Endrick considers Real Madrid exit as Roma and Sporting Lisbon show interest

Endrick is considering leaving Real Madrid in January after struggling for regular first-team football, despite maintaining a strong relationship with manager Jose Mourinho and continuing to hope for success at the club.

The Brazil forward has played only 140 minutes across seven matches this season, starting once against Sevilla. With the winter transfer window approaching, Roma and Sporting Lisbon are among the clubs monitoring his situation.

Endrick chose to remain at Real Madrid last summer after Mourinho asked him to stay. A loan move to Roma had been close to being agreed, but the 20-year-old has not since received the playing time he expected.

His possible departure is not connected to a disagreement with Mourinho. Endrick believes the manager supports him, but wants to protect his development and avoid interrupting his career at a crucial age.

According to AS, Endrick has decided to look for a new club in January, following the example of his previous spell with Olympique Lyonnais. He featured more regularly there, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists in 21 appearances, playing 1,663 minutes.

Roma and Sporting Lisbon interested

Roma are again interested in signing Endrick in January, but face competition from Sporting Lisbon, who have already made an approach for the second half of the season.

Sporting Lisbon could offer several advantages. The club are competing in the Champions League, while recently appointed manager Paulo Fonseca has requested the player’s signing, potentially giving Endrick greater opportunities to play.

A move to Portugal would also be relatively straightforward for Endrick and his family because of the language and geographical connections. Lisbon is close to Madrid, which could make the change less complicated.

A permanent transfer has not been ruled out. Endrick is still assessing his options, including the possibility of leaving Real Madrid permanently rather than joining another club on loan.

If that happens, he wants an agreement that allows Real Madrid to retain some control over his future. That could involve the club selling only part of his rights or including a buy-back clause covering several seasons on suitable terms.

Real Madrid are not closing the door on a permanent departure if that becomes the final decision. The club recognise the need to protect their substantial investment in the player, with the total cost of the deal reported to have exceeded 80m euros when the transfer fee, salary, commissions and taxes are included.

Asked about his future at a Brazil news conference earlier on Tuesday, Endrick said: “I don’t know what will happen in January. It is in God’s hands, and I ask him to give me wisdom so that the best thing for me and my career happens. Whatever happens will happen.”

He added: “I will keep working calmly so that the player Endrick can succeed. Madrid is a wonderful city, of course, and I feel it is where my family is. I will do everything I can to move my career forward. But I just want to play and be happy. I am very young, I am 20. I am not saying I need to jump off a cliff, but I just want to be happy, play, score goals, provide assists and help my team-mates.”

Reflecting on Olympique Lyonnais, he said: “What happened to me in Lyon, for example, was one of the best things that has happened in my life, and without doubt it was the period when I was happiest.”

Endrick also praised Mourinho, saying: “He cares about me a lot. He comes up to me in training, speaks to me and asks how I am, but not about football. He always asks about my personal life, and that is something I appreciate.”

He added: “He was one of the first coaches I worked with who spoke to me in that way. He welcomed me very well and I am grateful to him. Of course, I will always give everything I have for Real Madrid. Real Madrid will always be above everything for me.”

Endrick said he would continue to support Mourinho: “With the affection Mourinho has shown me, I will defend him. That is exactly what I do in every match I play, and I will continue to do so.”

Brazil are scheduled to play Japan in a friendly on 14 November 2026, while Real Madrid face Celta Vigo in La Liga on 21 November 2026.