La Liga
Endrick’s path becomes less certain after Diomande arrival
Endrick’s future looks unsettled after Diomande’s arrival strengthens Real Madrid’s attack.
Real Madrid’s summer business has placed Endrick in a more awkward position than before, with the arrival of Yan Diomande reshaping the attacking picture. The 19-year-old has come in as the headline signing of the window and is expected to go straight into José Mourinho’s first team for the 2026-27 season, most likely on the right wing.
Diomande is capable of playing on either side, but a route into the left-sided role looks blocked by Vinícius Jr, who has recently agreed a new six-year deal. The right flank had already been identified as an area for reinforcement, especially after the ACL injury Rodrygo suffered in the spring, but the new arrival now adds further pressure to the squad balance.
That has direct consequences for Endrick, who has only just returned to the club. The 20-year-old Brazil international has found first-team chances difficult to secure since arriving with significant attention in the summer of 2024, and he spent the second half of last season on loan with Lyon.
His spell there was productive. In 21 appearances across six months, he scored eight goals and provided eight assists, form that helped earn him a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer. He then shortened his holiday to join preseason training early, hoping to make an impression on Mourinho. He did exactly that by scoring the opening goal in Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Fiorentina, standing out while several senior players remained away after the World Cup.
Even so, the latest transfer activity makes regular minutes look far from guaranteed once competitive matches begin. Diomande now occupies one wide role, Brahim Díaz and Rodrygo are also among the options when available, and Carlos Espí has been signed as a ‘plan B’ choice for Kylian Mbappé in central attack.
Reports now suggest another loan is possible. “The possibility for Endrick to consider a loan move in the final weeks of the window is something we cannot exclude,” Fabrizio Romano revealed.
AS Roma have been linked, while Ramón Álvarez de Mon says Premier League options are being explored. Mundo Deportivo add that Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Real Betis have all asked about a loan, with Endrick said to want to play in Europe.
