Endrick Prefers AC Milan Loan as Real Madrid Minutes Remain Scarce
Endrick has accepted that a January loan may be needed after being limited to only four minutes of league football for Real Madrid this season, with AC Milan now his preferred destination should he leave the Bernabeu.
The 20-year-old Brazilian returned to Spain hoping his excellent spell at Lyon would open the door to a greater role, but his status in Madrid has not improved. Milan are pushing ahead of fellow Italian contenders Roma, while Lyon would also consider bringing him back and Aston Villa have registered interest.
Endrick’s representatives at Roc Nation have strong links with Milan owner Gerry Cardinale and RedBird Capital Partners, a connection that could help a deal develop as the winter window approaches. No agreement has yet been completed, but Serie A is increasingly viewed as the most realistic route to regular football.
The former Palmeiras forward made a major impact during the second half of the 2025-26 campaign in France, producing eight goals and eight assists across 21 matches for Lyon. That form helped him secure a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad, while also strengthening his belief that he could compete for more minutes on returning to Madrid.
Instead, the path into the Real side has remained blocked by a formidable group of attacking options. Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz are all ahead in the competition for forward places, while Rodrygo is currently injured.
Madrid also added Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi last summer. Coach Mourinho has repeatedly turned to Espi, the Spain Under-21 international signed from Levante, when rotating his attack or seeking a late breakthrough, leaving Endrick even further down the order.
Endrick can operate in several positions across the frontline, but has had almost no chance to demonstrate that flexibility in competitive matches. Madrid and the player must now decide whether another temporary move is the best solution rather than allowing a key development season to drift by from the bench.
What happens next is likely to depend on negotiations over a winter loan. Endrick will continue trying to force his way into Mourinho’s plans in the meantime, but Milan appear best placed if Madrid authorise his departure.
