Roma’s interest in Endrick has not disappeared with the passing of the summer. What had looked close to becoming a loan agreement was halted by the Brazilian forward’s decision to remain at Real Madrid and fight for his place under José Mourinho. A few months into the season, however, the lack of minutes has reopened a question that may shape the January window.
The coach and the club
Roma sporting director Tony D’Amico had effectively put together a temporary move for Endrick before the player reconsidered his future. Mourinho then asked the Brazilian to delay any departure and attempt to establish himself in Madrid.
That opportunity has yet to take shape. Endrick has played only four minutes since the campaign began, appearing at the end of the away match against Elche. An injury ruled him out against Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Malaga and Betis, but he was subsequently an unused substitute for matches with Rayo Vallecano, Atletico Madrid and Inter.
The competition in Real Madrid’s attacking department remains considerable. Mourinho can call on Kylian Mbappé, currently injured, as well as Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, Bernardo Silva, Diomandé and Espì. Rodrygo is also expected to return in December. In that context, Roma have maintained contact with Endrick’s camp and are prepared to revisit the loan possibility in January if his role does not improve.
There could be an opportunity for further discussions when Roma meet Real Madrid in the Champions League on 14 October. Madrid’s commitment to the player has been substantial: the club paid €35 million two years ago, with a possible €25 million in bonuses, while commissions, taxes and wages have taken the overall investment to €80 million.
A familiar case for January
Endrick is increasingly considering whether another mid-season loan would serve him better. Last year’s spell at Lyon brought 21 appearances, eight goals and eight assists. Those performances helped him earn a place at the World Cup, even if the wider experience did not develop as happily as he had hoped.
He has nevertheless remained in Brazil’s plans. Carlo Ancelotti selected him for the recent pair of friendlies against Australia. Endrick completed the first match, scoring a goal that was later disallowed, and played one half of the second, where he supplied an assist.
Ancelotti made clear that playing time is the central issue for the forward and other young Brazilian players.
“The problem for young Brazilian players is that they do not improve when they are not playing,” Ancelotti said. “That applies to Endrick and to talents such as Estevão. Without matches, they cannot progress. We have very promising young players and we must follow their development. Endrick will become an important player for Brazil, but he needs to play now.”
What Endrick could offer Roma
For Gian Piero Gasperini, Endrick would not represent the left-footed attacking midfielder Roma have been seeking since the coach arrived at Trigoria more than 16 months ago. He could, though, provide a different solution: a forward able to accelerate into open spaces and bring greater threat to the attacking unit.
Endrick is accustomed to playing through the middle, but he can also operate from the right. That versatility would give Roma another option behind and alongside Paulo Dybala, while a January move would offer the Brazilian the regular football that has so far eluded him in Madrid.
