Aston Villa lead race to sign Real Madrid forward Endrick on loan
Aston Villa are leading the chase to sign Real Madrid forward Endrick on a temporary deal in the January transfer window. That is according to a report from Spanish radio outlet Cadena SER, which has been highlighted by BBC Sport, as the Brazilian youngster looks to escape his current Bernabeu frustration.
The 20-year-old striker is reportedly pushing for a second loan exit away from the Spanish giants. He has struggled to make any sort of impact under Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho this season, leading to intense speculation about his immediate future.
A frustrating spell in the Spanish capital
Life in Madrid has become incredibly difficult for the highly-rated South American prospect. Endrick has been starved of first-team action this term, registering a mere four minutes of competitive football since the 2026-27 campaign got underway.
What makes the situation more frustrating is that the former Palmeiras forward has been fully fit and available. He has been included in Mourinho’s squad for each of Real Madrid’s last four fixtures but has remained an unused spectator on the bench.
The path to the starting line-up looks completely blocked for the young Brazilian. He currently finds himself stuck behind a long list of established stars, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Brahim Diaz, Carlos Espi, and a recovering Rodrygo all ahead of him in the attacking pecking order.
Champions League status gives Villa the edge
This lack of opportunities has forced Endrick to look elsewhere for regular minutes. It would not be his first temporary departure, having spent the second half of last season on loan in France with Olympique Lyonnais.
Under the guidance of Paulo Fonseca, the forward enjoyed a highly productive spell in Ligue 1. He scored eight goals and provided eight assists in his 21 appearances for the French side, reminding everyone of his immense potential.
That impressive form was enough to earn him a place in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. However, his exploits in France did nothing to alter Mourinho’s opinion of him back in Madrid, leaving him back at square one this season.
Now, Aston Villa have emerged as the frontrunners to secure his services for the second half of the campaign. Unai Emery’s side can offer something that his other suitors cannot, which has put them in pole position.
No official negotiations opened yet
While Villa currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, their participation in the Champions League is the key factor. Playing in Europe’s premier club competition gives the West Midlands club a massive advantage in negotiations.
Both Lyon and Roma are also understood to be keen on signing the forward in January. Lyon would love a reunion after his successful stint there, but neither they nor the Italian side can offer Champions League football right now.
As things stand, no formal negotiations have begun between any of the interested clubs and Endrick’s representatives. However, with the January transfer window rapidly approaching, Villa look well-placed to win the race for one of football’s brightest young talents.
