AC Milan have made a move for Real Madrid forward Endrick, although it is not one that is expected to lead anywhere immediately.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Italian giants contacted the Brazilian forward’s entourage in recent hours to explore whether there could be room for a loan.
Real Madrid’s response, however, has been clear: Endrick will not leave this summer.
Interestingly, though, that does not necessarily close the door for good.
Romano adds that a loan in January cannot be ruled out, with the situation likely to depend on both Real Madrid and the player.
More importantly, the next six months could determine whether Milan have a genuine chance of taking Endrick away from the Bernabéu.
For now, though, the 20-year-old remains part of Jose Mourinho’s plans.
Milan ask the question and Real Madrid answer
Milan’s enquiry comes after several Italian clubs made contact with Real Madrid over Endrick’s availability in recent days.
AC Milan have asked about Endrick. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
The answer has been the same throughout the summer.
Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid hierarchy and Mourinho all want the Brazilian to remain with the squad. That message has also been communicated directly to Endrick and his representatives.
Yet, Milan still decided to test the situation.
The Rossoneri are known to be strong admirers of the young forward and wanted to know whether there was any possibility of arranging a loan before the transfer window closes. At this point, there is no opening.
Real Madrid want to allow Endrick to establish himself under Mourinho rather than sending him out again before the new season has properly begun.
This is completely understandable given the circumstances. After spending part of last season away from Madrid, Endrick has returned with a fresh chance to prove himself.
The club do not want to make another decision on his future before seeing how he performs under a new manager.
Milan’s interest, therefore, has not changed anything for the present, but it may have given us a clearer idea of what could happen later.
January window could see some movement
Real Madrid have no interest in loaning or selling Endrick. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
The important part of Romano’s update is not Milan’s current enquiry. It is the fact that a January loan remains a possibility.
Everything could come down to minutes.
If Endrick becomes an important part of Mourinho’s rotation, there would be little reason for Real Madrid to consider letting him leave midway through the season.
The Brazilian would have achieved exactly what the club want: proving that he can contribute regularly at the Bernabéu.
The situation changes if opportunities remain limited.
Real Madrid have plenty of competition in attacking areas, and Endrick will have to earn his place.
That is why the first half of the campaign could effectively become an audition for the 20-year-old, something that Milan understand.
Their approach makes sense because they are not trying to force an impossible summer transfer.
Instead, they have made their interest known early and could be ready to return if Endrick finds himself on the fringes of Mourinho’s squad.