Real Madrid forward Endrick has emerged as a primary transfer target for AC Milan ahead of the January window, with club leadership actively monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation after he logged just four minutes of playing time across all competitions during the early stages of the 2026–27 season. [gazzetta.it]
AC Milan and RedBird Capital Prepare for January Move
AC Milan ownership, led by RedBird Capital founder Gerry Cardinale, views the young Brazilian as a major opportunity for the upcoming transfer window, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italian club previously attempted to secure the striker on loan during the summer transfer window, obtaining initial approval from the player before Real Madrid manager José Mourinho blocked the exit. Despite the arrival of new attacking options and a star-studded squad featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Ousmane Diomande, Brahim Diaz, and the injured Rodrygo, Mourinho opted to retain the former Palmeiras talent. [gazzetta.it]
To address their attacking needs in the interim, Milan instead acquired Omari Hutchinson on loan from Nottingham Forest in August. However, club officials continue to track Endrick’s limited involvement at the Santiago Bernabéu, positioning themselves to revive the pursuit if Hutchinson fails to secure a regular role and the Brazilian remains on the sidelines under Mourinho. [gazzetta.it]
Real Madrid Rotations and the Brazil National Team Context
Endrick’s lack of club minutes stands in sharp contrast to his role with the Brazil national team. Under manager Carlo Ancelotti, the forward featured in all three of the Seleção’s recent friendlies, playing twice against Australia and once against India. Those 139 minutes on international duty provided vital match fitness following a muscular injury that sidelined him early in the campaign. [gazzetta.it]
Real Madrid faces a demanding stretch of eight matches in 29 days, creating an unavoidable need for squad rotation. With Mbappé managing a recent knee injury sustained while on international duty with France, heavy reliance on the French forward is unsustainable, potentially opening the door for increased opportunities for squad members. reported that Ancelotti has privately advised the young striker to consider his options to protect his standing within the national team setup ahead of major international cycles. [corrieredellosport.it]
AS Roma Enters the Race and Rival Interest
AC Milan faces stiff domestic competition for the forward’s signature. AS Roma has engaged in persistent contact with the player’s representatives at Roc Nation, identifying the 20-year-old as an ideal profile to add speed, dribbling ability, and depth to Gian Piero Gasperini’s attacking department. noted that while Roma boasts creative talents such as Paulo Dybala, Matías Soulé, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Borja Mora, the squad lacks a direct, explosive runner capable of attacking space in the manner Endrick demonstrated during his breakthrough in Brazil and his subsequent loan spell at Lyon. [fantacalcio.it]
Roma leadership planned to discuss terms directly with Real Madrid counterparts during a scheduled UEFA Champions League fixture at the Stadio Olimpico. Aston Villa also monitored the player during the summer, receiving the same definitive refusal from Madrid that Milan encountered. [gazzetta.it]
Strategic Ties with Roc Nation and Transfer Formulas
AC Milan believes its established institutional relationship with agency Roc Nation gives them an edge in negotiations. The partnership dates back to 2020 and has deepened under Cardinale, whose sports and entertainment ventures in the United States align with the agency founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.
Any potential deal in January is expected to take the form of a temporary loan rather than a permanent transfer. When Endrick joined Lyon last January, Real Madrid structured the agreement for a nominal fee of one million euros without inserting a purchase option, wishing to retain full control over his long-term development after investing heavily to sign him from Palmeiras in a deal worth 35 million euros plus 25 million euros in potential bonuses. Industry reports indicate that any pursuit by Milan or Roma would follow a similar six-month loan structure. [gazzetta.it]
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