Endrick (foto: Getty Images)
West Ham are urged to sign Real Madrid striker Endrick, who wants first-team football in January. The Brazilian has played only 11 La Liga minutes under Xabi Alonso.
West Ham have been encouraged to make a bold January move for Endrick, with former midfielder Don Hutchison calling the Real Madrid wonderkid a perfect signing as the teenager looks for regular football.
The 19-year-old striker has struggled for minutes under new Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, managing just 11 La Liga minutes this season. Despite Alonso’s public backing, Endrick has slipped down the pecking order behind rising star Gonzalo García and main scorer Kylian Mbappé.
Endrick arrived in Madrid in 2024 with huge expectations after shining for Palmeiras, delivering 37 appearances and eight goal contributions in his debut season under Carlo Ancelotti. But this season's competition has left him eager for a move that will reignite his development.
Hutchison believes a Premier League switch could be transformative for the Brazilian. He told Sportscasting: "It would be a good move for West Ham to get Endrick. He's a strong boy, stocky and powerful. But he needs time, which is difficult in the Premier League."
The former Hammer also warned that dropping a young talent into a relegation fight may be counterproductive. He said Endrick might benefit from a short-term La Liga loan — mirroring the paths of Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Isak — in order to rebuild rhythm, confidence and match sharpness.
Endrick’s camp have outlined strict conditions for his next club. He wants:
• A top-five European league
• A club competing in continental competitions
• A team with an attacking identity
• A project that guarantees regular minutes
That puts West Ham in a challenging position. The Hammers currently sit 18th in the Premier League, are not involved in Europe and are fighting to climb out of danger — a scenario unlikely to match the Brazilian’s criteria.
Lyon have emerged as the strongest suitors, reportedly overtaking Manchester United in the race. But no deal has been completed, and fresh interest from another club could reshape the winter market.
Endrick has returned from injury but has yet to start a match this season. While Hutchison endorses the gamble, West Ham’s situation — along with the teenager’s demands — suggests the club may struggle to convince the Madrid star.