The strategy of the red‑and‑black club and the signing of Gonçalo Ramos ahead of the winter window: Cardinale has clear ideas on Endrick.

The market gives and the market takes: Milan completed the Gonçalo Ramos deal even three days before the start of the summer transfer window. The signing was immediate, spontaneous and decided by all components. The transfer fee (guaranteed €70 million) has deprived the club of the possibility of acquiring a Portuguese backup on a permanent basis.

From this observation and the firm line on promoting young players, Camarda’s contract was renewed until 30 June 2031, with an option for an additional year until 2032. The consequent decision was to promote him as the sole alternative to the Portuguese. At least until January, when the strategic working group will review the situation by gathering data from the first four months of the season.

Mourinho’s no and Cardinale’s strategy for January

In reality Milan had worked for a long time, at least about fifteen days, on a five‑star strike for the attack: the chosen player was Endrick, a 2006‑born Brazilian striker from Real Madrid. Cardinale had spoken directly with the Blancos’ staff, only to encounter the strong resistance of José Mourinho: the former Special One gave a negative opinion on the loan departure of the former Palmeiras player. With good peace between Milan and Roma.

Endrick, so far, has never been seen wearing the Real Madrid shirt because he is still dealing with an injury. Apart from muscles, Milan’s hope is that the player will arrive at Milanello in January on loan with an option to buy. This objective will also depend heavily on how and when Mourinho uses the 2006‑born player in this first part of the season.

Cardinale, Amorim and the working group will certainly try again regardless. Because the Brazilian could play either as a centre‑forward or as an attacking midfielder behind Gonçalo Ramos. Endrick is only the most striking case of a precise strategy: the previously vague objectives will become current because the club believes it has only begun the work of building a competitive roster for victory.