Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has definitively shut down any prospect of Brazilian forward Endrick leaving the club this summer, thwarting interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United.
The 20-year-old Brazil international, who was included in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad, had been a target for several top European clubs. However, Mourinho, now at the helm in Madrid, has made it clear Endrick is central to his plans.
“I didn’t want to loan him out or sell him because I enjoy working with this young player who possesses significant talent,” Mourinho stated at a press conference regarding Endrick’s future, as reported by El Desmarque. This firm stance contradicts earlier reports from Spanish outlet AS, which suggested Real Madrid had been open to allowing Endrick to depart earlier in August.
Premier League clubs miss out on young talent
The decision comes as a blow to clubs like Liverpool, who, according to The Times last week, had identified Endrick as a primary target should they fail to secure Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh. Manchester United and Aston Villa were also credited with an interest in the highly-rated forward. Endrick himself was reportedly keen on joining a club where he could operate as a central striker and continue playing in the Champions League.
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Endrick spent the second half of last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Lyon, gaining valuable first-team experience. His pre-season with Real Madrid has been hampered by a muscle tendon issue, which saw him miss the club’s opening 2-1 La Liga victory away at Espanyol.
Mourinho, however, downplayed the severity of the injury. “I don’t know the specific [injury] issue. There is some tendonitis. It’s a matter of prevention rather than a major problem,” he explained, also via El Desmarque.
Mourinho’s transfer window stance
The Portuguese manager’s determination to retain Endrick might also be influenced by Real Madrid’s recent transfer market frustrations. The club notably missed out on Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who opted to join rivals Barcelona instead. Spanish outlet SPORT claimed Mourinho ‘couldn’t believe it’ when informed of Rodri’s decision.
Despite the ongoing transfer window, Mourinho appears content with his squad. “For me the squad is closed. But the market is still open. You never know if a player will come and say, ‘I’ve been benched twice and I want to leave’. In theory, no. But something could always happen. In my head, the squad is closed, and I have not asked for anyone. I am very happy with the players I have,” Mourinho commented on the club’s transfer activity.
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With Endrick now confirmed to be staying, Mourinho clearly views the young Brazilian as a vital component of his plans, signaling a commitment to developing the talent already at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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