Real Madrid's transfer plan for Endrick revealed as out-of-favour wonderkid eyes January exit

After joining from Palmeiras on a six-year deal in 2024, Endrick appeared in 22 La Liga matches and nine Champions League fixtures last season. He performed consistently in Madrid’s Copa del Rey journey, where his five goals in six games made him the competition’s breakout performer. But as the 2025–26 campaign unfolds under a new boss, Xabi Alonso, he has struggled to adapt to his new methods. While a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him during pre-season and the Club World Cup, he has failed to nail down a starting berth since his return.

Alonso has reduced him to a bench-warmer, as he has found himself among the substitutes seven times in a row, without even a late cameo. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club’s plan is straightforward and involves a January loan deal only, with “no intention” of selling Endrick permanently. The aim is to get him regular football, which would rebuild his confidence and help his chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

According to Sky Germany, Madrid now view January as the perfect moment for a reset, and a loan move to Germany is being seriously discussed. Madrid’s record with German loans is a mixed bag; Achraf Hakimi’s spell at Borussia Dortmund remains the gold standard. Two years of consistent game time with the Black and Yellows turned him into one of Europe’s finest wing-backs. Meanwhile, James Rodriguez also thrived at Bayern Munich. But then there were the disasters, as Reinier barely featured during his Dortmund stint, and Luka Jovic also failed to rekindle his earlier magic back at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Endrick’s representatives have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of conditions that should be satisfied before a loan is sanctioned. It has been mentioned that the striker will only accept a move to one of Europe’s top-five leagues: England, Spain, Germany, Italy, or France. And only to clubs competing in continental tournaments. Portuguese giants Benfica, Sporting CP, and Porto have emerged as alternative options if top-five league moves fall through.

With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo leading the line, opportunities are limited. Madrid boss Alonso addressed the situation head-on during an interview with TNT Sports Brasil, offering a mixture of empathy and firmness.

He said: "It's clear everyone wants to play. And a young player even more so. Given the context, we want to compete right now, and it's difficult depending on the match. He has to be patient, be prepared, and know that he's at Real Madrid. His time will come."

According to the Manchester Evening News, several Premier League sides are also weighing up a January move. Manchester United, West Ham, Brighton, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are among them. In France, Marseille view him as an ideal short-term replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Amine Gouiri, both of whom will depart for the Africa Cup of Nations early next year. Meanwhile, in Italy, Juventus have entered the race, exploring a loan-to-buy arrangement as they look to rejuvenate their forward line.

Madrid’s short-term focus remains the upcoming Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, but behind the scenes, Endrick’s future is a ticking clock. Alonso’s side are unlikely to risk him in such a high-stakes fixture, which means another bench-warming role awaits the youngster. If all goes according to plan, Endrick will be packing his bags in early January, with his destination likely Germany, though England and Italy remain strong contenders.