The 19-year-old striker Endrick will not return to Palmeiras in 2026, despite fans’ expectations. After losing space at Real Madrid, he plans a loan to another European club in January 2026, aiming for the World Cup. The move seeks to regain playing time and secure a spot in the Brazilian National Team. According to reports, a return to Brazil is not in the player’s or his staff’s plans.
Douglas Sousa, Endrick’s father, stated that a Palmeiras return would require a solid project, but the priority is staying in Europe. Several European clubs have shown interest in the young player. The decision reflects a strategy to maintain visibility in international football. Real Madrid supports the move, aiming for the development of their number 9.
- Loan goal: secure playing time for the 2026 World Cup.
- Interested clubs: teams from England and Italy are monitoring the player.
- Brazilian National Team: recent absences from call-ups prompted the change.
Future in Europe
Endrick, a Palmeiras academy product, shone in the Copa del Rey during his first season at Real Madrid. However, Xabi Alonso’s arrival as coach limited his opportunities in La Liga.
The player has not featured in the current Spanish league season, impacting his national team call-ups. The loan aims to reverse this, focusing on high-level competitions.
Strategy for 2026
Endrick’s planning centers on the 2026 World Cup, hosted in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Without games at Real Madrid, he lost his spot in Dorival Júnior’s squad.
A loan to another European club is seen as essential to regain form. The January transfer window will be crucial in defining his next destination.
Clubs like Chelsea and Italian teams have already inquired about the player, per sources. The choice of the next club will be strategic for minutes and visibility.
Palmeiras’ hopes dashed
Palmeiras fans hoped for Endrick’s return in 2026. The player, developed in the club’s youth system, left a lasting impression before his 2024 transfer.
However, his staff ruled out any possibility of a Brazil return at this moment. The focus is on consolidating his career in Europe’s competitive market.
Vitor Roque shines
While Endrick plans his future, Vitor Roque remains a key player for Palmeiras. The young striker, also coveted by European clubs, will stay with the team for the season.
Coach Abel Ferreira counts on Roque for the Libertadores semifinal against LDU, scheduled for Thursday (23) in Quito. Palmeiras aims to keep him to strengthen the squad.
Focus on European football
Endrick left Palmeiras in 2024 after emerging as one of Brazil’s biggest prospects. His time at Real Madrid, though promising, faced challenges due to limited minutes. The loan decision reflects careful planning for his career, with English and Italian clubs already in contact. His destination remains undecided, but staying in Europe is critical for his Brazilian National Team and 2026 World Cup ambitions.
Palmeiras eyes Libertadores
Palmeiras, meanwhile, focuses on the Libertadores, with Vitor Roque as a starter. The team faces LDU aiming for a spot in the continental final.
Endrick, though distant, remains followed by Palmeiras fans, who hold onto hopes of a future return. For now, the striker prioritizes his career in Europe.