Does Real Madrid Have Two New Solutions for Their 26-27 Striker Problem?

Real Madrid may have entered the 2026-27 season with an unexpected solution to one of last year's biggest problems. While Kylian Mbappé remains the club's attacking star, the lack of a reliable traditional number nine has been a recurring concern. Now, Carlos Espí and Endrick could give José Mourinho two different options to solve that problem. Endrick's situation is particularly interesting. After struggling to establish himself in his first season in Madrid, the Brazilian was sent on loan to Lyon, where he got the regular playing time he needed to keep developing. The move proved valuable, with Endrick scoring eight goals and providing eight assists during his spell in France. A noticeably different attitude has accompanied his return to Madrid. Endrick cut short his post-World Cup vacation and impressed during preseason, including scoring against Fiorentina after only a few training sessions. Mourinho has also praised his physical work and commitment, particularly his willingness to contribute defensively.

That could be extremely important under Mourinho. The Portuguese manager has historically demanded that his attackers contribute when the team does not have possession. If Endrick can combine his natural finishing ability with the defensive intensity Mourinho expects, he could earn considerably more opportunities than he did previously. The Brazilian prodigy also possesses the ability and work rate to play from the wings, and at times during his loan spell in France he played either as a center-forward in the classic number nine position or from the right wing to cut inside and exploit space. Then there is Espí. Signed from Levante during the summer, the 21-year-old arrived at Madrid without the same level of international recognition as Endrick. However, he has quickly made people take notice. Espí scored in the preseason and demonstrated the physical presence and penalty-box instincts that Mourinho reportedly wanted in another striker. The young Spanish striker's biggest statement came at the start of the competitive season.

With Madrid struggling to break down Espanyol, Mourinho turned to Espí late in the match. Just minutes after entering the game, the striker found the decisive goal in the 90th minute to give Madrid a 2-1 victory. It was an ideal introduction to La Liga and immediately made him one of the stories of Mourinho's first competitive match back at the club. The goal also demonstrated what Espí can potentially provide. Being a physically imposing player with a tall frame, he offers a traditional center-forward profile that Madrid has not always had available. He can occupy central defenders, compete for aerial balls, and provide a target in the penalty area rather than forcing every attack down the wings.

That gives Mourinho two very different options. Endrick provides explosiveness, technical ability, and the ability to attack space, while Espí offers physicality, aerial presence, and a more traditional number nine profile. Both can also provide competition for Mbappé, something Madrid lacked at times last season. There is still a long way to go before either player can be considered a definitive solution. Endrick needs to prove that his improvements at Lyon can translate into consistent performances at Madrid, while Espí has only just begun his career at the Bernabéu.

However, their early performances provide Mourinho with valuable options. Instead of depending entirely on Mbappé to carry the attack, Real Madrid now has two young forwards capable of offering different solutions depending on the opponent and the circumstances of the match. If Endrick continues his development and Espí can build on his dramatic debut, Madrid may discover that the answer to its striker problem was already much closer than expected.