Mourinho shuts door on Endrick loan despite four minutes played this season

José Mourinho has closed the door on any loan departure for Endrick during the winter transfer window, as the 20-year-old Brazilian striker has played just four minutes since the start of the season — a single appearance on September 15 against Elche in La Liga.

On the sidelines of Real Madrid’s trip to Rome for a Champions League match, the Portuguese manager responded bluntly to clubs eyeing his player. “Forget about it, there is no chance. They would be better off sitting down and waiting, otherwise they will tire themselves out,” he said.

Mourinho then elaborated on his position by emphasizing the confidence he places in the young Brazilian. “He is a player I love. Someone who, in my opinion, possesses incredible potential and who is very important to us. Those interested in him will really have to fight with me, because I believe he does not need to be loaned out and he will achieve immense success here.”

Yet Endrick himself had expressed a desire to temporarily leave the Bernabéu to regain playing time. Last season, a six-month loan to Lyon had allowed him to get back on track. This option will not be repeated this winter, at least if Mourinho maintains his position.