Marseille enquire about Real Madrid’s star availability for loan deal

French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille have reportedly made an enquiry for Real Madrid’s teenage forward Endrick, with the Brazilian growing increasingly ‘frustrated’ over his lack of minutes under Xabi Alonso.

Endrick has not featured for Real Madrid since recovering from an early-season injury and could be open to a January loan exit as he looks to secure game time ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

According to ESPN Brasil, the Ligue 1 outfit, home to former Manchester United star Greenwood, are keen to strengthen their attack with the Brazilian teenager, who could seek game time elsewhere to boost his development and World Cup hopes.

The youngster has now gone five months without seeing any playing time — an unfamiliar situation for a player once seen as a generational talent at Palmeiras.

Endrick looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Levante UD and Real Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Sources close to Endrick insist there is no fallout with Alonso, but acknowledge that the manager’s stricter, system-based coaching approach has made it harder for him to break into the lineup. “All of this has affected him. He’s frustrated, wanting to prove himself in every training session. He’s giving his life,” a person close to the player told reporters per ESPN.

The ESPN report states that, unlike former coach Carlo Ancelotti, who nurtured young players with a “fatherly” touch, Alonso’s management is said to follow the “Jose Mourinho school” — focused on tactical rigidity and physical intensity. This has created a competitive environment where established names like Kylian Mbappe dominate the starting spots, leaving little space for young prospects.

Behind the scenes, Mbappe’s unrelenting ‘hunger’ to play every minute has inadvertently made things more difficult for Endrick. Those close to Endrick describe the situation as ‘psychologically demanding,’ though they also acknowledge that patience and perseverance will be crucial in adapting to Real Madrid’s high standards.

In his first full season with the club (2024/25), Endrick accumulated just 847 minutes across all competitions. In La Liga, he featured in 22 games but played only 353 minutes, averaging around 16 minutes per appearance.