Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has provided a measured update on the future of teenage Brazilian striker Endrick Felipe, whose role at the club has come under scrutiny following the emergence of 21-year-old academy product Gonzalo Garcia during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s quarterfinal clash against Borussia Dortmund on July 5, 2025, Alonso remained non-committal but expressed confidence in both players, despite speculation that Garcia’s stellar performances could push Endrick out of the squad. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, incorporating the latest reports and sentiment surrounding the young forwards.
Alonso’s Update on Endrick
Alonso addressed Endrick’s status, saying, “I’m counting on all three of them [Endrick, Garcia, and others]. Endrick is recovering, but of course we’re counting on him.” He emphasized that no final decisions on squad roles would be made until after the Club World Cup, with Real Madrid’s focus currently on advancing in the tournament. Endrick, who joined from Palmeiras for €72 million in July 2024, has been sidelined for the entire Club World Cup due to a hamstring injury sustained in May 2025, missing a critical opportunity to impress his new manager. Despite this, Endrick traveled to Miami to join the squad, seeking clarity on his future, and met with club CEO José Ángel Sánchez and chief scout Juni Calafat. His limited first-season output—seven goals in 847 minutes, with only three La Liga starts—has fueled exit rumors, particularly with interest from Serie A clubs and a loan move suggested by Real Madrid legend Fernando Morientes to prioritize Garcia.
Gonzalo Garcia’s Rise
Garcia, a product of Real Madrid’s La Fábrica academy, has seized the spotlight in Endrick’s absence, scoring three goals and providing one assist in four Club World Cup starts. His standout performances include a goal against Al Hilal, an assist for Arda Güler against Pachuca, and a chipped goal against RB Salzburg, earning comparisons to Real Madrid legend Raúl González from Alonso, who praised Garcia’s positioning and work rate: “He’s a typical No. 9, always in the right position, waiting for a chance.” Garcia’s versatility, physicality, and 25 goals in 36 Castilla appearances last season have shifted the narrative, with reports suggesting he could remain with the first team, potentially at Endrick’s expense. His emergence has drawn interest from Premier League clubs, but The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana reports Garcia is set to stay, complicating Endrick’s path to minutes.
Endrick’s Challenges and Future
Endrick’s limited playing time under former manager Carlo Ancelotti—coupled with competition from Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo—has hindered his integration. His injury, which ruled him out of Real Madrid’s U.S. training camp and Club World Cup, allowed Garcia to fill the void left by Mbappé’s illness and Joselu’s departure. Real Madrid’s need for a traditional No. 9, as noted by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after a 5-1 Champions League loss to Arsenal, aligns with Garcia’s profile more than Endrick’s, whose flair-based style differs from the Joselu-like striker Alonso initially sought. Endrick’s desire to secure a spot in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, now coached by Ancelotti, adds urgency, as he needs consistent minutes to impress. Reports indicate a potential loan move, with Alonso’s request for a Joselu-style forward initially pointing to Garcia as the preferred option.
Alonso’s Dilemma and Club Strategy
Alonso faces a tough decision, balancing two high-potential forwards amid a crowded attack featuring Mbappé, Vinícius, and Rodrygo, who is also linked with a move to Arsenal. Garcia’s Club World Cup heroics—described as a “breath of fresh air” by Sporting News—have validated Alonso’s youth-focused approach, a departure from Ancelotti’s reluctance to trust academy players. However, Alonso’s public backing of Endrick, who he insists remains in his plans, suggests a desire to integrate both players, possibly with Endrick needing a loan to gain experience. Real Madrid’s leadership is reportedly reevaluating transfer plans, with Garcia’s performances prompting them to cancel inquiries for other strikers. A €40 million offer for Garcia from unnamed clubs adds further complexity, though his decision to stay signals confidence in his role.
Sentiment and Fan Reaction
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment. @theMadridZone quoted Alonso’s assurance that Endrick is “definitely in my plans,” calming some fears, while @RMadrid_actu reported Endrick’s meeting with club officials, noting his future hinges on Garcia’s status. Brazilian fans, like @debateydebate, expressed concern over Endrick’s limited role, especially with Garcia’s breakout. Conversely, @RMadridInfo highlighted Alonso’s admiration for Garcia but noted his expected departure, which now seems unlikely. The football community sees Garcia’s rise as a testament to La Fábrica’s strength, with his Hollywood lineage (great-nephew of Rita Hayworth) adding intrigue.
Prediction and Outlook
Alonso’s cautious stance—“We’ll make decisions later”—suggests Real Madrid will assess Endrick’s recovery and Garcia’s form post-tournament. Garcia’s immediate impact makes him the frontrunner for a first-team role, potentially as Mbappé’s backup, while Endrick’s youth (18) and high ceiling favor a loan to ensure development without a permanent exit. A Serie A loan could provide Endrick the minutes needed to adapt to European football, aligning with Morientes’ advice. Real Madrid’s progression to the semifinals, potentially facing Sergio Ramos’ Monterrey or Dortmund, keeps the focus on immediate success, but the transfer window looms as a defining moment for both young strikers.
