Endrick Says YES to AC Milan as Real Madrid Face Another Crucial Decision

Endrick’s future at Real Madrid could once again become one of the major talking points of the January transfer window, with the Brazilian reportedly giving AC Milan the green light for a potential loan move.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Endrick has indicated that Milan would be his preferred destination if Real Madrid allow him to leave on loan this winter. The decision, however, is now in the hands of the Spanish giants, who must decide whether keeping the 20-year-old at the Santiago Bernabéu is genuinely beneficial to his development.

The situation is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore because Endrick has struggled for consistent playing time ever since arriving at Real Madrid.

Signed from Palmeiras as one of the most exciting young talents in world football, Endrick arrived in Madrid with enormous expectations. Yet his first season under Carlo Ancelotti was largely spent making appearances from the bench. He finished the 2024/25 campaign with 37 appearances across competitions, but only eight starts, according to FBref, while Opta records just 863 minutes of action.

Despite scoring seven goals in that campaign, his limited involvement remained a concern.

The following season brought an even clearer indication that Endrick needed regular football. Competition for attacking positions remained fierce, while injuries also disrupted his progress. Rather than continuing to wait for opportunities in Madrid, he was sent to Lyon on loan, where he finally received the consistent minutes that had been missing from his development.

The difference was significant.

At Lyon, Endrick made 21 appearances across competitions and registered eight goals and seven assists, giving him the opportunity to play regularly, regain confidence and demonstrate what he could do when trusted with substantial minutes.

That spell also underlined the central issue surrounding his Real Madrid career: Endrick has rarely lacked talent; he has lacked opportunities.

Now back in Madrid, the problem has returned.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Endrick's current season at Real Madrid has effectively been reduced to just four minutes in the league, coming as a substitute against Elche on September 15. The report describes his playing time as "practically nothing" and points to the enormous competition for places in the Madrid attack.

That competition is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

With Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Brahim Díaz, Carlos Espí, Diomandé and the expected return of Rodrygo all competing for attacking positions, Endrick faces an extremely difficult route into the starting XI.

The situation is particularly significant because Endrick is now at an important stage of his development. Sitting on the bench for long periods could potentially stall the progress he made during his loan spell in France.

And that is where AC Milan could enter the picture.

Milan reportedly tried to sign Endrick on loan during the summer but were unable to complete the move, with Real Madrid deciding to retain the Brazilian. Now, according to La Gazzetta, the player has made it clear that Milan appeals to him and that he would be open to moving to Serie A if Madrid give the operation the green light.

For Milan, Endrick would offer versatility as well as enormous potential. He could operate as a centre-forward, play alongside another striker or be used from the right side of the attack, giving the Rossoneri several tactical possibilities.

For Endrick, however, the attraction is much simpler: minutes.

He needs to play.

His previous loan at Lyon showed exactly what happens when he receives sustained opportunities. After struggling for involvement in Madrid, he became a regular starter in France and produced eight goals and seven assists in 21 appearances.

The concern now is that another season dominated by substitute appearances could leave him in a similar position again.

There is also a wider issue for the Brazilian. Regular club football is important for his ambitions with the national team, particularly with competition for places in Brazil's attack. A September report from UOL highlighted just how limited Endrick's club minutes had become, recording only four minutes for Real Madrid at that stage of the season.

Therefore, a January loan would not necessarily represent a failure for either Endrick or Real Madrid.

It could instead be viewed as another developmental step.

Real Madrid would retain control of a player they invested heavily in, while Endrick would gain the regular football he needs to mature. Milan, meanwhile, could acquire a potentially elite attacking talent without committing to a permanent transfer immediately.

The biggest question is whether Real Madrid are prepared to admit that another six months on the bench may not be the best option for their young star.

Endrick has reportedly already said yes to Milan.

Now, the ball is in Real Madrid's court.

If Madrid decide that Endrick's development requires football rather than another season of limited opportunities, January could once again see the Brazilian leave the Bernabéu temporarily.

And this time, Milan could be his destination.