Endrick back in Milan’s sights as Amorim weighs January attacking move

Milan are preparing to revisit a possible January move for Real Madrid forward Endrick after being unable to complete a deal for the Brazil international during the summer transfer window.

The Italian club have identified January as a potential opportunity to reopen negotiations for the 2006-born striker, who joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras.

Ruben Amorim will face his first major test as Milan manager against Juventus, but the Portuguese coach also discussed the club’s transfer planning during his pre-match news conference. He said there was close agreement between himself, Jerry Cardinale and Calvelli over the squad’s requirements.

“I speak with Cardinale and Calvelli every day, so their presence is natural for me. I am very happy with the transfer window. We have new players with great quality who will help us during the season and in the future. That is our objective. I also want to clarify how Milan works: everyone must be in agreement about the players we want to sign,” said Amorim.

Milan completed the signing of Goncalo Ramos three days before the summer transfer window opened. The Portugal striker quickly received the backing of all parties at the club and was established as their preferred option to lead the attack.

The permanent fee for Ramos was €70m, a commitment that prevented Milan from completing a deal for another established striker during the summer.

The club also remain committed to a strategy centred on developing young players. As part of that approach, Milan extended Camarda’s contract until 30 June 2031, with an option to add a further year through to 2032. They then decided to promote him as Ramos’s only direct back-up.

That arrangement is expected to remain in place until at least January. At that point, a working group within the club will carry out a full assessment of the situation, using the data gathered during the first four months of the season.

Endrick deal depends on Real Madrid involvement

Milan had spent at least two weeks working on a high-profile attacking signing and selected Endrick as their preferred target. Cardinale discussed the move directly with Real Madrid officials, but the club encountered resistance from Jose Mourinho over allowing the former Palmeiras player to leave on loan.

According to Calciomercato, that stance disappointed both Milan and Roma.

Endrick has yet to play for Real Madrid as he continues his recovery from an injury. Milan hope to bring him to Italy in January on loan, with an option to buy.

Much will depend on how often Mourinho uses the Brazilian during the first part of the season and when he chooses to introduce him into the team. His involvement at Real Madrid could determine whether the Spanish club are willing to consider a temporary move.

Calciomercato reports that Cardinale, Amorim and Milan’s working group intend to make another attempt to sign Endrick, regardless of the outcome of their previous approach.

Milan believe Endrick could operate as a centre-forward or play behind Ramos in a second-striker role. That versatility is one of the reasons he remains attractive to the club as they assess their attacking options.

The potential move also reflects a wider policy at Milan: revisiting deals that previously proved impossible to complete. The club believe their project to build a side capable of competing for and winning major honours is still in its early stages.

Corriere dello Sport, as reported by the same outlet, says Roma also regard Endrick as a player worth considering as they plan for future attacking reinforcements.