Endrick could leave Real Madrid again as Aston Villa and Roma enter the race

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Endrick could be heading for another temporary departure from Real Madrid. The Brazilian striker faces enormous competition at the Santiago Bernabéu, and two Champions League clubs have already emerged as serious candidates for his signature.

Aston Villa and Roma have both approached Real Madrid regarding a loan deal for the 20-year-old, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

New Real coach José Mourinho initially wanted Endrick to remain in Madrid, but the situation has changed as the Portuguese continues to shape his squad for the new season.

Mourinho wants to work with a relatively small group of players and cannot guarantee Endrick the minutes he needs at this stage of his development.

Mourinho changes his position on Endrick

Real Madrid still regard Endrick as an important player for the future and have no intention of giving up on one of Brazil's most highly rated young talents.

The immediate problem is playing time.

Mourinho initially opposed another loan, but after assessing his attacking options during pre-season, he has reportedly opened the door for Endrick to spend another year elsewhere.

The Brazilian already knows how beneficial such a move might be.

Last season, Endrick spent time on loan at Lyon, where he recorded an impressive eight goals and seven assists in 21 appearances across all competitions.

Real now want his next destination to offer another important step forward.

Champions League football is a priority

Madrid will reportedly give preference to clubs competing in the Champions League, especially those prepared to give Endrick regular opportunities in his natural position as a central striker.

Aston Villa and Roma satisfy those conditions.

Both clubs have already presented proposals, although Roma are currently believed to have moved slightly ahead in the race.

Villa manager Unai Emery sees Endrick as another high-quality option alongside Ollie Watkins.

Watkins scored 21 goals last season and remains Villa's leading striker, meaning Endrick would still face competition in Birmingham.

Villa's need for additional attacking quality has increased following the departure of Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea in a record €138 million transfer.

Real Madrid's attack has changed dramatically

Endrick's uncertain future also reflects the major changes Mourinho has made to Real Madrid's attacking department.

Gonzalo García has left Madrid to reunite with former coach Álvaro Arbeloa at Fulham.

Real responded by adding young striker Carlos Espí, who offers Mourinho a different profile in the centre-forward position.

The Spanish youngster has already made an impression by scoring shortly after coming on during the friendly victory over Ferencváros.

Madrid have also invested heavily in exciting winger Yan Diomande, who is expected to compete for a place in an attacking trio alongside Vinícius Junior and Kylian Mbappé.

Mourinho also has Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz available for attacking roles.

That leaves Endrick fighting for minutes in one of the most competitive attacking departments in European football.

Real don't want to lose faith in Brazilian jewel

Madrid invested heavily in Endrick after identifying him as one of Brazil's brightest prospects while he was still playing for Palmeiras.

His development has not followed the simplest route since arriving in Europe, but his productive loan spell at Lyon demonstrated why Real remain patient.

Another season of regular football, this time at Champions League level, could now represent the preferred solution for everyone involved.

For Mourinho, it would also reduce the size of his squad without permanently losing a major talent.

Roma currently appear to have a slight advantage, but Aston Villa have entered the race seriously. Endrick's immediate future may therefore lie away from Madrid once again.