Milan’s interest in Endrick has not disappeared; it has merely been placed within the wider rhythm of the season. Gerry Cardinale and coach Ruben Amorim are keeping the Real Madrid forward under observation ahead of January, aware that a limited role in Spain could reopen a route to Milan for a six-month loan.
Key takeaways
- Milan had explored a move for Endrick in the summer and received the player’s approval, but Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho blocked his departure.
- The Brazilian has played only four minutes for Real Madrid in 2026-27 after a muscle injury.
- Endrick has featured in all three of Brazil’s recent friendlies under Carlo Ancelotti, totalling 139 minutes.
- Roma have also begun contacts with Roc Nation, Endrick’s representatives, and meet Real Madrid at the Olimpico on Wednesday 14 in the Champions League.
- Milan could only pursue a temporary deal, with Real Madrid unwilling to include an option to buy for a player signed for €35 million plus €25 million in bonuses.
A January opening may depend on Madrid’s selection picture
The first decision in Milan’s summer planning went elsewhere. After Mourinho refused to release Endrick despite the attacking options at his disposal — including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius, Diomande, Diaz, Espi and the injured Rodrygo — Milan turned to Nottingham Forest and took Omari Hutchinson on loan. The Englishman operates in the same area of the pitch as Endrick.
The next three months will shape whether the Brazilian returns to the Rossoneri’s agenda with real force. If Hutchinson does not settle quickly in Italy, while Endrick remains on the margins in Madrid, Milan could renew their attempt when the winter window opens.
Endrick’s immediate task is to rebuild match sharpness with Brazil. The 20-year-old from Taguatinga had scarcely played for his club after his muscle problem, but Ancelotti used him in both friendlies against Australia and in the match with India. Those 139 international minutes offer him a chance to regain physical condition before Madrid enter a demanding spell.
From Saturday through 8 November, Real Madrid are scheduled to play eight matches in 29 days. Rotation will be necessary, particularly as Mbappe is returning from the knee injury suffered while on France duty and cannot be overloaded once available. Endrick hopes that crowded calendar will bring opportunities under Mourinho.
He has already shown a willingness to leave comfort behind in search of football. Endrick joined Real Madrid at the age of 16 and a half, knowing competition for places would be severe. He registered seven goals in 37 appearances during the promising 2024-25 campaign, then accepted a January loan to Lyon in pursuit of a more regular role. His French spell brought eight goals and eight assists from 21 games.
Milan’s network, and the limits of any deal
Interest in Endrick is not confined to Milan. Roma are the leading Italian rival and have made initial approaches to Roc Nation, the agency representing the player. Their Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Olimpico on Wednesday 14 provides an opportunity for discussions between the clubs.
Aston Villa also asked about Endrick in the summer, only to encounter the same refusal that ended Milan’s first approach. That position may change only if the player’s minutes remain restricted through the autumn.
Milan believe their relationship with Roc Nation gives them a useful channel. The club has had a partnership with the agency since 2020, when Elliott owned Milan, and the connection continued following Cardinale’s arrival. Cardinale’s business ties with Roc Nation have strengthened further through their August investment in CardVault by Tom Brady.
CardVault aims to expand beyond the traditional market for trading cards and sporting memorabilia into a broader sports-and-entertainment platform. Cardinale and Jay-Z, whose company is behind Roc Nation, see Brady’s involvement as important to its development, with Cardinale commercial associate Mark Dowley also part of the project. Dowley has previously worked across business involving the NBA, Premier League, NFL, Jay-Z and LeBron James.
Those relationships do not alter the central condition: Real Madrid do not appear prepared to sell. When Endrick went to Lyon last December, Madrid accepted only €1 million for the loan and insisted on no purchase clause for the French club. Having invested €35 million in December 2022, with a further €25 million in potential bonuses, Madrid are expected to maintain control of the player.
For Milan, then, the possible deal is a short-term solution rather than a permanent signing. A six-month loan from the start of January would be the likely formula, potentially brought forward in the way Lyon arranged their move ten months ago. Cardinale’s next step will depend on Endrick’s role in Madrid and Milan’s own need for another attacking option.
