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endrick’s Lyon Loan: A Strategic Move Ahead of the 2026 World Cup
What Happened?
Brazilian forward Endrick, recently signed by Real Madrid, has been loaned to Olympique Lyonnais (OL) for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season. This move aims to provide the 17-year-old (turning 18 in July 2024) with consistent playing time, a crucial element for his advancement as he approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The loan was formalized last week, addressing Endrick’s limited opportunities within the star-studded Real Madrid squad. He will join OL after completing his commitments with the Brazilian national team.
Why This Matters: Development and World Cup Readiness
Endrick’s potential is undeniable, but breaking into the Real Madrid first team promptly presented a notable challenge. A loan to Lyon,a club with a strong history of developing young talent,offers a more conducive surroundings for his growth. This is especially crucial given the proximity of the 2026 World Cup, where Endrick is expected to play a key role for Brazil.
The timing is strategic.The loan allows Endrick to gain valuable experience in a competitive European league approximately six months before the World Cup, possibly solidifying his position in the Brazilian national team setup.
The Situation at Real Madrid
Real Madrid completed the signing of Endrick from Palmeiras in December 2022 for a reported fee of €35 million, plus €12 million in add-ons. Though, due to his age, he remained with Palmeiras until July 2024.
With established stars like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo already occupying forward positions, regular game time for Endrick at Real Madrid would have been challenging to guarantee in the short term. The loan to Lyon is a pragmatic solution,benefiting both the player and the club.
Olympique Lyonnais: A Good Fit?
Lyon, despite a recent period of underperformance, remains a historically significant club in French football. they are currently undergoing a rebuilding phase under new ownership and management, making them potentially receptive to integrating a young talent like Endrick.
OL’s attacking style, traditionally focused on quick transitions and skillful players, could suit Endrick’s strengths. The Ligue 1 environment, while competitive, might potentially be less physically demanding than the English Premier League or La Liga, allowing Endrick to adapt to European football without being overwhelmed.
Endrick’s Profile: What to Expect
Endrick is a highly-rated forward known for his pace, dribbling ability, and finishing. He possesses a natural instinct for goalscoring and is comfortable playing in multiple attacking positions.
While physically slight, he is developing physically and is known for his work rate. his biggest challenge will be adapting to the tactical and physical demands of European football, as well as the language and culture.
| Attribute | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Pace | 8.5 |
| Dribbling | 8 |
| Finishing | 7.5 |
| Strength | 6 |
| Passing | 7 |
