Manchester United target Real Madrid's Endrick in January as key meeting looms

Manchester United are targeting a January move for Real Madrid forward Endrick, with reports suggesting the club believes it can beat AC Milan to the signature of the 20-year-old Brazilian.

Endrick joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras for £50 million in 2022 but has struggled for playing time since. An injury ruled him out of the opening four La Liga fixtures of the 2026/27 season, and he has managed just a four-minute substitute appearance since returning in early September. With Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz and Carlos Espí all seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, a mid-season exit has become a credible option.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, United are actively looking to sign Endrick and can offer a more financially appealing package than any proposal put forward by Milan. The report also claims United hold an advantage despite the fact that Endrick has spoken directly with Ruben Amorim about his potential role at Old Trafford — a guarantee of playing time being a key condition set by his representatives. Their preference is for a permanent transfer or a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option.

Liverpool, Arsenal, AS Roma and Borussia Dortmund have all been linked with the forward, but the latest reports narrow the frontrunners to United and Milan. A meeting between Endrick’s representatives and Real Madrid has been scheduled for November, which could prove decisive in determining whether he stays in Spain or departs in January. Reports from Brazil also suggest that if United were to submit a bid including a sizeable buy option, Real would be open to allowing him to leave.

The pursuit comes at a difficult moment for United domestically. Michael Carrick’s side have won just once in the Premier League this season and are without a victory in their last four matches. Their most recent setback came at home to Tottenham on Saturday, where Bryan Mbeumo’s second-half opener was cancelled out by Dominic Solanke in stoppage time — despite Rodrigo Bentancur being sent off for Spurs shortly before the equaliser.

The result prompted boos from the Old Trafford crowd at full time. Speaking afterwards, Carrick acknowledged the frustration: “It’s not nice, it hurts a lot because I care about this club. But I understand the disappointment — the reality is what it is, we need to get back to winning games.”