Even a superb goal scored against Fiorentina in a friendly match should not be enough to dispel doubts surrounding Endrick’s future. According to La Gazzetta dello Sportthe Brazilian will be evaluated by José Mourinho over the coming days, but his profile would not completely correspond to the expectations of the new Real Madrid coach. The Portuguese technician is particularly looking for a more powerful center forward who is more capable of occupying the forefront of the attack alone, while Endrick remains a mobile player, capable of playing in the center as well as on the sides. Faced with competition from Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and new recruit Carlos Espi, the 20-year-old therefore risks seeing his playing time severely limited. A delicate situation for an element still in full progress, returning to Madrid after six convincing months under the colors of Olympique Lyonnais.
AS Roma intends to take advantage of this uncertainty, according to the transalpine press. Giallorossi sporting director Tony D’Amico recently traveled to Spain to assess the feasibility of an operation for Endrick, who has been followed for more than a month by the Italian club. Gian Piero Gasperini would particularly appreciate the versatility of the Brazilian, whom he considers capable of playing as a center forward but also on both wings. Despite its qualification for the Champions League, Roma has limited financial room for maneuver and therefore favors the loan formula. Real Madrid, for their part, would not completely close the door to a temporary departure in order to guarantee their young striker regular playing time.
An operation inspired by the Nico Paz model
Roma, however, do not want to just develop Endrick for a season before automatically returning him to Real Madrid. The Roman leaders would like to negotiate a loan accompanied by a purchase option, possibly with a clause allowing the Merengues to buy the player at a later date. A formula comparable to that used during the transfer of Nico Paz to Como, which would allow Roma to maintain a real sporting and financial perspective while leaving Real a certain control over the Brazilian’s future. The Madrid club has not yet given its agreement, but the lack of space in the squad could gradually change its position.
The file nevertheless remains particularly complicated. Recruited from Palmeiras for 47.5 million euros, Endrick is considered one of the greatest talents of his generation. His last experience at OL, concluded with five goals and seven assists in 16 appearances, confirmed his potential without guaranteeing him an important place in Madrid. AS Roma therefore remains on the lookout, ready to accelerate at the slightest sign of opening. For Endrick, a departure for Serie A could represent the opportunity to emerge from the shadow of Madrid’s stars and finally find the continuity essential to his development.
