Man Utd eye Endrick as Zirkzee exit looms in January

Manchester United have identified a gap in their striking options, with Benjamin Sesko as the sole recognised number nine and Joshua Zirkzee slated for departure. The Red Devils could fill that void by securing Real Madrid’s 20‑year‑old striker Endrick in the January transfer window, and the club’s plan will be reviewed in January’.

Identifying the striking gap

Man United rely heavily on Sesko, while Matheus Cunha has featured up front but is not a natural number nine. Joshua Zirkzee is another option, yet he too is not a natural striker. Michael Carrick therefore lacks a credible back‑up, prompting the search for a proper replacement.

Endrick as a January solution

On August 8, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey reported that Man Utd had been contacted about a deal for Endrick. Sources said the Brazil international was weighing his future at Real Madrid under manager Jose Mourinho. The Spanish and European giants have already signed Carlos Espi from Levante to replace Gonzalo Garcia, who moved to Fulham.

According to AS, Endrick’s ‘situation will be reviewed in January’.

Our insider Graeme Bailey later reported on September 9 that Man Utd are ready to sell Zirkzee in the January window, but only if co‑owners INEOS can find a suitable replacement.

Although Madrid sold Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham, the club added striker Carlos Espi from Levante. The Spanish side have also brought in Kylian Mbappe as the number one striker, with Espi as his back‑up.

Endrick has not made a single appearance this season, missing the first four league matches due to muscle problems. Mbappe is in killer form, while Arda Guler shines on the right wing and Yan Diomande provides an alternative, leaving little space for Endrick at Los Blancos.

The next step for the Red Devils is for INEOS to locate a forward who can step in for Zirkzee. If a suitable player is secured, the January window could see Endrick move to Old Trafford, completing the club’s strategic shift.