Brazilian Forward Endrick — Current Status and Reportedly Decision to Join Manchester United in January
Brazilian forward Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa — commonly known simply as Endrick — has found himself at the heart of swirling transfer-rumours as his future at Real Madrid comes under question. According to a recent report by SPORTbible, Endrick has reportedly decided on the kind of next move he wants, which carries significant implication for his links with Manchester United.
Here’s a deep dive into the story: who Endrick is, what his situation at Real Madrid looks like, the nature of Manchester United’s interest, the reported decision by Endrick, and what that all could mean moving forward.
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Background: Endrick at Real Madrid
Endrick, born 21 July 2006, emerged in Brazil and secured a big move to Real Madrid. He was heralded as one of the most exciting young prospects in world football and given the number 9 shirt at Real Madrid — a big sign of intent.
However, while his debut season showed promise — scoring in La Liga and the Champions League and being the youngest foreigner to score for Real Madrid in La Liga. — the 2025/26 season has been tougher. He has not yet made a competitive appearance and is competing with established stars in a stacked Real Madrid attack.
In short: high potential, yet limited opportunities at the moment.
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Manchester United’s interest
Amid his limited game-time, Endrick has been linked with a move — especially loan options — and Manchester United have surfaced as a possible destination. Some of the key points of United’s interest:
Multiple sources say United are “among a host of clubs” looking at Endrick in the January window.
Specifically, SPORTbible reported a possible swap deal between Real Madrid and Manchester United involving Endrick and United’s youngster Kobbie Mainoo.
United have needs in their forward line and are looking to bolster attacking options, which aligns with a hypothetical move for a young striker.
So the idea of Endrick moving to United (on loan or otherwise) is very much live in recent media coverage.
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Endrick’s reported decision: the twist
Here’s where the story gets interesting: according to SPORTbible, Endrick has made a decision about the next phase of his career — and it’s one that could rule out a move to Manchester United (or at least complicate it). The key points that report highlights:
Endrick is reportedly aiming to go out on loan rather than a permanent exit.
He and his representatives have set criteria for any next club: they must be in a top-five European league (Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1) or be one of the top three clubs in Portugal. Also, the club must participate in either the Champions League or Europa League.
Crucially, United do not meet those criteria at the moment: they failed to qualify for Europe, and therefore the “must be in Champions/Europa League” point becomes a stumbling block. SPORTbible says that means United have been “ruled out” for now from Endrick’s desired next step.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has stated publicly that Endrick is part of his plans and has not yet been considered for loan departure.
In essence: Endrick wants a loan move to a club where he plays regularly and competes at the top level. United, in their current situation, may not satisfy that ambition — at least in his view.
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Why this decision matters
There are a number of implications and reasons why Endrick’s criteria-based decision is worth analysing:
1. Playing time and development
The key driver appears to be Endrick’s own desire for more minutes. As a highly rated teenager, stuck behind older (and star) forwards, his development is at risk if he remains sidelined. Indeed, reports talk about the need for him to get regular game time to stay in contention for Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
If a move to United would see him not guarantee minutes (and possibly without European competition), it may stall his growth.
2. European competition prerequisite
The criteria of playing in a club that competes in Europe (Champions/Europa) is significant. It indicates that Endrick’s team choice is not just about game time but also about exposure, experience in high-level matches, and a platform to show his ability. A loan to a smaller club without European football may not meet his ambitions.
3. Impact on United’s pursuit
While United may still be interested, the reported decision means they might now need to match the criteria or risk being considered incompatible. That could mean United would have to secure European qualification (which they haven’t) or find a way to offer something that mimics that level of competition. Alternatively, United may need to look elsewhere or adjust expectations.
4. Real Madrid’s position
Real Madrid for their part appear reluctant to sell outright and may prefer a loan for Endrick so that he returns more experienced — or simply to maintain control of his development path. Alonso’s comments support that: “We’re not at that point yet” for loaning him out.
It suggests Real Madrid want to protect the asset, rather than risk losing him prematurely.
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Potential scenarios moving forward
Given all of the above, here are some of the plausible paths Endrick’s situation might take — and how Manchester United fit (or don’t) into them.
Loan to a top club in Europe: Endrick could secure a loan move to a club in one of the top five leagues that is also competing in Europe. In this case, he would have the platform and game time he reportedly wants. United would only fit if they returned to Europe or created a compelling package.
Stays at Real Madrid and fights for minutes: If the loan move doesn’t materialise (clubs meet criteria, Real Madrid agree), he may remain at Madrid and battle for minutes. That would be less ideal in the short-term for his ambitions, but remains viable given Real’s faith.
Permanent move (less likely for now): While not ruled out entirely, most sources suggest a loan is preferred. Real Madrid likely see him as long-term, and end of contract/transfer may not happen yet.
United pivot to alternative target: Given Endrick’s criteria and United’s current lack of European competition, United may decide to shift to another young forward who better suits their immediate situation — especially if they cannot guarantee Endrick the conditions he desires.
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My take: analytical assessment
From an analytical perspective, I believe Endrick’s decision is a clear statement of playing-strategy rather than just a negotiation tactic. For a 19-year-old with his profile, the need for consistent minutes and high-level exposure is paramount. The stipulation for a club in a major league and competing in Europe is smart: it ensures he doesn’t trade minutes for invisibility.
For Manchester United, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity:
Challenge: They must ask themselves whether they can offer Endrick the environment he demands. If United can return to European competition, and guarantee his integration, they might still be candidates. Without that, the mismatch may jeopardise the move.
Opportunity: The situation might pressure United to secure European qualification or accelerate youth-forward recruitment. It may also open the door for a creative deal (loan with purchase option, or swap) if Real Madrid are willing.
Real Madrid’s handling of the case also deserves praise: they are balancing a young asset’s development with squad competition and ambitions. By resisting a hasty sale and establishing criteria, they protect their investment while giving the player the respect and agency to choose his path.
From a strategic viewpoint, I’d posit that the players who thrive in modern football are those who combine opportunity, competition, and visibility — Endrick appears to be calibrating his next move accordingly.
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Conclusion
So, to summarise:
Endrick has reportedly set clear criteria for his next club: a top-five European league + European competition + regular playing time.
Because of those criteria, the move to Manchester United appears less likely, unless United can meet those demands. SPORTbible says United have been “ruled out” for now under his terms.
United remain interested, but may have to adapt their offer or wait for a situation that accommodates Endrick’s ambitions.
Real Madrid are open to loaning him but want to retain some control of his development.
In essence, while the idea of Endrick to Manchester United remains tantalising, the recent report frames the situation as one where the player is driving the narrative — and United must rise to the required level if they want to be considered a serious destination.
If you like, I can check the latest updates (beyond SPORTbible’s report) to see if there have been any official statements or other clubs now leading the race. Would you like me to do that?
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