Villa chase Real Madrid star Endrick as Emery rebuilds attack

Aston Villa are targeting a loan for Real Madrid’s 20‑year‑old forward Endrick, who has fallen down the pecking order at Los Blancos, senior sports writer Jake Bayliss reported on 11 August 2026 as the Premier League club seeks fresh attacking options to strengthen its front line.

Squad overhaul drives pursuit

Unai Emery has begun reshaping Aston Villa after the summer exits of midfield anchor Youri Tielemans and attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, a shift that senior sports writer Jake Bayliss highlighted in his Writer07:00 column on 11 Aug. The departures leave a clear void in the Villans’ creative core.

Villa finished the previous campaign with a Europa League win and a fourth‑place Premier League finish, but those successes sparked interest in several key players. The club’s left‑back Lucas Digne moved to Paris Saint‑Germain and centre‑back Amadou Onana suffered a World Cup injury, prompting further squad reshuffle.

In midfield, Joao Gomes is set to partner Boubacar Kamara after his £35 million transfer from Wolves. Up front, Villa have already secured Johan Manzambi for an initial £52 million from Freiburg and welcomed Chelsea loanee Alejandro Garnacho, who arrives with a potential £43 million permanent clause.

Potential impact on Villa’s attack

Aston Villa have been linked with a loan for Real Madrid forward Endrick, the 20‑year‑old who thrived on loan at Lyon with eight goals and eight assists in 21 games. Spanish daily AS reports the youngster is listening to loan offers and could be deployed on the right flank, despite his preference for a central striker role.

Endrick would compete with club captain John McGinn for wing positions, giving Emery tactical flexibility and depth on both sides of the attack.

England international Ollie Watkins, who ended the season with 21 goals in all competitions, would provide continuity at the forefront of the new attacking trio.

The projected front line of Endrick, Johan Manzambi, Alejandro Garnacho and Ollie Watkins represents a dramatic upgrade for the Villans, aiming to turn Europa League success into a sustained Premier League challenge.