Endrick Loan Talk Heats Up as Marseille Lead Race

Endrick loan rumours have intensified this week as Olympique de Marseille and PSV Eindhoven both opened discussions with Real Madrid about taking the Brazilian prodigy for the 2024-25 season. Although the 17-year-old will not officially arrive at the Bernabéu until July, the European champions are already mapping out the next step in his development—and a temporary move appears increasingly likely.

Why an Endrick loan suits Real Madrid’s masterplan

Real Madrid have long treated teenage imports with patience, preferring gradual integration over immediate stardom. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo both spent time adapting before becoming first-team regulars. Club sources believe an Endrick loan would replicate that pathway, allowing the forward to gain senior minutes without the suffocating spotlight of the Spanish capital.

With Kylian Mbappé widely expected to join Carlo Ancelotti’s stacked attack next summer, space up front will be at a premium. Madrid hierarchy therefore see Ligue 1 or the Eredivisie as ideal proving grounds, giving Endrick freedom to refine his decision-making, aerial ability and defensive pressing—traits the coaching staff want polished before he returns.

Marseille’s pitch: minutes, mentors and a fervent Velodrome

Marseille’s sporting director Mehdi Benatia, once a La Liga centre-back himself, has contacted Madrid’s José Ángel Sánchez to present a detailed plan. The proposal guarantees Endrick loan minutes in his preferred central role, flanked by dynamic wingers like Ismaïla Sarr. Les Phocéens also argue that the cauldron of the Stade Vélodrome will steel the youngster for the pressure cooker he will eventually face in Madrid.

Intriguingly, Mason Greenwood—on loan at Getafe from Manchester United—has also been linked with Marseille. Club insiders insist they can afford only one marquee loanee, but the idea of Greenwood and Endrick dovetailing in attack has piqued the imagination of supporters and broadcasters alike. For now, Endrick remains the priority target.

PSV Eindhoven offer a relaxed alternative

PSV’s sporting model is built on nurturing prospects and selling them on, a strategy that produced Ruud van Nistelrooy, Memphis Depay and, more recently, Cody Gakpo. The Dutch champions can point to guaranteed UEFA Champions League football next term, a slick 4-3-3 system under Peter Bosz and a league renowned for giving youngsters tactical freedom. Madrid’s scouting department views the Eredivisie as less physically taxing, potentially mitigating injury risk for their prized asset.

However, sources close to Endrick suggest he is leaning toward staying in Spain to continue language lessons and adapt culturally. If a move is unavoidable, Ligue 1’s higher competitive level could trump the Dutch option.

How an Endrick loan affects Madrid’s summer puzzle

Ancelotti is already juggling attacking riches. Vinícius, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham and Joselu will be joined by Mbappé and the returning Brahim Díaz. Offloading Álvaro Rodríguez permanently and arranging an Endrick loan would streamline the squad while preserving youth prospects. Financially, a dry loan—covering only wages—appeals to Madrid, enabling them to focus budgetary muscle on reinforcing at full-back and defensive midfield.

Contract clauses and the Brazilian’s personal stance

Endrick’s six-year contract, pre-signed in 2022, contains no obligatory loan clause, meaning Madrid hold final say. Nonetheless, the player’s camp emphasises that his ultimate dream is to debut in white as soon as possible. He has even begun virtual tactical sessions with Ancelotti’s staff and Spanish lessons with a private tutor. A one-year Endrick loan is therefore viewed as a pragmatic compromise rather than a demotion.

Sources at Palmeiras, his current club, confirm there is a gentleman’s agreement not to block any destination chosen by Madrid. The Brazilian champions instead hope to arrange a pre-season friendly with whichever side secures the teenager, boosting their global profile.

Potential obstacles to an Endrick loan move

• Squad registration rules: Marseille must sell or loan at least one non-EU player to free a slot, while PSV need to adhere to KNVB salary benchmarks for foreign talents.
• Playing-time guarantees: Madrid want a minimum 2,000 competitive minutes written into the loan agreement, mirroring the arrangement they had with Borussia Dortmund for Reinier Jesus.
• Image rights: Endrick’s lucrative endorsements with Brazilian brands require renegotiation to comply with Ligue 1’s collective agreements or the Eredivisie’s individual model.

The Greenwood factor explained

Although unrelated to Endrick loan negotiations, Greenwood’s availability complicates matters. Marseille sources admit that media scrutiny surrounding the English forward might distract from nurturing a teenage Brazilian. Madrid, too, are wary of any environment that could draw excessive tabloid attention to their wonderkid. PSV, by contrast, maintain a clean-slate policy and have no interest in Greenwood, a stance that could sway Madrid’s final decision.

Timeline: when will Endrick loan talks conclude?

Madrid plan to finalise their striker hierarchy before the FIFA Club World Cup in June. Negotiations with Marseille and PSV will accelerate once Mbappé’s unveiling is complete. A decision is expected by mid-July so that Endrick can join whichever club secures his services for their full pre-season programme.

Stat box: Endrick’s numbers at Palmeiras

• Games: 60
• Goals: 23
• Assists: 7
• Key passes per 90: 1.8
• Shots on target per 90: 2.1

What next for Real Madrid’s latest jewel?

Whether it is the roar of the Velodrome or the vibrant Philips Stadion, an Endrick loan appears the logical bridge between Brazilian brilliance and Bernabéu superstardom. Madrid’s track record of managing teenage South Americans suggests the decision will be data-driven, carefully calibrated and, ultimately, beneficial for all three parties.

Opinion

Sending a 17-year-old out on loan can feel counter-intuitive when hype is so high, but history shows that measured exposure often beats immediate pressure. An Endrick loan to Marseille, with its intense atmosphere and demanding fan base, could be the perfect crucible—provided he is given real responsibility. PSV offers safety; Marseille promises steel. If Madrid want a future superstar ready for Clasico cauldrons, the Velodrome’s flames may be the right furnace.