Real Madrid already preparing to give up on one of their big transfers

When Real Madrid agreed to sign Endrick from Palmeiras in 2022 for a fee that could reach €60 million, the buzz around the teenage forward was deafening. He was viewed as the next great Brazilian attacking prospect — a player with blistering pace, sharp movement, and a mature scoring instinct well beyond his years.

But just months into his time in Europe, it appears Madrid may already be reconsidering their bet.

According to COPE’s Miguel Ángel Díaz, Endrick recently held a meeting in the United States with José Ángel Sánchez, Real Madrid’s powerful general director, to discuss the possibility of a departure from the club this summer.

This is not just noise. It’s a clear signal that Madrid are at least open to exploring short-term solutions, as concerns begin to mount inside the club regarding Endrick’s adaptation and long-term role in the first team.

A rocky start — but not without promise

To be clear, Endrick wasn’t a complete disappointment in his first months at the club. When he played — mostly in the Copa del Rey and cameo La Liga appearances — he showed sparks of the talent that made Madrid move quickly to sign him over European competition. He even scored a handful of goals that hinted at his ability to find space and finish under pressure.

But his lack of consistent minutes under Carlo Ancelotti was telling. The Italian coach, known for his caution with young players, didn’t trust Endrick in big moments. Behind the scenes, questions have emerged about his maturity and professionalism, especially under the intense spotlight of Real Madrid.

New manager Xabi Alonso, a tactician known for discipline and cohesion, reportedly has concerns about Endrick’s readiness to contribute at the required level.

Estevão Willian rising while Endrick stalls

What makes Endrick’s situation even more complicated is the rise of Estevão Willian, his former Palmeiras teammate. Also a teenager, Estevão is headed to Chelsea in a blockbuster deal — and some at Madrid reportedly believe they signed the wrong player from that generation.

Estevão is seen as more polished, more focused, and better equipped for the European game. Endrick, by contrast, may have been hyped too fast, forced into comparisons with elite players before he had fully developed.

A loan — not a sale — is the only sensible move

Despite the frustration, this is not the time for Madrid to give up on a player they spent so much on. Endrick remains one of the most talented forwards in his age group. What he needs is time, structure, and freedom to play. A loan to a team where he can get regular minutes in a less suffocating environment — like Borussia Dortmund or Bayer Leverkusen — could be the perfect next step.

Madrid have successfully used the Bundesliga as a developmental platform before. And in a worst-case scenario, a transfer with a buy-back clause, similar to the structure used with Nico Paz, would offer flexibility without full surrender.

Don’t write the ending just yet

Endrick’s start in Madrid hasn’t been ideal. But to write him off now would be to repeat the mistakes of clubs who gave up too early on players who just needed time. There is still something special in Endrick — Madrid just have to be wise enough to let it breathe.