Southampton, struggling at the foot of the Premier League table, have reportedly made a surprising enquiry about signing Real Madrid’s Brazilian sensation, Endrick, on loan.
According to reports from Spain, the Saints are keen to offer the 18-year-old forward an escape route from his limited playing time at the Santiago Bernabéu, in the hope that a January move could help revitalize their ailing season.
Endrick’s high-profile move to Real Madrid this summer, completed on his 18th birthday, came with great fanfare. The €40 million deal raised expectations for the young forward, who was seen as a key part of Madrid’s future. However, his integration into the first team has not gone according to plan, with the teenager struggling to secure minutes under manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Despite the massive investment in his potential, Endrick has played a secondary role in a Madrid attack that also features some of the world’s best talent, including Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo. Ancelotti has yet to hand the Brazilian a La Liga start, and Endrick’s only appearance in the starting XI came in a 1-0 defeat to Lille in the Champions League. As a result, the young forward’s game time has been minimal, with 18 Real Madrid players having racked up more minutes than Endrick so far this season.
The limited playing time has raised questions about Endrick’s development and whether his continued presence at the club is in his best interests. While Real Madrid’s front line is undoubtedly one of the most star-studded in Europe, Endrick’s lack of involvement has led to speculation about his future. Several clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation, with Southampton emerging as an unlikely suitor for the highly-rated forward.
The Saints, who have endured a difficult start to their Premier League campaign, currently sit at the bottom of the league, having scored just seven goals in 11 matches—the lowest in the division. Southampton’s manager, Russell Martin, has rotated between various attacking options, including Cameron Archer, Adam Armstrong, and Ben Brereton Diaz, but has yet to find a reliable goal scorer. With their attacking struggles well-documented, Southampton could see Endrick as a potential solution to their goal-scoring woes.
Despite his lack of game time at Madrid, Endrick has shown glimpses of his talent, scoring twice in his limited appearances for the Spanish giants this season. His technical ability, speed, and potential have not gone unnoticed, and a loan move could provide him with the opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience, something he has not been able to secure at Madrid so far.
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In addition to Southampton, other clubs are reportedly interested in securing Endrick’s services on loan. La Liga’s Real Valladolid and Serie A side Roma are both believed to be monitoring the situation. However, it is Roma that is seen as the most likely destination for the young forward. The Italian club, currently in a state of managerial turmoil following the return of Claudio Ranieri, has struggled for consistent attacking output, despite spending £26 million on Artem Dovbyk, the top scorer in La Liga last season. However, Dovbyk has yet to make an impact in Serie A, scoring just four league goals so far.
Despite interest from other clubs, Endrick’s priority has always been to remain in Madrid and fight for a place in Ancelotti’s starting XI. Reports from last month suggested that the young forward had decided to stay in Spain over the winter window, determined to prove his worth to his manager. However, his situation took another hit when he was dropped from Brazil’s squad for the November international break, with manager Dorival Junior citing his lack of playing time as the primary reason for his exclusion.
If Endrick continues to be overlooked by Ancelotti, a loan move away from Madrid may become inevitable. Given the fierce competition for places in the Madrid attack, Endrick may have little choice but to seek regular football elsewhere to further his development. A move to the Premier League’s bottom side, Southampton, may raise eyebrows, but the opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience could be exactly what Endrick needs to kickstart his career.
While a loan move to Southampton would represent a dramatic change in fortune for the Brazilian, it could also be a chance for the forward to prove himself on a bigger stage. The Premier League, despite its struggles, offers a higher level of competition and exposure, and Southampton’s dire need for goals could provide Endrick with the minutes and responsibility he craves.
As the January transfer window approaches, the future of Endrick will be closely watched by fans, pundits, and rival clubs alike. Whether he remains at Real Madrid to fight for his place or moves to Southampton—or another destination—his next career decision will be a pivotal moment in his development. One thing is for certain: the Brazilian forward’s talent is undeniable, and a loan move could provide the perfect opportunity for him to showcase it.
