Roma’s January planning has begun to circle around a player whose talent has never been in doubt, but whose place at Real Madrid has become increasingly difficult to find. Endrick is considering whether a move to the Italian capital could give his young career the regular football it currently lacks.
The decision
The Brazilian forward has played only four minutes across La Liga and the Champions League so far. For a player still regarded as one of Brazil’s leading prospects, the absence of a meaningful role has brought an obvious concern: remaining on the margins at club level could affect his standing with the national side.
Carlo Ancelotti has long appreciated Endrick and has advised him to consider a move elsewhere in search of continuity. Brazil have still included him during the first international window, and he remains part of the group expected to carry the national team towards the World Cup in America, but regular club minutes are now central to his next decision.
Roma see a possible opening. The Giallorossi have been looking for a left-sided attacking option for more than a year, and Endrick’s profile appeals even if he is naturally left-footed. Gian Piero Gasperini has Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Mora available in the forward areas, but none offers quite the same combination of acceleration, dribbling, final pass and finishing.
The club had already pursued a comparable solution late in the summer, coming close to Luiz Henrique before payment complications involving Europe and Russia stopped that deal. Endrick had also been on Roma’s radar during that period, with contacts maintained with his Roc Nation representatives, who also work with Fofana and Martinelli.
The financial structure would be decisive. Real Madrid committed €50 million to Endrick while he was still under age and are not thought to be willing to sell him at a reduced price. Roma, meanwhile, cannot make a major outright investment in January. A loan, potentially accompanied by an option to buy under certain conditions, would be more realistic, with a future fee in the region of €30-35 million.
There was already an approach towards Madrid between July and August, before Roma secured Mora. On that occasion, D’Amico’s interest did not lead to an exit because José Mourinho chose to keep Endrick within the squad, a decision based on the team’s needs rather than any reluctance towards Roma.
The depth of Real Madrid’s attack helps explain why the situation has changed so quickly. Endrick is competing with Kylian Mbappé, Diomande, Brahim Diaz, Vinicius, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham and Bernardo Silva, while Carlos Espí has begun to earn opportunities. Rodrygo’s injury has also shaped the available options.
For Roma, the potential move is less about a short-lived January opportunity than about adding a different kind of forward to Gasperini’s group. For Endrick, it would mean choosing minutes and responsibility over waiting for a place to open at Madrid. The Champions League meeting at the Olimpico in ten days’ time will offer him an early look at the club that could become his next stage.
