Brazilian striker Endrick is edging closer to leaving Real Madrid on loan for the second time in his career, with AS Roma re-entering the frame to secure his services during the upcoming winter transfer window.
While no definitive agreement has been reached, the forward’s ongoing exclusion from José Mourinho’s plans has brought the prospect of a loan move back to the forefront, given that his total playing time for the club this season stands at just four minutes.
Endrick came close to joining the Italian side during the summer transfer window after both the player and Real Madrid approved the move. However, Mourinho personally intervened to halt the operation, assuring the young forward that he would be handed opportunities to feature.
Mourinho’s Assurance Yields Just Four Minutes
Real Madrid initially rejected Roma’s push to include an option-to-buy clause before negotiations shifted toward a straight loan with a potential extension option, though a single call from Mourinho abruptly closed the door.
According to Italian reports, the Portuguese manager reassured Endrick and urged him to stay and fight for his place. Despite those assurances, the forward’s sole appearance came as a late substitute, playing just four minutes against Elche.
The 20-year-old’s campaign was initially set back by a muscular injury that sidelined him for the opening four matches. Nevertheless, his standing within the squad remained unchanged upon recovery, hampered by intense competition from Kylian Mbappé, Carlos Espí, and a wealth of attacking options.
Furthermore, Real Madrid are awaiting the return of Rodrygo from a long-term knee injury, a development likely to restrict Endrick’s path to first-team minutes even further over the coming months.
Roma Plan to Utilize Champions League Clash for Talks
Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes Endrick possesses the ideal profile to inject speed, directness, and space exploitation into his attack, whether deployed as a central striker or cutting in from the right flank.
With Roma scheduled to host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on October 14 in the UEFA Champions League, executives from both clubs are expected to use the occasion to formally reopen negotiations ahead of January.
Endrick was open to joining the Italian capital club during the summer, meaning player terms will not pose a major obstacle. The decisive factor remains whether Mourinho and Real Madrid sanction the move.
Lyon Experience Encourages Second Loan Departure
Endrick previously departed Real Madrid on loan to Lyon during the second half of last season in pursuit of regular playing time to safeguard his spot with Brazil ahead of the World Cup.
His spell in France proved highly successful, with the striker registering 8 goals and 8 assists in 21 appearances across all competitions, allowing him to regain his international standing before returning to Madrid.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti warned that prolonged bench roles hinder the development of elite young talent, specifically citing Endrick among those requiring consistent minutes. Consequently, a new loan move appears the most viable solution if his situation fails to improve before the January window opens.
