Endrick Weighs January Transfer as Real Madrid Minutes Remain Limited
Endrick is considering a change of club in January as he looks for the regular playing time he has struggled to find at Real Madrid. The young Brazilian forward still hopes to establish himself at the Spanish giants, but his lack of minutes has prompted fresh questions about whether a temporary move—or even a permanent transfer—would better support his development.
Roma and Sporting Lisbon are among the clubs reported to be interested in signing him for the second half of the season. No destination has been confirmed, and Endrick has not made a final decision. For now, his priority appears clear: he wants to play consistently, continue improving and keep his career moving forward.
Limited opportunities fuel transfer prediction
Endrick’s place in Real Madrid’s plans has yet to translate into a substantial role on the pitch. He has reportedly played only 140 minutes across seven matches this season, starting once, against Sevilla. For a forward who needs regular competitive football to build rhythm and confidence, that limited involvement has become increasingly difficult to accept.
The situation is particularly significant because Endrick chose to stay in Madrid last summer. A loan move to Roma had appeared close, but he remained after coach José Mourinho asked him to continue at the club. The expectation was that patience might bring more opportunities. So far, however, the minutes he wanted have not arrived.
That gap between ambition and playing time is shaping the latest transfer prediction around the 20-year-old. A move in January could offer a practical route to regular football without necessarily ending his connection to Real Madrid. A loan would allow him to test himself in a new league while keeping open the possibility of returning to Spain with more experience.
Roma and Sporting Lisbon emerge as leading options
Roma are reportedly interested in reviving their pursuit of Endrick, having come close to securing him previously. The Italian club could offer him a larger role and a chance to compete in a demanding league. A successful spell there might also give him the platform to demonstrate that he can contribute consistently at senior level.
Sporting Lisbon are another serious contender. Reports say the Portuguese side have already made an approach for the second half of the season. Their interest may be strengthened by the club’s Champions League involvement and by coach Paulo Fonseca’s reported desire to bring Endrick into his plans. European competition would give the striker valuable exposure, while a defined role could help him regain momentum.
Portugal may also be a relatively straightforward adjustment. Lisbon is geographically close to Madrid, and the move could be less disruptive for Endrick and his family than relocating farther away. Familiarity with the language and culture may also help him settle quickly, although the most important factor will be whether he can secure meaningful playing time.
Lyon experience offers a useful example
Endrick’s previous loan spell at Olympique Lyon appears to have influenced how he views a possible move. During that period, he played 1,663 minutes in 21 matches, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists. The numbers suggest that a regular role helped him contribute more directly and rebuild confidence.
He has described his time in Lyon as one of the happiest periods of his life. That experience does not guarantee that another loan would produce the same results, but it gives both the player and Real Madrid a recent example of how a change of environment can benefit his development. The key question is whether a new club can offer a comparable balance of responsibility, support and competitive challenge.
Could Endrick leave Real Madrid permanently?
A loan is not the only possibility under consideration. Endrick is reportedly also examining whether a permanent departure could make sense, though that option would require careful negotiation. Given Real Madrid’s investment in the player, the club is likely to want safeguards if it agrees to sell.
Possible arrangements could include selling only part of his economic rights or inserting a buy-back clause. Such terms would give Endrick a clearer route to regular football while allowing Real Madrid to retain a degree of control over his future. Any permanent transfer would therefore be more complex than a straightforward sale, particularly if the Spanish club believes he could still become an important player in the years ahead.
Real Madrid are reportedly not ruling out a departure if Endrick decides that a move is necessary. The club will also be mindful of the financial commitment involved: the reported overall cost of the deal, including transfer value, wages, commissions and taxes, exceeded €80 million. That investment makes the structure and timing of any transfer especially important.
Endrick says his relationship with Mourinho is strong
Endrick has been careful to separate his future plans from his relationship with Mourinho. He has spoken warmly about the coach, saying Mourinho checks in on him personally and has made him feel welcome. In Endrick’s account, the issue is not a breakdown in trust or a disagreement with the manager; it is the need to play more often at an important stage of his career.
Speaking at a Brazil press conference, Endrick said he did not know what would happen in January and was asking for wisdom to make the best decision for his future. He also stressed that he remains committed to working hard and helping his teammates, while making clear that he wants to play, score goals and provide assists.
His comments reflect the tension at the heart of the situation. Real Madrid remains a club he values deeply, and he has said the city feels like home for his family. At the same time, staying in a familiar environment is not enough if his development stalls through a lack of match action.
What happens next?
Endrick’s January decision will depend on more than the names of interested clubs. He will need to weigh the likelihood of regular starts, the quality of coaching, the level of competition and the terms Real Madrid are prepared to accept. Roma and Sporting may both offer attractive opportunities, but the best destination will be the one that provides a credible plan for his growth—not simply a short-term change of scenery.
For Real Madrid, the challenge is balancing a major investment with the player’s need for experience. For Endrick, it is finding a route that protects his long-term ambition while giving him the chance to perform now. His next transfer move, whether a loan or a permanent exit with Madrid retaining future rights, could prove decisive in shaping the next stage of his career.
