United keen on Real Madrid starlet once dubbed “the next Ronaldo”

Soccer Football – Copa del Rey – Semi Final – Second Leg – Real Madrid v Real Sociedad – Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain – April 1, 2025 Real Madrid's Endrick celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Juan Medina

Manchester United are interested in signing Real Madrid youngster Endrick on loan in January. The player once dubbed “the next Ronaldo” has looked a frustrated figure having struggled to secure regular first team football at the Bernabeu.

The player has now reportedly been given the green light by Madrid to pursue a loan move away from the club for the second half of the season, putting many top clubs in the Premier League and across Europe on notice. The Mirror has reported that United are amongst the clubs towards the front of the queue for the player.

The 19-year-old was signed by Madrid in 2022 from Brazilian side Palmeiras for a hefty £52m price tag. He would wait two years until 2024 to officially join however, with the then 18-year-old lauded for his ability and similarities to Brazil icon Ronaldo.

He struggled to break into then manager Carlo Ancelotti’s plan’s however, appearing mostly from the bench and scoring just one La Liga goal. His fortunes under new manager Xabi Alonso haven’t improve much, as the player has yet to make a La Liga appearance this season.

Still considered one of Europe’s brightest prospects, Endrick’s possible availability is expected to spark a race to his signature. Madrid have already ruled out a domestic loan for the player, following links to Real Sociedad.

United could be on the market for a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee, who is likely to depart the club in search of first team minutes of his own. Zirkzee continues to be linked with a January loan or permanent move to another Premier League club with Everton and West Ham known admirers.

The Red Devils spent around £200m on new additions in attack over the summer, with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko all signing. The latter is the only out-and-out No.9 but has had to wait for his opportunities under Ruben Amorim.

Endrick is primarily a winger but can play anywhere across the front line. Should Zirkzee leave the club, Endrick could compete or rotate with the likes of Sesko and Cunha.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.