Despite being just seven matches into the 2025/26 Premier League season, West Ham has already revealed significant weaknesses.
Having allowed 16 goals, they hold the record for the highest number conceded in the league, while managing to score only six goals, which ranks among the lowest outputs.
West Ham’s Need for Offensive Reinforcements
Nuno Espirito Santo faces the challenge of stabilizing the team, with only Nottingham Forest and the struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers having scored fewer goals than West Ham this season (five).
Even though the January transfer window is still a few months away, it would be unwise for West Ham not to start examining potential signings now, preparing for crucial changes that could reshape their season.
The Hammers are reportedly keen on Real Madrid’s young talent, Endrick.
The 19-year-old Brazilian is seeking game time, but since Xabi Alonso took over at Real Madrid, he has not featured in any matches.
“He’s been recovering from a long injury and has been training well for three weeks, but I need to analyze the context of the matches before he plays,” Alonso explained regarding Endrick’s limited playing time this season.
Endrick Needs Playing Time Ahead of World Cup
Given that this is a World Cup year, it is reasonable for Endrick to consider a temporary move away from Santiago Bernabeu, especially if his situation under Alonso doesn’t improve.
Prior to his hamstring injury in May, which sidelined him during the Club World Cup, Endrick had received some playing time courtesy of Carlo Ancelotti—now the manager of the Brazilian national team.
Statistics show that while he appeared in 37 matches last season, he only made eight starts and logged just 847 minutes of play, equivalent to barely over nine complete games.
Nonetheless, his seven goals in various competitions are certainly commendable.
Considering this almost a goal per game output, it’s puzzling why Ancelotti did not grant him more chances.
Even with Kylian Mbappe firmly established as the first-choice striker, Endrick’s impressive scoring record implies he deserves more opportunities.
Vinicius Jr. as Mbappe’s Primary Partner
Vinicius Junior often partners with Mbappe in front of the goal for Real Madrid, leaving younger talents like Endrick and Rodrygo feeling overlooked when their contributions aren’t enough.
Given West Ham’s legitimate interest in Endrick, this situation warrants serious attention.
So far this season, the team has managed only eight goals, with just four players finding the net: Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Callum Wilson, and Tomas Soucek.
Bowen’s scoring has kept the Hammers afloat, but aside from Wilson, who is past his prime, none can be considered a true center-forward.
While Endrick may not fit the classic English striker mold, his ability to generate scoring opportunities could make him the asset West Ham needs to avoid relegation.
Endrick’s Future Rests with Ancelotti and Nuno
It is clear, especially to Ancelotti, that Endrick is eager to demonstrate his capabilities on bigger platforms.
Real Madrid acquired him for a reason; if he’s not getting playing time now, a six-month loan might serve both the club and the player well.
Such an experience in the Premier League—a league known for its physicality—could also help Endrick improve, as he still has aspects of his game to refine while showing he has a natural goal-scoring instinct.
Under Nuno’s guidance, he would also have a familiar face, his former Palmeiras teammate Luis Guilherme, and another connection with Estevao from Chelsea not far away.
Comfort can play a significant role in a player’s performance, so a loan move to West Ham could be beneficial for everyone involved.
However, with Valencia and Real Sociedad also interested, Endrick’s potential move to London is far from guaranteed.
