“If I have to leave, I’ll leave”: Real Madrid star hints at winter transfer
Context:
Endrick hinted he could leave Real Madrid in January, signaling openness to a winter transfer after limited first-team opportunities. The 20-year-old, who excelled on loan at Lyon with eight goals and eight assists in 21 shows, has struggled to break through under Jose Mourinho at Real. Interest has intensified from AC Milan, with Villa and Roma also linked, while Real’s 2030 contract and potential loan-with-option-to-buy or buy-back arrangements shape the possible path forward. The episode follows a season disrupted by injury and scarce playing time, with a notable late cameo in Rome that showcased his potential in a high-stakes match. The coming window is pivotal for Endrick’s status at Madrid and his career trajectory.
Dive Deeper:
Endrick previously sought more playing time and arranged a loan to Olympique Lyon in January 2026, where he delivered eight goals and eight assists over 21 appearances, boosting his confidence ahead of a return to Real Madrid.
Back at Madrid, the forward has been largely sidelined, with coach Jose Mourinho offering very limited minutes, including just four in a 3-2 win over Elche in September.
In the Champions League victory at Roma, Endrick came on for Vinicius Junior, contributed an assist for Carlos Espin (Espí) in the 83rd minute, and later headed in an equaliser before Real Madrid clinched the win.
Speculation has grown that AC Milan holds the strongest position to sign Endrick in January, with the Brazilian reportedly prioritizing Milan; Aston Villa and Roma are also among the clubs mentioned.
Endrick’s Madrid contract runs until 2030, and options being discussed include a straight loan or a loan with an option to buy, with Real aiming to preserve a buy-back clause if a sale occurs.
Real Madrid initially signed Endrick in 2024 from Palmeiras for about €47.5 million; despite showing flashes of potential, he has not yet established himself as a regular in Madrid’s first team.
The situation projects a critical winter window for Endrick, as either a pathway to increased minutes at Madrid or a formal move to another club that could redefine his development and future role.