Milan’s January planning has brought Endrick back into view, with the Brazilian forward short of opportunities at Real Madrid and potentially available on loan for the second half of the season. A move to San Siro would offer the 19-year-old a route back to regular football, while giving the Rossoneri another option for an attacking unit that has yet to find a settled owner of the right-sided support role.
Endrick’s situation is a sharp contrast to his productive spell under Paulo Fonseca at Lyon. The Portuguese coach, formerly in charge of Milan, helped the Brazilian rediscover confidence after a difficult period in Madrid. In 21 appearances in France, Endrick delivered eight goals and eight assists, exceeding his Real Madrid output of seven goals and one assist from 41 matches across two and a half seasons.
That French revival has not translated into a lasting role at the Bernabéu. Muscle problems have also interrupted his campaign, which has so far been reduced to four substitute minutes against Elche in La Liga on 15 September. He then spent the entire Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid among the substitutes.
A stalled Madrid career
Real Madrid bought Endrick’s rights four years ago, when he was 16, in a deal worth €35 million plus up to €25 million in bonuses. The expectation was that one of Brazil’s brightest young forwards would steadily establish himself in Spain. Instead, he remains behind a crowded group of attacking options including Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz and Diomande.
Jose Mourinho had previously wanted to keep Endrick, ending Milan’s late-August attempt to bring him in. The Rossoneri turned towards other targets, but the situation has changed little in Madrid and the player could now be approached through a conventional loan proposal.
Such an arrangement would allow Milan to take Endrick for the final five months of the season without a major immediate commitment. The clubs could then revisit the wider question in the summer, after a period in which player, coach and board could assess whether a longer-term change in his status made sense.
Milan’s attacking need
Milan’s recent recruitment has shown a willingness to act decisively when the club identifies a priority. The summer additions of Gila, Ramos and Moreira reflected that approach, while Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio remains on the club’s defensive shortlist.
In Endrick’s case, Milan would see more than one possible use. He could operate on the right of the two attacking midfield positions behind Ramos, alongside Christian Pulisic. He could also be deployed closer to the centre-forward, either supporting the striker or leading the line himself.
The right-sided position is particularly open. Alexis Saelemaekers was the most recent player paired with Pulisic there before suffering an injury. Cisse had made an impression earlier in the season, while Hutchinson arrived on loan from Nottingham Forest when it appeared that Endrick could not be reached.
Endrick’s salary is considered manageable for Milan. His Real Madrid terms were agreed while he was still a minor, roughly 18 months before his eventual move to European football.
Relationships could matter
Contacts around a possible deal may be helped by Milan’s established connection with Roc Nation Sports, the agency representing Endrick. Gerry Cardinale’s Milan have maintained a relationship with the agency since 2020, when the partnership was presented as a project built around innovation, community, integrity and inclusion.
The original agreement covered philanthropic work, music initiatives, merchandising projects, brand development, digital activity, commercial sales and cultural events. It was not created for transfer business, but the existing relationship could still assist discussions around one of Roc Nation’s highest-profile football clients.
Roc Nation, founded by rapper Jay-Z, expanded into football representation only in recent years and has concentrated on elite-level players. Milan would nevertheless face competition from Roma and clubs outside Italy if Endrick becomes a genuine January loan opportunity.
Relations between Milan and Real Madrid have traditionally been positive, which could help accelerate an agreement if the Spanish side open the door. From the player’s perspective, San Siro would offer a chance to rebuild a season that has largely been spent waiting for minutes.
Endrick has recently been involved with Brazil, where another former Milan coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is now giving him encouragement and playing time as national-team manager. Milan may therefore represent another familiar link in a career that still needs its next decisive chapter.
