Endrik: What’s next for the Real Madrid striker? Transfer in January or stay with Los Blancos?

While sources indicate that a final decision has not yet been made on whether Endrick will leave on loan when the January transfer window opens, it is understood that Real Madrid are reluctantly considering sanctioning the move.

Indrik settles in the Spanish capital and enjoys life on mainland Europe.

There is a belief that staying at Madrid, despite his current lack of first-team minutes, will benefit the youngster in the long term as he continues his transition to senior football in a foreign country as a teenager.

But there are other factors to consider.

The first, and most obvious, is related to its development. His lack of first-team action under Alonso was not envisaged as part of the player’s envisioned trajectory at Real Madrid.

There would be a clear benefit for Andrik leaving the team and playing football on a more regular basis, simply in terms of his growth as a teenage footballer.

The fact that the World Cup is looming provides Endrick with another reason to seriously consider leaving in January.

His lack of action under Alonso, if it continues, could dash hopes of a return to Ancelotti’s plans in Brazil in time for the summer.

Then there is Estévao Willian’s emergence at Chelsea. Not so long ago, Indrik was the undisputed wonder player of Brazilian football.

With Estévão coming of age at Chelsea this season, the 18-year-old – who played alongside Indrik at Palmeiras – has become the new apple of the Brazilian fans’ eye.

So what should Indrik do? It is a difficult call for a young man to make.

“Last winter, a year ago, there was a possibility of going on loan but it was decided that would not be the case,” Balaj said.

“In the summer, the club was looking for him on loan but he didn’t want to go out, because he thought that staying at Real Madrid was a quicker way to get into the national team, even if he didn’t play regularly. But now he hasn’t been called up to Brazil.”