MADRID/LYON – The immediate future of highly-rated Brazilian striker Endrick appears to be in France, with reports confirming that Olympique Lyon is in advanced talks to secure the Real Madrid forward on a straight loan deal in the January transfer window.
The update provides crucial clarity on the nature of the deal:
No Buy Option: Real Madrid’s Stance
Real Madrid has been firm in its policy regarding the temporary transfer of their young investment.
The club views Endrick as a key long-term asset and is only interested in loaning him out to guarantee his development, not to sell him.
- Final Deal Structure: Sources confirm that a loan with a buy option has never been a possibility. The only acceptable transfer structure for the January move is a straight loan (sometimes referred to as a ‘dry loan’).
- Player’s Desire: This structure aligns with the player’s primary motivation: consistent first-team playing time to earn a spot in the Brazilian squad for the upcoming World Cup, followed by a return to compete for a starting role at Real Madrid.
Lyon Leading the Race
Olympique Lyon, under manager Paulo Fonseca, has positioned itself as the clear frontrunner for the 19-year-old’s signature.
- Advanced Talks: Lyon is the only club in advanced negotiations with Real Madrid and Endrick’s camp.
- Player’s Priority: Endrick has reportedly been convinced by the French club’s project, with the player giving total priority to the move to Lyon. The club has reportedly presented him with a detailed plan of how he would fit immediately into the starting lineup.
- Need for Striker: Lyon’s current need for an established central forward to help them climb the Ligue 1 table makes the move an attractive proposition for the Brazilian, guaranteeing the crucial minutes he needs after failing to break into Xabi Alonso’s starting eleven.
The deal is progressing quickly on the player’s side, and final steps between the two clubs—which reportedly include a loan fee and the coverage of the player’s salary—are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
