The North London club are expected to explore the market for another forward when the winter window opens, with De Zerbi eager to improve a Tottenham side that has struggled to deliver results despite significant investment in the squad. However, their hopes of securing a deal for the highly rated Brazilian youngster appear to have suffered a serious blow following his impressive performance in the Champions League.
Spurs have endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign, with their struggles raising fresh questions about the club’s recruitment strategy and whether their summer spending has addressed the team’s most pressing weaknesses.
Despite investing close to £400 million during the summer transfer window, Tottenham have failed to find the consistency required to compete in the Premier League. Their disappointing domestic form has been accompanied by an early exit from the EFL Cup, increasing the pressure on De Zerbi to find solutions before the season deteriorates further.
The arrivals of Savio, Omar Marmoush and Mykhailo Mudryk were expected to inject greater quality, pace and creativity into Tottenham’s attack. However, the new additions have so far struggled to transform the club’s fortunes, leaving the manager with plenty of work to do as he attempts to rebuild confidence and improve the team’s performances.
Having finished 17th in the Premier League in each of the previous two campaigns, Tottenham desperately need to avoid another season dominated by relegation concerns. Strengthening their forward line could prove particularly important, especially if their current attacking options continue to struggle in front of goal.
Consequently, the January transfer window is already shaping up to be an important opportunity for the Lilywhites to address their shortcomings.
Tottenham Identify Endrick as a Potential January Target
One player who has emerged as a potential option for Tottenham is Real Madrid forward Endrick, who has attracted attention following his recent performances and continued development in European football.
The Brazilian youngster returned to the Spanish giants after spending the second half of last season on loan at Lyon, where he impressed with his contributions and demonstrated why he is considered one of the most exciting young attacking talents in the game.
His performances in France appeared to provide the platform for another step forward in his career. However, securing regular first-team football at Real Madrid has proved difficult, with competition for attacking positions threatening to limit his opportunities.
Mourinho handed Endrick the prestigious number nine shirt, a sign of the responsibility and expectations surrounding the young forward. Nevertheless, the Portuguese manager has largely favoured other options, including Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi, leaving Endrick with limited opportunities to demonstrate his ability.
Earlier reports suggested that the Brazilian’s lack of playing time had prompted his representatives at ROC Nation to hold discussions with Real Madrid about his future.
With the January transfer window approaching, another temporary departure was reportedly being considered as a possible solution to ensure the youngster continued his development through regular competitive football.
That situation would naturally have attracted Tottenham’s attention, particularly given their need for additional firepower.
Endrick possesses several qualities that could appeal to De Zerbi. His movement, technical ability, quick feet and willingness to attack defenders make him an intriguing option for a Tottenham side searching for greater efficiency in the final third.
Furthermore, his previous loan spell at Lyon demonstrated that he could benefit from an environment where he receives more responsibility and opportunities to play.
For Tottenham, a potential loan arrangement would have represented an opportunity to strengthen their attack without necessarily committing to another enormous transfer fee.
However, recent developments in Madrid suggest that the Premier League side may have to consider alternative targets.
Endrick Delivers When Real Madrid Need Him Most
Just when questions were being raised about his future at the Santiago Bernabeu, Endrick produced a performance that underlined his potential value to Real Madrid.
The Brazilian came off the bench during Wednesday night’s Champions League encounter against AS Roma, with his team trailing 3-1 and facing the prospect of a damaging defeat.
Rather than allowing the difficult circumstances to overwhelm him, Endrick made an immediate impact.
He scored a crucial header to help bring Real Madrid back into contention before contributing to a remarkable comeback that ultimately saw the Spanish giants secure a 4-3 victory.
His contribution was particularly significant because it arrived at a moment when his future had become a talking point.
After struggling to secure minutes in recent weeks, Endrick seized his opportunity and reminded everyone why Real Madrid invested in his talent in the first place.
The performance also strengthened the argument that the youngster remains capable of making an important contribution at the highest level, even when he is not among the manager’s first-choice options.
For Tottenham, however, his heroics could hardly have come at a worse time.
The North London club would have hoped that uncertainty surrounding Endrick’s playing time might create an opening for a January approach. Instead, his decisive contribution against Roma appears to have reinforced Mourinho’s belief that he deserves to remain part of the Real Madrid squad.
While one impressive performance does not necessarily guarantee regular starts, it can change the conversation surrounding a player’s importance, particularly when that contribution helps secure a memorable victory in Europe.
Endrick has now given his manager another reason to trust him, potentially making Real Madrid less willing to consider a temporary departure.
Mourinho Sends a Strong Message to Tottenham and Other Interested Clubs
Speaking after the Champions League victory, Mourinho addressed speculation about Endrick’s future and made it clear that he had no intention of allowing the Brazilian to leave during the January transfer window.
The Real Madrid manager was particularly emphatic when discussing the possibility of another loan move, insisting that any interested club would face a significant obstacle if it attempted to secure the youngster’s services.
“The clubs interested in Endrick will have to fight with me to sign him. I adore Endrick. He has top potential and is very important for us,” Mourinho said.
He subsequently reinforced his position with another firm statement.
“Mark my words again, it is impossible for Endrick to be loaned out.”
Those comments represent a significant warning to Tottenham and any other clubs hoping to take advantage of Endrick’s limited playing time.
Mourinho’s words suggest that Real Madrid view the Brazilian as an important part of their plans, rather than a young player who can be allowed to leave simply because he has not been receiving regular minutes.
His performance against Roma has also given the manager a practical reason to stand by that position.
Endrick demonstrated that he could change a game from the bench, offering Real Madrid another attacking option capable of making a difference when the team needs inspiration.
For Mourinho, retaining such a player could be more valuable than allowing him to leave temporarily, particularly with the demands of competing across multiple competitions.
Tottenham would therefore need to look elsewhere if they want to bring in an additional forward without facing a complicated negotiation with the Spanish giants.
Tottenham Must Explore Alternative Striker Targets
Although Endrick would have represented an exciting addition to De Zerbi’s squad, Tottenham cannot afford to allow their January recruitment plans to depend on a deal that appears increasingly unlikely.
The club’s struggles this season have highlighted the importance of having reliable attacking options who can turn promising performances into victories.
Creating opportunities is only part of the challenge. Tottenham also need forwards who can remain composed in decisive moments, convert chances consistently and provide the goals required to move the team away from the relegation battle.
Their substantial summer investment has raised expectations, but the results have not reflected the amount of money spent.
De Zerbi will therefore need to identify the reasons behind the team’s attacking difficulties and determine whether the solution lies in signing a traditional centre-forward, adding another versatile attacker or improving the balance of the existing frontline.
A new striker could be particularly valuable if Tottenham continue to dominate periods of matches without producing enough goals to reward their efforts.
The January window will give the club another opportunity to strengthen the squad, but their recruitment must be carefully targeted if they are to avoid repeating the mistakes of previous transfer windows.
Missing out on Endrick would undoubtedly be disappointing, given his enormous potential and ability to make an immediate impact from the bench. Nevertheless, Tottenham must ensure that their pursuit of one highly rated youngster does not distract them from the wider task of improving their attacking options.
For now, Mourinho’s comments suggest that Real Madrid have no intention of allowing the Brazilian to leave in January.
Tottenham may have identified Endrick as a potential solution to their attacking problems, but the message from Madrid is clear: if De Zerbi wants to strengthen his frontline, he may have to look elsewhere.
