Endrick Leaves the Door Open to January Transfer Away From Real Madrid
Endrick has refused to rule out another move away from Real Madrid, saying he will accept whatever decision comes his way when the January transfer window opens. The Brazilian forward’s comments have renewed questions about his role at the Spanish club and intensified speculation linking him with AC Milan, Aston Villa and Roma.
“I take things as they come. If I have to leave in January, I’ll leave. If I have to stay, I’ll stay. I’ll do what God puts in my heart,” Endrick told Movistar+ after Real Madrid’s dramatic 4-3 Champions League victory away to Roma.
The 20-year-old’s uncertain future reflects a difficult start to the season. After hoping to build on a productive loan spell in France and establish himself in Madrid, Endrick has so far struggled to secure regular opportunities under coach Jose Mourinho. However, his decisive contribution in Rome may give him fresh momentum—and could influence Real Madrid’s transfer plans.
A dramatic performance puts Endrick back in the spotlight
Endrick made his second appearance of the campaign at the Stadio Olimpico, entering the match shortly before the hour mark with Real trailing 3-1. His introduction proved pivotal. He provided the assist for Carlos Espi’s 83rd-minute goal, then scored a header to bring Madrid level. Antonio Rüdiger completed the comeback with a late winner.
His impact was especially notable given how little football he had played. Before the Roma match, Endrick had received only four minutes in Real’s 3-2 win over Elche in mid-September. He had also missed the opening part of the season because of a muscle injury, making it harder to build fitness and make a strong case for a regular place.
“When the coach called me, I was really surprised because it was unusually early,” Endrick said. “I hadn’t played for a long time and was so motivated: I showed that on the pitch and played well.”
The cameo offered a timely reminder of the qualities that made Real invest heavily in him: sharp movement, confidence in front of goal and the ability to influence a match quickly. Whether one strong performance changes Mourinho’s view is uncertain, but it gives Endrick a compelling argument for more minutes.
From Lyon success to limited opportunities in Madrid
Endrick’s frustrations over playing time previously led to a loan move to Olympique Lyon in January. The spell in France proved productive. Across 21 appearances in the first half of 2026, he recorded eight goals and eight assists, a return that helped rebuild his confidence and demonstrated that he could contribute consistently when given responsibility.
After that run, Endrick returned to Madrid hoping to make a breakthrough. Instead, injury disrupted his preparation, and competition for attacking places has continued to restrict his involvement. The contrast between his productive Lyon spell and his limited role in Spain is central to the current transfer prediction: another loan could offer him the regular football needed to keep developing.
For a young forward, playing time is more than a short-term concern. Regular starts can help refine decision-making, improve physical sharpness and build the understanding required to succeed in a demanding side. At the same time, Real must weigh those developmental needs against the value of keeping a talented player within the squad.
AC Milan, Aston Villa and Roma linked with a January move
Reports have suggested that AC Milan are currently well placed to pursue Endrick in January, with the Italian club also described as a preferred destination for the striker. Aston Villa and Roma have reportedly shown interest as well. None of those links, however, confirms that a deal is agreed or that Real Madrid are ready to let him go.
Milan could offer Endrick a prominent role in a major European league, while Villa may appeal through the opportunity to compete in a demanding Premier League environment. Roma, meanwhile, have just seen first-hand how dangerous he can be. The club’s interest, if formalised, would be shaped by its own squad needs and by whether Madrid are willing to negotiate.
The most plausible transfer prediction at this stage may be another loan rather than a permanent departure. A temporary move would allow Endrick to pursue consistent minutes without Real surrendering control of a player whose contract runs until 2030. A loan with an option to buy has also been discussed, though Madrid would reportedly seek a buy-back provision to protect their long-term interest.
Real Madrid face a decision over Endrick’s development
Real signed Endrick from Brazilian club Palmeiras in 2024, when he was 18, for a reported transfer fee of €47.5 million. Since arriving in Spain, he has scored eight goals in 42 appearances. Those figures reflect a player still working to establish himself, but they also need to be considered alongside his age, limited minutes and the disruption caused by injury.
A permanent sale would be a significant decision for Madrid. Endrick has shown flashes of high-level potential, and his performance against Roma illustrated how quickly he can change a game. A loan, by contrast, could provide a practical middle ground: the forward gets regular football, while the Spanish club retains a route to bring him back or benefit from his development.
For now, the key question is whether Endrick’s late-season opportunities increase. If he earns more minutes and continues to deliver, a January exit may become less attractive to both player and club. If his role remains limited, a move could offer the clearest path to sustained progress.
Endrick has made clear that he is not demanding a departure. His comments suggest he is prepared to stay if that is what Madrid decide, while remaining open to a transfer if a new opportunity emerges. The January window is still some distance away, and his decisive display in Rome could yet reshape the conversation.
