Endrick future remains unresolved as Mourinho identifies Real Madrid’s two possible January exits

Jose Mourinho is not planning major changes to the Real Madrid squad in the January transfer window, although Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy could be allowed to leave.

The pair have not played for the club this season and are understood not to be part of Mourinho’s current plans. However, the manager is reportedly determined to keep Brazil forward Endrick, despite his limited involvement.

“​​Mourinho will not allow Endrick to leave, he will not let him go,” journalist Ivan Martin said on Inaki Angulo’s YouTube channel. “The only two players he might allow to leave in the January transfer window are Mendy and Raul Asencio.”

The comments came during a discussion about Endrick’s situation. The 19-year-old has played only 141 minutes this season after spending time on loan at Olympique Lyon last season.

Real Madrid are due to resume their campaign against Celta Vigo on 21 November after the second international break of the season. They will then play eight more matches before the Christmas holiday, with the Spanish transfer window opening on 2 January.

The club traditionally avoids making significant changes during the winter market and, according to Martin, neither Real Madrid nor Mourinho currently want to alter the squad during the season.

Asencio and Mendy situations

Asencio underwent surgery at the end of September after suffering a fracture to the bone in his right leg. His initial recovery period was estimated at between two and four months, but the defender could return earlier than expected after making strong progress in his rehabilitation programme.

Mendy, meanwhile, has resumed training with his team-mates after recovering from a serious injury to the tendon of the rectus femoris muscle in his right leg.

The French full-back was left out of Real Madrid’s Champions League squad. He was replaced by Sergio Martinez, a young player signed from Racing Santander at the end of August, although the midfielder has yet to make his first-team debut.

Endrick’s lack of playing time could still affect Real Madrid’s plans. The Brazilian forward may ask to leave, potentially on a permanent transfer this time, which could prompt club president Florentino Perez to reconsider the club’s position despite Mourinho’s preference for continuity.

The report says Real Madrid could examine possible additions if circumstances require it, but the prevailing view remains that the current squad should be retained while things are going well.