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Real Madrid News Former Real Madrid academy player reveals Barcelona icon had a trial at club: ‘Stayed for 2-3 weeks’ Neymar could have had a very different career path if a trial at Real Madrid’s academy had ended differently. Former Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Alex Fernandez has revealed that the Brazilian superstar trained with the club’s youth setup as a teenager, spending several weeks alongside future Spanish internationals before ultimately returning to Brazil. Fernandez, who now plays for Dibba Al-Hisn S.C. in the United Arab Emirates, recalled the extraordinary episode when discussing some of the most surprising players he encountered during his development. His answer was one that nobody – or almost nobody – had expected. “If I told you, you wouldn’t believe it. Neymar came to train with us. Pablo Sarabia, Dani Carvajal and a few others were there. He stayed for two or three weeks. “It’s true he wasn’t the Neymar we know today, who’s become a global star, but you could already see he had the makings of a top player,” said the player. Neymar impressed during 2006 Real Madrid trial The trial took place in 2006, when Neymar was just 14 years old. Although the forward was still a long way from becoming the player who would later star for Santos, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, his natural ability was already obvious to those around him. Fernandez remembers Neymar being considered for an international youth tournament with the group before the possibility of a permanent move suddenly disappeared. “He was coming to an international tournament with us. And after three weeks they told us, ‘No, no, it’s not going to happen after all; he’s decided to stay in Brazil.’ “And, of course, at that age you’re not going to ask for explanations about anything.” Why Neymar never joined Real Madrid The exact circumstances surrounding the decision remained unclear to those inside the youth team. Fernandez, though, stressed that Neymar’s return to Brazil was ultimately the decision of the player and his family. “I don’t know exactly what happened, but I think he said it was too soon. I remember that Madrid wanted him, but he decided to go back to Brazil.” Reports surrounding Neymar’s trial have long suggested that Real Madrid were impressed by what they saw but hesitated over the financial demands involved, including a substantial agent fee. His father also believed that moving to Europe at such a young age was premature. Neymar therefore returned to Brazil and continued his development with Santos, a decision that led him down a completely different route. Source: Mundo Deportivo Real Madrid News Senior journalist puts big question mark on Real Madrid prodigy’s future: ‘He will play very little, but…’ Endrick’s decision to remain at Real Madrid is about to face its biggest test. The Brazilian striker rejected interest from other clubs during the summer after Jose Mourinho made it clear that he wanted him to stay. Endrick was encouraged by the manager’s belief in his ability and his promise that he would be an important player. Now, though, the 20-year-old must turn that faith into regular opportunities. Endrick has been sidelined by injury and has just returned to full fitness after being named in the matchday squad for the Inter Milan clash. Now that he is available, the competition for places will be fierce, with Real Madrid possessing an extraordinary collection of attacking talent. Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe remain the headline names, while Yan Diomande, Brahim Diaz and Carlos Espi also provide Mourinho with alternatives. That is why questions are already being raised about how much Endrick will actually play. Senior journalist raises question Senior Spanish journalist Jose Felix Diaz believes the youngster has spectacular potential but fears his opportunities could remain limited. “Endrick? I want to see him play. Honestly, we’ll have to see where Mourinho wants to play him. “Well, Endrick needs to keep his cool and shouldn’t feel he has to prove everything the first time he touches the ball. Let’s wait and see… “It seems as though things have gone quiet around Endrick, and he’s a very capable player. But he has to prove himself, and they have to let him do so. “If he’s not going to play, I’d think it a mistake not to let him go, but it’s a decision for Mourinho and the player himself, who wants that opportunity he didn’t have last season. “I reckon he will play very little, but I hope I’m wrong,” said Jose Felix Diaz, as reported by Defensa Central. Mbappe has complicated Endrick’s path Real Madrid remain convinced that Endrick is one of the best players of his generation and believe he can eventually succeed at the club. His timing has been unfortunate, though. When Endrick was signed, it was not at all certain that Mbappe would eventually join Real Madrid. The Frenchman’s arrival has subsequently blocked Endrick’s development, which is why the Brazilian must be given a meaningful opportunity. If Madrid truly believe in his potential, keeping him on the bench indefinitely would make little sense.