouldn’t hesitate to sign him’
Real Madrid may have strengthened significantly this summer, but one profile remains missing from Jose Mourinho’s squad.
For all the money they have spent this summer, Mourinho’s squad lacks a midfielder capable of controlling matches from the base.
The club had been on track to sign Rodri from Manchester City, but the Spaniard eventually chose to move to Barcelona.
Now, according to Defensa Central, former Los Blancos player Alvaro Benito believes Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi would provide that exact quality.
Zubimendi seen as missing piece
Benito’s argument is not based on spectacular individual numbers. Instead, he believes Zubimendi improves the collective through his positioning, intelligence and use of the ball.
The Spain international also brings competitiveness and strength in duels, qualities that would naturally appeal to Mourinho.
Madrid already possess considerable midfield talent. Federico Valverde provides energy, Jude Bellingham can dominate further forward and Aurelien Tchouameni offers physical presence and defensive security.
However, Zubimendi represents a different type of midfielder, someone whose biggest contribution can be to give structure to everybody else.
Benito views Zubimendi as perhaps the closest available alternative to the former Manchester City midfielder.
“If you can get your hands on him and he’s to Mourinho’s and the club’s liking… I wouldn’t hesitate to sign him. Zubimendi makes those around him better,” said the former midfielder
A move remains highly unlikely
Despite that endorsement, there is currently little indication Madrid will make a late attempt to sign the Arsenal star.
The report says the club consider their squad effectively closed, with figures at Valdebebas not expecting further arrivals or departures before the transfer deadline.
Even the Gunners have closed the door on a departure for the 27-year-old midfielder this transfer window.
Benito nevertheless believes Madrid should consider the operation if Zubimendi becomes attainable and Mourinho approves the signing.
However, even if not this summer, the young Spaniard is definitely a player Los Blancos should continue to track in the coming months.
Not moving for him this summer does not necessarily mean the door is closed in the future. Zubimendi would always improve this Madrid midfield.
This could be the kind of transfer saga that keeps presenting itself every transfer window going forward, and it remains to be seen how Zubimendi fares at the Emirates this season.
