Episode 130 - Why Americans STILL Don't Watch MLS (Even With Messi) + Have Real Madrid FAILED Endrick?

On this episode, Patrick and Hayden discuss Real Madrid’s handling of Endrick and the growing trend of teenage stars jumping to superclubs too early, Nuno’s task at West Ham, La Liga’s controversial plan to play in Miami, and the future of MLS and global fandom. Plus, why Mark Guéhi is being chased by Europe’s elite and who actually needs him most. Enjoy!

Neel's Real Madrid article: https://www.thetransferflow.com/p/what-is-wrong-with-real-madrid-s-defence

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Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Endrick’s Real Madrid struggles and loan rumors

01:10 – Why do young players join big clubs so early?

02:59 – Clubs vs. player development: who’s responsible?

04:47 – How Real Madrid handle young talent like Endrick, Vinícius and Rodrygo

06:48 – The "sweet spot" for giving youngsters minutes

08:25 – Balancing short-term wins vs. long-term player growth

10:46 – Why Endrick isn’t playing: system fit and physical readiness

13:29 – Comparing Endrick’s path to Phil Foden’s

15:20 – What kind of striker is Endrick really?

17:51 – Endrick’s traits, strengths and weaknesses

19:27 – What type of team would suit him best?

20:00 – Ideal leagues and clubs for Endrick (Serie A, Bundesliga)

22:53 – Why West Ham is a bad fit for Endrick

24:34 – Valencia and Real Sociedad as better loan options

25:56 – Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham – first impressions

28:32 – Can Nuno fix West Ham’s midfield issues?

30:33 – Squad balance, tactics and survival chances

32:00 – Barcelona vs Villarreal to play in Miami – UEFA’s reluctant approval

33:32 – The global money grab and fans’ backlash

36:05 – Why leagues like La Liga are desperate for new revenue

38:49 – How to make global football sustainable

40:43 – Who counts as a "real fan" in 2025?

42:33 – Why MLS can’t capture American fans’ hearts

44:52 – The storytelling problem in MLS

46:44 – Closing the romance gap in U.S. soccer

49:25 – Mark Guéhi linked with Bayern, Barça and Real Madrid

51:04 – Why Liverpool should still be in the mix

53:25 – Guéhi’s smart contract timing and ideal January move

54:23 – Free transfer vs. January sale – what makes sense for Palace

54:51 – Outro – Patreon, listener questions, and where to follow Hayden