Real Madrid and Lyon advance in talks for the loan of Brazilian striker Endrick, 19, to the French club starting in January 2026. The agreement involves a free six-month loan, with the Spanish team covering part of the player’s salary. The move happens because Endrick is not in the plans of coach Xabi Alonso in the current season, where he has zero minutes on the field.
The youngster, signed from Palmeiras for 72 million euros in July 2024, has a contract with Real Madrid until June 2030. The player’s representatives prioritize a European destination that guarantees playing time, aiming for a spot in the Brazilian National Team for the 2026 World Cup under coach Carlo Ancelotti.
In the previous season, Endrick played 37 matches and scored seven goals under Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Now, the focus is on regaining rhythm in a competitive environment, aligned with the profile sought by his staff.
🚨❤️💙 Understand Olympique Lyon have started talks to sign Endrick on loan in January!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 29, 2025
Talks already underway with an official approach to sign the Brazilian striker on loan from Real Madrid.
OL presented their plan to Endrick who’s open to talk + assessing all options 🇫🇷🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/dq2RIH34b8
Reasons favoring Lyon in the race
Lyon sits in fourth place in Ligue 1, two points behind leader PSG, and tops Group B in the Europa League with three wins in three games. These figures indicate an intense schedule, ideal for the striker’s development.
Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca leads a team aiming for titles in all competitions. The club’s administrative structure improved after the departure of investor John Textor, facilitating swift negotiations.
Endrick and his staff evaluated the project presented by Lyon about a week ago, including benefits like guaranteed minutes and exposure in continental competitions.
Brazilian history at Olympique Lyonnais
Juninho Pernambucano stands out as the greatest Brazilian idol in Lyon’s history, with 100 goals in 344 games between 2001 and 2009. His career includes Ligue 1 titles and influence in management as former director.
Other compatriots left marks: defender Cris played from 2004 to 2012, winning leagues and cups; Fred, striker, featured from 2009 to 2013, with 83 goals in 217 matches; and Edmílson, defender, contributed from 2000 to 2004 in the championship defense.
Currently, the squad has Abner Vinícius, left-back formerly of Athletico-PR, as the only Brazilian. Three Portuguese players complete the group: midfielders Mathys de Carvalho and Tiago Gonçalves, and striker Afonso Moreira.
These examples reinforce the club’s tradition in integrating South Americans, easing Endrick’s adaptation.
Financial conditions of the proposed deal
The loan involves no transfer fee for Lyon, with Real Madrid covering about 50% of the player’s annual three million euro salary. This split eases the French budget, which faces recent financial constraints.
Sources close indicate the total deal amounts to around 1.5 million euros paid by the Spanish team. Endrick’s 2024 contract with Real Madrid includes performance clauses that may trigger additional bonuses at the end of the period.
The Merengue club retains full recall option, preserving the initial 72 million euro investment. This structure benefits all parties, prioritizing the athlete’s growth without compromising finances.
Endrick’s current situation at Real Madrid
Endrick returned from thigh muscle injuries in September 2025, after three months out. Despite being named in eight matches, he stayed on the bench under Xabi Alonso, who prioritizes veterans like Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. in attack.
In preseason, the Brazilian trained intensively, but internal competition limited opportunities. The Spanish coach praised the youngster’s potential but opted for conservative rotations in the early La Liga rounds.
The staff rejected inquiries from clubs like Manchester United and Inter Milan in the summer window, betting on staying. Now, the move to France emerges as a solution to avoid stagnation.
Competitive advantages for the striker
- Exposure in the Europa League, with matches against mid-tier teams requiring decisive goals.
- Ligue 1 calendar with 38 rounds, allowing up to 30 starts.
- Bilingual coach in Portuguese, facilitating tactical communication and integration.
- Geographic proximity to Spain, minimizing impacts on family routine.
These elements position Lyon as a strategic destination, aligned with Endrick’s 2026 goals.
Recovery and national team goals
Endrick has 18 goals for Brazil’s under-20 team and seeks to attract Ancelotti’s attention, who took over in May 2025. Without recent call-ups, the loan aims for consistency to regain a spot in the senior team, toward the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The Brasília native prioritizes technical growth at high European level, avoiding returns to Brazil. Analysts note that regular minutes in France could raise his market value above 80 million euros by cycle’s end.
