Real Madrid continues planning its squad for next season. This Club World Cup is allowing Xabi Alonso to make decisions that he probably wouldn't have made until preseason. There have been notable surprises, especially regarding Gonzalo, who is currently the top scorer with four goals in five matches.
Pedrerol discovers a surprise exit
Josep Pedrerol surprised everyone on the show El Chiringuito after the victory against Dortmund. The Catalan host announced that Real Madrid is looking for a way out for Endrick. He will soon turn 19, and the youth player's breakthrough could make it difficult for him to get the minutes he needs at his age.
His collaborator, Marcos Benito, who is well connected to Endrick's circle, spoke about this topic: "He's not going out on loan or being transferred. That's what those close to the player tell me. He's only focused on recovering from his injury and playing again."
Responding to Benito's words, Josep Pedrerol couldn't have been clearer: "Even though Gonzalo García is a starter and scores goals, they're telling you that Endrick doesn't want to leave. Real Madrid is considering finding him a way out."
Endrick: Future in doubt
Endrick arrived at Real Madrid as one of the most promising signings in Brazilian soccer, but his first season in Europe hasn't been easy. About to turn 19, the forward has only accumulated 847 minutes across 37 matches... a record that shows how difficult it has been for him to adapt to the pace and demands of the white team.
Real Madrid doesn't want to rush with one of its biggest bets for the future, but it's also aware that Endrick needs minutes to develop. A loan move, preferably to a LaLiga team, would allow him to continue his development without losing control of his progress.
It's necessary for the Brazilian to get minutes while feeling important. In Spain, there are multiple teams interested in taking him on loan. What Real Madrid is clear about is that it wouldn't negotiate his transfer, only a loan so he can get playing time and experience. In the year before the World Cup, Endrick needs to play, and it seems that Xabi Alonso still doesn't trust him.
It remains to be seen what will happen, but Josep Pedrerol has already made his point. Endrick looks set to leave: there's time ahead and he won't be short of offers.