Real Madrid striker Endrick is close to joining French outfit Lyon on loan – despite reported interest from Manchester United.
Endrick was one of the most sought-after young stars in world football with Real Madrid winning the race for his signature in 2022. But while tipped to be their next superstar, the 19-year-old has struggled for game time under Xabi Alonso this season, managing just one appearance off the bench as a late substitute against Valencia this month.
Endrick announced himself on the international scene with a winning goal against England at Wembley in March 2024 but has now been left out of the last four Brazil squads by his former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Desperate for more game time to ensure he is part of the squad heading to the USA next summer, Endrick has now agreed a deal in principal to join Lyon on loan until the end of the 2025-26 season when the January transfer window opens.
Globo Esporte report a deal has been agreed following meetings this week with confirmation expected to come at the end of the year.
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Lyon opened negotiations with Real at the beginning of November with Endrick immediately welcoming the prospect of joining the Ligue 1 side.
The report adds there has also been interest from United which followed the injury to Benjamin Sesko at the weekend.
Despite that, Endrick has remain solely focused on a move to Lyon, believing they will provide the consistent first-team opportunities and ‘leading role’ he needs in order to reclaim his spot in the Brazil squad.
Sesko, a £64million signing from RB Leipzig in the summer, was forced off in the latter stages of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham with a knee injury. The striker appeared to be in some discomfort but United are yet to provide an update on his fitness with reports suggesting he is likely to avoid a lengthy layoff.
In addition to United, the report adds clubs of a ‘higher calibre’ than Lyon also approached Real over a move. But a key role in a team is an absolute priority for the youngster with Lyon fitting the bill.
This week, Ancelotti advised Endrick to speak to Real to determine his best move for the second-half of the season, leaving the door open for him to return to the Brazil squad.
‘Yes, I spoke with him (Endrick) at the beginning of this season. He was injured, but now he’s fine, back, and he has to think with his entourage about what’s best,’ Ancelotti said.
‘Talk to the club, to see what’s best for him. Endrick is very young, this won’t be his last World Cup. He could play in the 2026 World Cup, because he has the quality for it, but he could also be in the 2030 World Cup, or the 2034 World Cup, and maybe even the 2038 World Cup.’
from: elfutbolero.us