Mourinho Rules Out Endrick Loan Exit Amid AC Milan Interest

AC Milan’s hopes of taking Endrick on loan in January have been dealt a blow after José Mourinho made clear that the Brazilian forward will not be allowed to leave on a temporary deal.

Milan had been monitoring the teenager’s reduced involvement following his return from injury and viewed him as a possible mid-season addition to improve their attacking options. Mourinho, however, intends to keep the player for the rest of the campaign.

Quick facts

• AC Milan had considered a January loan for Endrick.
• The Brazilian missed more than a month of pre-season through injury.
• Mourinho said Endrick was close to entering the Villarreal match.
• A goal while his side were a man down changed the manager’s substitution plans.
• Mourinho believes Endrick can succeed without a loan spell.

Endrick’s preparations for the season were interrupted by an injury sustained before the campaign, costing him more than a month and limiting his chance to establish himself during the early fixtures.

Mourinho acknowledged that the forward has not yet received a sustained run after recovering. He explained that Endrick had been ready to come on against Villarreal, before circumstances in the match prompted a different decision.

“It is true that I have not given him a proper opportunity since he came back,” Mourinho said. “Against Villarreal, he was about to go on, but we scored and were a player short, so it was normal for the coach to look at other alternatives.”

The Portuguese coach remains convinced by Endrick’s ability despite the competition for places in attack. His stance leaves Milan needing to consider other options if they are to recruit a forward during the winter window.

Mourinho believes the teenager’s development should continue within the squad rather than through a move elsewhere. “I do not think Endrick needs a loan, and I think he can be very successful here,” he said.

Endrick will now look to earn greater involvement as the winter programme brings a heavier run of fixtures and likely squad rotation across the club’s competitions.