Endrick Open to January Exit After Driving Real Madrid's Thrilling 4-3 Champions League Win Over Roma
Endrick Considers January Transfer Despite Heroic Role in Real Madrid’s Comeback
Endrick revealed he might leave Real Madrid during the January transfer window, even after sparking an exhilarating 4-3 Champions League victory over Roma. The young Brazilian forward came off the bench to score a key late equaliser in Rome, turning the match on its head, but admitted his future at Los Blancos remains unclear.
Substitute Impact Turns the Tide in Italy
Thrown on for Vinicius Junior after 58 minutes with Madrid trailing 3-1 following goals from Marten de Roon and a Donyell Malen brace, Endrick changed the game dramatically. His header was saved but led to Carlos Espinoza’s goal in the 83rd minute, then he rose to head in a corner from Arda Guler. This set up Antonio Rudiger to clinch a stoppage-time winner for the Spanish giants.
Unexpected Call-Up Sparks Confidence
Before this night, where Kylian Mbappe became the youngest player to reach 100 Champions League appearances at 27, Endrick had only made one competitive appearance all season. Speaking after the match, he said, "I’m very happy. It was a tough match. I was on the bench, just grateful to be here. When the coach called me, I was surprised because it was so early. I hadn’t played here for a while and I was full of hunger. That’s what I brought, and I did well."
On tactical instructions given by manager Jose Mourinho, Endrick told TNT Sports Brasil, "He told me to enjoy myself and mark their number three. That’s exactly what I did in the game."
Open to Leaving in January, But Grateful to Mourinho
After a loan stint at Lyon, Endrick is still contracted to Real Madrid until June 2030. Both Serie A clubs AC Milan and Roma have shown interest, but ESPN reports that club president Florentino Perez and the board want to keep him. Mourinho wants to give the forward more first-team chances.
Addressing his future, Endrick said, "I take it day by day. If I have to leave in January, I’ll leave; if I stay, I’ll stay. I will do whatever God puts in my heart. I’m very grateful to Mourinho. He’s one of the first coaches who really spoke to me. I trust him completely. While I’m here, my job isn’t just to play for the coach to win, but for Real Madrid. Because of what he’s doing for me, I’ll fight for him and for Real."
Mourinho dismissed any chance of a winter move on the eve of the Roma game, telling TNT Sports, "Forget it, forget it. Forget any interested clubs. They better sit down or they’ll be waiting a long time. I love this player. He has incredible potential and is very important to us. Anyone interested will have a tough fight with me because I believe he doesn’t need another loan and will succeed here."
Opportunity for a Starting Role
Endrick's chances to secure a regular starting spot have improved after Vinicius received a four-match domestic suspension for his red card against Villarreal. This could see the 20-year-old lead the attack when Madrid face Sevilla on October 18, followed by a Champions League home game versus RB Leipzig three days later. His sharp instincts will also be crucial for the high-pressure El Clasico clash against Barcelona on October 24.
