Endrick’s future at Real Madrid has suddenly become one of the biggest questions of the club’s preseason. The Brazilian returned from the World Cup early to fight for his place, but José Mourinho’s decision to add Carlos Espí has created another major obstacle in the forward line.
According to MARCA, Espí was specifically requested by Mourinho because the Portuguese coach wanted a tall, physical center forward. That preference could leave Endrick facing another departure only weeks after returning from his loan spell at Lyon.
Endrick’s Future at Real Madrid Changes After Espí Signing
Endrick appeared to receive an opening when Gonzalo García moved closer to joining Fulham. With Gonzalo expected to leave, the 20-year-old Brazilian had a clearer opportunity to establish himself as Kylian Mbappé’s main alternative at center forward.
That opening did not last long.
Real Madrid moved quickly for Espí, reportedly triggering the Levante striker’s €25 million release clause and handing him a contract through 2031. At 6-foot-4, the Spaniard offers the type of penalty-area presence Mourinho wanted to add to his attack.
The tactical profile matters as much as the transfer fee. Espí is not simply another young attacker being added for the future. MARCA reports that Mourinho personally asked for a powerful reference point capable of occupying central defenders and giving Madrid a different route in difficult matches.
That makes Espí a more natural competitor for the backup No. 9 role behind Mbappé. Endrick is explosive, aggressive and capable of producing goals from limited touches, but he does not provide the same height or traditional target-man qualities.
Mourinho previously used a similar solution when Emmanuel Adebayor joined Madrid during his first spell at the club. The names, ages and circumstances are different, but the idea is familiar: add a physically imposing striker who can change the shape of an attack.
Carlos Espí Immediately Enters Mourinho’s Plans
There has been little delay in integrating Espí.
The former Levante forward trained with his new teammates at Valdebebas on Friday and was included alongside Endrick in the squad for Real Madrid’s preseason friendly against Fiorentina. His rapid involvement suggests that Mourinho wants to assess him immediately rather than treat the signing as a long-term development project.
That first friendly could provide an early indication of the attacking hierarchy. Preseason lineups should never be treated as final decisions, especially when players are returning at different stages after an international tournament. Still, the distribution of minutes will be closely watched.
Endrick now needs to make an impression quickly.
The Brazilian reportedly shortened his vacation after the World Cup because he wanted to compete for a place. Instead, he has returned to find a new signing whose attributes align closely with Mourinho’s request.
That does not mean Endrick has already been discarded. It does mean the margin for a quiet preseason has become extremely small.
The Right Wing May Not Offer an Escape Route
Playing away from center forward could have provided another solution for Endrick.
During his six-month loan at Lyon, the Brazilian was used mainly from the right side, according to MARCA. That role gave him opportunities to attack space, move inside onto his stronger foot and participate without carrying all the responsibilities of a traditional No. 9.
Real Madrid’s current squad construction makes that option difficult as well.
MARCA points to the expected arrival of Yan Diomande, Brahim Díaz’s role as an attacking substitute, Rodrygo’s eventual return and the possibility of Federico Valverde being used on the right. Mourinho therefore has several alternatives for that area before he even considers adapting Endrick to the position.
The problem is not necessarily that Endrick lacks the ability to play on the wing. It is that Madrid appear to be building specialized competition in each attacking role.
Espí offers the physical center-forward profile. The wide positions have players with greater experience or more natural one-on-one qualities. Mbappé remains the leading option through the middle.
Endrick risks becoming a talented player without an obvious place in Mourinho’s preferred structure.
A Second Loan Cannot Be Ruled Out
Real Madrid officially sent Endrick to Lyon in December 2025 on a loan running through June 30, 2026. The move was designed to give him the regular playing time that had become difficult to find in Madrid.
Another temporary move could return to the table if his situation does not improve during preseason.
A loan would not necessarily represent a loss of faith. Endrick only turned 20 on July 21, and Real Madrid’s official figures credit him with seven goals in 40 appearances across his first two seasons with the club. Those numbers show both his finishing potential and the limited rhythm available to him in a squad built to win immediately.
The decisive issue is development.
A young forward can benefit from training with elite players, but there is a limit to what can be gained without competitive minutes. Endrick has already experienced a season in which his pathway narrowed, and returning to a similar role could slow the progress he made in France.
A permanent sale would be a much more significant decision and should not be presented as inevitable. MARCA’s report describes Endrick as being close to another exit, but preseason remains ahead and Mourinho has not publicly delivered a final verdict.
For now, the pressure is on the player to change the conversation on the field.
What This Means for Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s decision reflects a clear attempt to give Mourinho different attacking tools.
Mbappé supplies elite movement, speed and finishing. Espí offers height and a more direct focal point. The wide positions are being filled with players who can stretch defenses or create advantages in isolation.
From a squad-building perspective, that variety is logical. From Endrick’s perspective, it creates an uncomfortable reality.
He may be competing not only against another striker, but against Mourinho’s preferred tactical profile. Overcoming that requires more than scoring in a friendly. Endrick must show that his movement, intensity and ability to attack space can offer something the other forwards cannot.
His youth remains an important advantage. Real Madrid still have time to protect their investment and choose a development plan without making a rushed permanent decision.
The challenge is finding a solution that serves both the team’s immediate ambitions and the player’s long-term growth.
Supporters following this battle should also watch how Mourinho divides minutes between Mbappé, Espí and Endrick, because those preseason choices may reveal more than any transfer rumor about the new attacking hierarchy.
What Happens Next?
Endrick and Espí are both available for the Fiorentina friendly, giving Mourinho his first opportunity to evaluate the two forwards in the same match environment. MARCA reports that Endrick will receive preseason minutes and therefore still has a chance to reopen a debate that currently appears to be moving against him.
A strong performance would not immediately settle his status, but it could remind Mourinho why Madrid invested so heavily in his potential. A quiet preseason, combined with limited opportunities in the center and on the right, would strengthen the case for another move.
Endrick’s future at Real Madrid is not settled, but the arrival of Carlos Espí has made the situation far more urgent. The Brazilian came back determined to earn his place; now he may need an exceptional preseason simply to keep the door open.
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