Mourinho says he wanted Endrick to stay at Madrid
Jose Mourinho revealed he did not want Endrick to leave Real Madrid this summer as he believes the 20 year-old has "significant talent".
Endrick was linked with another loan move away from Los Blancos in this transfer window, after spending the second half of 2025-26 with Lyon, though will remain in Mourinho's squad for the time being.
The Brazil international has scored just seven goals in 40 appearances for Madrid, though directly contributed to 16 goals in 21 games for Lyon last season.
Endrick is set to miss Madrid's upcoming clash with Real Sociedad as a precaution due to injury, but Mourinho believes the forward can play a key role this season.
"He’s a player I really like," Mourinho said. "He’s had so many, many contacts with other clubs. I didn’t want to loan him out or sell him.
"I didn’t want him to leave because I like this player so much; he has significant talent.
"I’m sure he’ll be in Carlo Ancelotti’s first [Brazil] squad. He’ll call me directly."
Endrick also missed Madrid's LaLiga opener against Espanyol, a 2-1 victory after a late winner from Carlos Espi.
Mourinho believes both Endrick and Espi can play alongside Kylian Mbappe in the Madrid frontline, as they offer different threats.
"We can see them together, or with Endrick," Mourinho responded when asked if Mbappe and Espi could work together.
"Carlos has a different profile; he was perfect for how the match against Espanyol was going. I thought Carlos could be important at that moment to suffocate the opponent."
La Real, who won the Copa del Rey last season, started their LaLiga campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis away from home.
