Manchester United made moves to sign Endrick from Real Madrid before Jose Mourinho made it clear he was part of his plans moving forward. The Brazilian star, who scored the winner to down England at Wembley only two years ago, has endured a difficult start to life at the Bernabeu, so much so that he headed out on loan last term, playing for Lyon in a bid to rediscover his form.
Endrick's loan spell and interest from Premier League clubs
Endrick has now returned to the Spanish capital after scoring eight times in 21 outings during his time in Ligue 1. Loan offers continue to come in for the 20-year-old with United among those making their interest known. Fellow Premier League side Aston Villa, and Serie A giants Roma were also keen, but Mourinho has stepped in and, according to AS, made it clear to Endrick that he will play an important role for Los Blancos over the coming season.
It all but ends any hopes United would've had of signing the ex-Palmeiras sensation. Their interest comes as something of a surprise given the depth they have in the final third. They've just welcomed Marcus Rashford back from his loan spell away and he comes into a team that already includes Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo.
United's priorities and Mourinho's plans
United's summer has focused on bolstering their midfield, they would also welcome an addition at left-back, but investing in their frontline has not been seen as a priority. Mourinho, who is back at Real for a second stint more than a decade after leaving, sees Endrick as someone he can use as an out-and-out striker as well an option on the right wing. The Brazilian was used in those positions during his loan spell at Lyon.
Los Blancos will be keen to get value from Endrick given the investment they made in him, when he was nothing more than potential. They landed him in July 2024 after he turned 18 and paid an initial €35million (£29.9m), with potential add-ons totalling €25m (£21.3m). He was included in the 26-man Brazil squad for the World Cup by Carlo Ancelotti, who signed him when he was in charge at Real. The attacker appeared in all but one of the team’s games at the tournament.
Real Madrid's summer business and La Liga opener
Mourinho and Madrid haven't wasted time in improving their squad this summer with Yan Diomande, the £120m signing from RB Leipzig, their marquee arrival. They begin their La Liga campaign against Espanyol on August 22.
