It is virtually official that Kylian Mbappe will take the number 10 shirt after Luka Modric. A cryptic message from the Frenchman has sealed it.
But now, a domino effect begins. The number 9 that Mbappe wore will have to be handed to a new suitor. And Real Madrid had it all planned, until now.
What Madrid intended was to give the 10 to Mbappe and pass his 9 to the emerging future striker Endrick. But, according to Diario AS, the rise of Gonzalo Garcia has put that decision on hold.
The unexpected emergence of Garcia during the Club World Cup, where he also won the top scorer award, has dramatically increased his chances of earning a first-team promotion. He caught the eye and affection of the manager, who made him his undisputed starter during the tournament.
Real Madrid face dilemma over Endrick and Gonzalo Garcia
What seemed clear a few months ago has now shattered. Endrick was seen as the clear second-choice striker, but Garcia has denied him that position.
Endrick was already struggling to find minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, who is not known for giving young stars consistent chances. Now, being pushed even further down the pecking order, his future at Los Blancos does not appear very promising.
He was destined to get the number 9. It was supposed to be the next step in the domino effect. But the report from Diario AS claims that Garcia now stands on equal footing with Endrick in the race for the number, which is why the decision has stalled.
One of the two youngsters could leave this summer, either on a permanent transfer or a loan. But it is more likely that both will stay, in a hierarchy we are slowly beginning to understand.
Remember: Endrick wants regular minutes to earn a spot in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, but the chances of finding that at Real Madrid are currently slim.