Endrick’s season has barely begun on the pitch, yet the January window is already beginning to cast a shadow over his future. The Brazilian forward has played only four minutes for Real Madrid, and a return to France’s transfer conversation could follow after his productive spell with Lyon last season.
Key takeaways
- Endrick is open to a January loan to AC Milan after struggling for opportunities at Real Madrid.
- The 20-year-old has made just one brief appearance this season, against Elche on 15 September.
- He scored eight goals and supplied eight assists in 21 matches while on loan at Lyon last term.
- Milan are seeking attacking cover during Alexis Saelemaekers’ expected four-month injury absence.
- Roma and Aston Villa are also monitoring the Brazil international.
Milan revive their interest
AC Milan tried to bring Endrick to Serie A during the summer but were unable to complete a loan. José Mourinho had been clear at the time, insisting: “Endrick will not leave.”
That stance appears to have softened after the forward’s difficult start to the campaign. Endrick’s only minutes came in the away match at Elche on 15 September, leaving him with a total of four minutes of first-team football so far.
Competition is severe in Madrid’s forward line. Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Yan Diomandé, Espi and Brahim Diaz are all ahead of him in the attacking picture, while Rodrygo’s eventual return from a long-term injury is likely to further reduce the available space.
Milan see Endrick as a player capable of filling several roles. He can operate centrally as a striker, play off a No. 9 or start from the right side, versatility that would offer a solution while Saelemaekers recovers.
The Brazilian is understood to be attracted by the prospect of trying Serie A, having already experienced football in Spain and France. Roma and Aston Villa could also enter the race when the market reopens.
Lyon loan restored Endrick’s momentum
A move to Lyon last season gave Endrick the regular football he had been missing. In 21 appearances for OL, he registered eight goals and eight assists, form that helped earn him selection for the World Cup.
The 24-cap Brazil international was signed in late 2022 for around €47.5 million and is estimated to earn €2.5 million net per season before bonuses. A temporary departure, rather than a permanent transfer, would allow Real Madrid to protect that investment while giving a young forward a clearer route to minutes.
For Lyon, the memory is recent: Endrick found room to run, create and finish in Ligue 1. Milan now hope that the same player, currently stranded behind Madrid’s crowded attacking cast, will become available in January.
