Liverpool has reportedly contacted Real Madrid concerning the potential signing of forward Endrick. This development comes as Liverpool seeks to strengthen its attacking options, with manager Andoni Iraola currently having Alexander Isak as the sole striker available while Hugo Ekitike recovers from a ruptured Achilles injury.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool explored the possibility of acquiring Endrick either on a loan deal with a buy option clause or through a permanent transfer with a significant proposal. However, Real Madrid, specifically president Florentino Perez and coach Jose Mourinho, have decided to retain the Brazilian striker.
Real Madrid’s Stance on Endrick
Fabrizio Romano indicated that Real Madrid has consistently rejected approaches for Endrick. Italian clubs Roma and AC Milan reportedly contacted agents to assess negotiation room for a loan deal. Additionally, Aston Villa made an inquiry two weeks prior to Liverpool‘s call. In all these instances, Real Madrid‘s response has been a firm refusal, with no doors open for Endrick‘s departure.
Jose Mourinho, the head coach for Real Madrid, has a history with Liverpool from his previous managerial roles at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur. Despite increased competition in the forward line following the signing of Yan Diomande, Endrick is reportedly keen to remain with Real Madrid after participating in training this summer. Mourinho is said to view the player as a versatile attacking asset.
Both Mourinho and Endrick have reportedly turned down offers from Aston Villa and Roma in recent weeks. Endrick spent the latter half of last season on loan at Lyon and has since featured under Mourinho during pre-season this month. He started and scored in his initial summer outing against Fiorentina and also featured in friendlies against Deportivo La Coruna and Ferencvaros.
Liverpool’s Broader Transfer Strategy
Beyond the interest in Endrick, Liverpool is actively pursuing other attacking targets. The club aims to sign two new wingers before the summer transfer window closes. PSG’s Bradley Barcola remains a primary target, with personal terms reportedly agreed upon for some time.
Initially, Barcola’s teammate, Ibrahim Mbaye, was considered a second winger target, and he too had agreed personal terms with Liverpool. However, PSG’s reported valuation of €70m has reportedly deterred Liverpool, who prefer not to exceed €50m for that transfer. This situation has led Liverpool’s owners, FSG, to explore other options.
Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh is now reportedly the player Liverpool desires alongside Barcola. Liverpool has submitted two bids for Minteh, with the latest totalling £60m. While Brighton has maintained its stance, sources suggest that a third bid, estimated to be around £65m-£70m, could secure the transfer, especially since Minteh has reportedly agreed personal terms with Liverpool.
Other players identified as potential options earlier in the summer included Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Said El Mala. Liverpool also held exploratory talks for Magnhes Akilouche, who has since joined PSG, where Liverpool has been in discussions for several weeks regarding Bradley Barcola. PSG is reportedly seeking £140m for the France international, who has privately expressed a desire to join Liverpool.
Yan Diomande, another player Liverpool was willing to spend on, ultimately chose Real Madrid over Merseyside. Diomande has highlighted Jose Mourinho’s personal involvement in his signing, noting that Mourinho spoke with him early in the morning. Diomande made his non-competitive debut in Endrick’s absence, replacing Brahim Diaz for the final half-hour of a match.
Source: football365.com
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