Mourinho blocks Endrick exit as Liverpool seek two forwards before deadline

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has effectively ended Liverpool’s hopes of signing Endrick, insisting the 20-year-old Brazilian will not be leaving the Bernabeu on loan or permanently this summer.

Liverpool had been identified by ESPN Brazil as one of several clubs monitoring Endrick as potential cover for Hugo Ekitike, who is expected to miss the majority of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in last season’s Champions League. But Mourinho, who returned to Real Madrid over the summer, made his position clear in comments relayed by Spanish outlet El Desmarque.

“I didn’t want to loan him out or sell him because I enjoy working with this young player who possesses significant talent,” Mourinho was quoted as saying. “He is a player I like very much, one who has attracted interest from many clubs wanting him either on loan or via a permanent transfer.”

Endrick has had a difficult start to life in Spain since joining from Palmeiras at 18, spending last season on loan at Lyon. Despite that, Mourinho has handed him the no.9 shirt at the Bernabeu ahead of the new campaign. Transfermarkt values the forward at €40m.

The development leaves Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola short of attacking options as the transfer window approaches its close next week. The Reds drew their Premier League opener at Newcastle United, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s late goal salvaging a point in a performance that drew widespread criticism, particularly regarding the defensive midfield and full-back positions.

Liverpool had previously been linked with Yan Diomande, who ultimately joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig in a nine-figure deal. Attention has since shifted to Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and Newcastle forward Yankuba Minteh, with both players reported as genuine targets before the deadline.

Iraola currently has Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo competing for the centre-forward role, though Gakpo has been linked with a departure in recent weeks. With Ekitike sidelined long-term, reinforcing the attack remains a clear priority for the club heading into the final days of the window.