Milan and Roma are dreaming, but they have to contend with a player who has played for both teams
Endrick’s future may once again lie away from Real Madrid. The Brazilian forward, who is just 20 years old, has reportedly decided to leave the Blancos during the upcoming winter transfer window in order to secure more playing time and revitalize his career. This situation has reignited interest from Milan and Roma, who have long been tracking the former Palmeiras talent but now face a new competitor: Sporting Lisbon.
According to reports in the Spanish newspaper *As*, the player has already expressed a desire for a change of scenery, and his entourage is reportedly working to find him a new club. His stats from the first half of the season explain his dissatisfaction: just 140 total minutes across seven appearances—significantly less playing time than expected.
From the Brazilian national team’s training camp, Endrick openly addressed the issue of his future, making no secret of his desire to see more playing time: “I’m only 20 years old, so I’ll see how things play out. I just want to play, be happy, and help my teammates,” he said. Then, on a possible transfer in January: “I don’t know what will happen; it’s all in God’s hands. I just ask to be able to do what’s best for my career. I want to do my best to grow.”
The Brazilian also had words of appreciation for José Mourinho, highlighting his personal relationship with the Portuguese coach: “He’s a great person; every day he comes up to me and asks how I’m doing, but he never talks about soccer. He wants to know about my personal life—I like his attitude. He takes an interest, and I’m grateful for what he does.” These words confirm his respect for the coach, but they don’t seem to rule out a departure in January.
For Milan and Roma, this is a particularly interesting transfer opportunity. Both clubs had already been tracking Endrick in previous transfer windows, evaluating the possibility of securing the player on loan. Now, however, competition from Sporting Lisbon risks complicating the Italian clubs’ plans. The Portuguese club has reportedly already taken concrete steps to gauge Real Madrid’s willingness to part with the player and may have a key advantage: Paulo Fonseca on the bench.
The coach knows Endrick very well, having previously coached him during his loan stint at Lyon. This relationship could tip the scales in favor of a move to Portugal and convince the Brazilian to choose a club where he would be reunited with a coach who understands his strengths. The race for the young forward’s future is therefore wide open. Milan and Roma remain in the running, but to secure Endrick, they’ll have to contend with Sporting’s entry into the fray and the wishes of Real Madrid, which holds his rights.
