A Premier League club has allegedly emerged as a potential surprise loan destination for Real Madrid youngster Endrick.
Earlier this year, the Brazil international finalised his highly-anticipated move to the Bernabeu in a deal worth at least €60m.
With the 18-year-old having already starred for Palmeiras back in his homeland and on the international stage for Selecao, much was expected after completing his move to Spain.
However, the teenager has endured a hugely frustrating opening four months in the colours of Real, making just one start in La Liga and the Champions League.
While goals have been scored against Real Valladolid and Stuttgart, accumulating just 123 minutes of football from a further nine substitute appearances was not what Endrick had in mind.
A loan exit a possibility?
Although Real nor Endrick will necessarily be panicking about the lack of progress in the second half of 2024, both parties will not want his development to stall.
As a result of Carlo Ancelotti's side performing below par in both their primary competitions, it appears unrealistic to expect Endrick to be presented with a prolonged run in the side.
According to Sport, Southampton are one of three clubs who have emerged as potential destinations for Endrick for the second half of the season.
The report claims that Italian giants Roma and Spanish side Real Valladolid are also ready to hand Endrick minutes that he may not receive with Real.
Should it become apparent that Real would consider short-term offers for the starlet, more clubs will inevitably enter the race.
All three teams could help Endrick
Joining a club sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table may not be at the top of Endrick's choices to play football.
That said, with Russell Martin's preference being to dominate possession, there is logic as to why Real may feel that Endrick could benefit from featuring in a team with a similar style of play to their own when it comes to having the ball.
Joining a team who play counter-attacking football would make little sense, yet Real may feel that representing a big club such as Roma would help Endrick when it comes to trying to handle the pressure of playing on a certain platform.
Meanwhile, emphasis could be placed on Endrick adapting to Spanish football with a team such as Valladolid, where he would likely start every game when fit.
