Endrick faces loan decision after Real Madrid signs Espi for €25m

Real Madrid has activated a €25 million release clause to secure Carlos Espi from Levante, a move that has directly intensified uncertainty around Endrick’s role at the Bernabéu. The 1.94-meter-tall forward signed a five-year contract binding him to the club until 2031.

Espi’s profile reshapes Madrid’s attacking hierarchy

Espi scored 13 goals in 27 appearances for Levante last season and brings a physical reference-point profile distinct from existing squad options. His arrival aligns with Jose Mourinho’s tactical shift toward a more direct, box-oriented forward presence — a role previously seen as open for Endrick following the potential departure of academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia.

Endrick returned to Madrid this summer after a six-month loan at Olympique Lyonnais, where he recorded eight goals and eight assists across 21 matches. His output averaged one goal contribution every 102 minutes — a performance intended to bolster his claim for regular first-team minutes alongside Kylian Mbappe.

Loan talks loom amid unresolved playing-time guarantees

Fichajes reports Endrick is now seriously evaluating his future during the current transfer window. His representatives are seeking urgent clarification from Real Madrid’s hierarchy regarding his expected involvement under Mourinho’s rigid system.

A meeting between the player’s entourage and the club’s sporting director is scheduled for the coming weeks. Its central objective is to determine precisely how many minutes Endrick will receive during the 2026–2027 season.

With several weeks remaining before the competitive campaign begins, Real Madrid retains time to reorganise its offensive structure. However, a definitive internal hierarchy must be established before kickoff. Should coaching staff decline to guarantee Endrick a relevant share of playing time, he is expected to formally request the club explore loan opportunities.