Zero minutes under Alonso, new chance in London?

While Endrick was busting nets in his homeland, the football public saw him as the next big thing coming from Brazil. European giants were fighting for his allegiance, and Real Madrid ultimately emerged victorious from that battle, bringing the forward from Palmeiras for €47.5 million. The transfer went through on Endrick's 18th birthday, July 21, 2024, and the Brazilian signed a six-year deal with Los Blancos.

In his maiden season at Santiago Bernabeu, the youngster made 37 appearances, mainly from the bench, and clocked around 22 minutes per game on average. Still, he scored seven goals (five in Copa del Rey, though) and occasionally showed his immense talent.

Why is Endrick still on the bench?

Nevertheless, from this perspective, the spell under Carlo Ancelotti was as glorious as it gets. Moreover, now he can only dream about past times, as he has yet to play a single second on the pitch under Xabi Alonso's command!

When Luka Modric left Madrid, Kylian Mbappe took his #10. Endrick and Gonzalo Garcia were candidates to inherit the Frenchman's #9, and the Brazilian got the honour. Yet, it didn't help him at all!

The 19-year-old was sidelined due to a thigh injury from mid-August until mid-September, but since his return, he has been benched in five matches and out of the squad in one.

Hence, his situation is quite clear. When you clock zero minutes in the opening two months of the season, it's an evident sign that you're not wanted. So, Endrick's loan move next January is the most probable scenario.

And the interested parties are various - from the two La Liga sides, Real Sociedad and Valencia, to the Premier League's West Ham. The Hammers will probably be in for a fierce relegation battle, but the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo gives confidence in better future times at London Stadium.

Now, it would be easier for the player to stay in Spain, but the EPL has always been an intriguing challenge. Either way, Madrid won't include a buyout clause in a loan deal, as they haven't given up on the prospect for whom they splurged almost €50 million.