Milan’s interest in Endrick is beginning to take shape as a January possibility rather than a summer idea that never quite opened. The Brazilian forward has indicated that, should Real Madrid permit a winter departure, the Rossoneri would be among his preferred destinations.
There is still a long stretch between now and the January window, but Endrick’s situation in Madrid has become difficult to ignore. His club season amounts to four minutes played against Elche on 15 September, a marginal return in a squad crowded with attacking options.
Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Diomandé, Espí and Brahim Diaz are ahead in an intense race for minutes, while Rodrygo is also nearing his return from a lengthy injury. Endrick, formerly of Palmeiras, faces an increasingly narrow route into the side.
Quick facts
- Endrick is 20 and joined Real Madrid in a deal valued at about €47.5 million in late 2022.
- Milan are considering a January loan if Madrid agree to release him.
- His current Madrid salary is around €2.5 million net per season, excluding bonuses.
- Alexis Saelemaekers is expected to be out for four months, increasing Milan’s need for an attacking reinforcement.
- Roma and Aston Villa are also monitoring the Brazilian’s position.
The international break offered Endrick some match time with Brazil in friendlies against Australia and India. Yet appearances for the Seleção are tied closely to a player’s club rhythm, and the forward does not want a lack of minutes in Madrid to endanger his international place.
That concern is central to the prospect of a mid-season move. If his standing does not improve over the coming months, an exit during the winter window appears a realistic outcome.
Endrick spent last season in Lyon, and Milan hope that a new temporary departure could bring him to Italy rather than France. The club had already explored a loan in the summer, only for José Mourinho to insist that the player would not leave.
Mourinho has nevertheless used the left-footed attacker sparingly. Endrick has made clear to Roc Nation, the agency representing him, that he does not intend to spend the whole campaign waiting on the bench.
Milan’s position may be helped by Gerry Cardinale’s relationship with Roc Nation. The RedBird owner believes those connections could assist the club if Madrid authorise negotiations, although competition is already forming.
Gian Piero Gasperini would be keen to take Endrick to Roma, while Aston Villa have also been linked with the player in England. Milan, however, are confident they can make a persuasive case should the Spanish champions change their stance.
A straightforward loan would be the immediate objective, but discussions could extend to Endrick’s longer-term future. Real Madrid and Milan have previously constructed more complex arrangements, as illustrated by the Brahim Diaz agreement involving a loan, an option to buy and a buy-back clause.
Any permanent formula would require significant figures given Madrid’s investment in Endrick. His wages, by contrast, are not considered an obstacle for Milan.
The case for the forward has also changed since the summer. Milan originally viewed him principally as a player able to add quality, but Saelemaekers’ four-month absence has created a numerical need between the attacking midfield line and the forward positions.
Ruben Amorim could use Endrick in several roles: alongside Gonçalo Ramos as a second striker, on the right of a 4-2-3-1, or through the middle when Ramos needs rest or an absence has to be covered. One arrival could therefore broaden Milan’s options for the second half of the season.
For Endrick, the appeal is equally clear. After experiences in Spain and France, he is attracted by Milan and by the prospect of playing in Serie A, provided Madrid are prepared to let the next chapter begin in January.
