Explained: Why Real Madrid are delaying giving Endrick the iconic No. 9 shirt

As per reports by AS in Spain, Real Madrid must make a decision within the next two weeks. New signing Franco Mastantuono will be presented at the Bernabeu on August 14 or 15 according to the report and must have been assigned a shirt number by then. If Endrick is not given the 9, Mastantuono is expected to take it instead.

The decision surrounds Endrick's future at the club, which is not yet secure due to a lack of playing time last season and with the World Cup approaching next summer - though the player wants to stay.

Real Madrid customs dictate that numbers 1 through to 24 must be taken before larger numbers are given out, meaning that leaving the No.9 unassigned for this season is not an option. Kylian Mbappe wore it last year but has since chosen to take the departed Luka Modric's No.10, meaning the option for Endrick to switch from No.16 to his preferred No.9 has opened up. All other numbers are currently assigned.

Endrick arrived at Los Blancos with a huge reputation but struggled to make his mark on the side, scoring just seven goals in all competitions with just three La Liga starts to his name. But the potential the 19-year-old has is undeniable, hence why a big decision about his future awaits.

If it is announced that Endrick will be Madrid's new No.9, that will surely act as both club and player committing his future to the Spanish capital. For the club's new recipient of such a significant number to depart shortly after would be a PR nightmare and so the expectation would be for Endrick to fight for his place in the side next season, with other stars such as Gonzalo Garcia, Mastantuono and Premier League-linked Rodrygo competing for minutes in Los Blancos' forward line.