Endrick’s season had barely begun at Real Madrid before one Champions League night at the Olimpico altered the conversation around him. Milan’s interest remains alive ahead of January, but the Brazilian’s decisive part in a 4-3 comeback against Roma has made any attempt to take him from Madrid more complicated.
The decision
José Mourinho has made clear that he does not see Endrick as a player to be moved on. Before the match in Rome, the Real Madrid coach had already addressed the forward’s future in an interview with TNT Sports Brasil, warning that any club pursuing him would have to “fight hard” with him. Mourinho believes the 20-year-old has exceptional potential and does not consider another loan necessary.
His view was reinforced at the Olimpico. Endrick replaced Vinicius Junior in the 59th minute and helped transform a difficult evening for Madrid. His pace, willingness to attack space and unexpected authority in the air proved central to the recovery.
With seven minutes remaining, Endrick met a corner with a header that forced Pierluigi Gollini into a save, allowing Carlos Espí to score Madrid’s third goal. Two minutes later, from another Arda Güler corner, Endrick headed in himself to level the contest. Madrid went on to win 4-3, while the former Palmeiras forward was named man of the match and collected his first goal of the campaign.
Before that appearance, Endrick had played only four league minutes for Los Blancos, coming on in the 3-2 away win over Elche on 15 September. Injury issues and long spells among the substitutes had restricted his opportunities, but he seized the opening offered in Rome.
The competition in Madrid remains considerable. Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius are ahead of him in the attacking order, although Vinicius is enduring a difficult period and has received a four-match Liga suspension. The arrival of Diomandé and the emergence of Carlos Espí have also narrowed the available space. Yet Vinicius’ absence could now provide Endrick with a more regular role.
His recent history has already shown the value of continuity. Real Madrid sent him to Olympique Lyon on 23 December 2025, with the loan running until 30 June 2026 and no purchase option for the French club. Endrick responded with eight goals in 21 appearances, alongside a useful contribution in assists. That spell restored his confidence, helped him earn a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad and brought him back to Spain determined to establish himself at Madrid.
Milan are still monitoring the situation, with Rúben Amorim an admirer of the player’s profile. A left-footed attacker with explosive acceleration and a powerful strike, Endrick can operate as a centre-forward, a support striker or from the right in a more advanced midfield role.
At Milan, he could be considered an alternative to Gonçalo Ramos or used as one of the two attacking midfielders behind the striker in a 3-4-2-1. The most straightforward arrangement would be a loan through the end of the season, similar to the Lyon deal. Milan could also seek a purchase option paired with a Real Madrid buy-back clause, preserving Madrid’s control over the player’s future in a structure broadly comparable to the agreement involving Como and Nico Paz.
For now, however, the principal obstacle is Mourinho’s position. Endrick’s representatives at Roc Nation had been open to a move to the Rossoneri during the summer, and their relationship with Milan owner Gerry Cardinale remains strong. But after Rome, Madrid have a fresh reminder of why their coach is reluctant to let the forward leave.
