Xabi Alonso Details Why Real Madrid Approved Endrick’s Loan Switch to Lyon
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has clarified the thinking behind the club’s choice to let Endrick move to Lyon on a loan deal until the end of the season, explaining that the Brazilian forward’s personal goals played a central role in the decision.
Xabi Alonso outlines the reasoning behind Real Madrid allowing Endrick to join Lyon on loan as the Brazilian targets regular minutes and World Cup selection.
The teenage attacker has grown increasingly dissatisfied with his limited involvement at the Santiago Bernabeu and pushed for a temporary exit in order to strengthen his chances of being selected for the upcoming World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Madrid ultimately agreed, viewing the move as beneficial for his growth.
Getty Images Sport (2)
Endrick arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 from Palmeiras after a standout period in Brazil that included consecutive league titles. During his first campaign in Spain, he featured 37 times in all competitions, making 22 La Liga appearances and scoring seven goals. This season, however, his role has diminished significantly under Alonso.
Following a lengthy hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for months, the forward managed just three appearances across domestic and European competitions, totaling a little over 100 minutes in La Liga and the Champions League, without finding the net.
Intense competition in attack has restricted his opportunities, with established stars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. ahead of him in the pecking order. Alonso has also frequently turned to Gonzalo Garcia as his alternative striking option, further limiting Endrick’s involvement.
The lack of minutes led to visible frustration for the 19-year-old, prompting him to request a loan move to prioritize his development. Alonso acknowledged this stance, stressing that the club supports decisions aimed at long-term progress.
Speaking to the media, Alonso explained that Endrick needs consistent playing time at this stage of his European career. He added that Real Madrid felt a loan to a competitive league such as Ligue 1, where the forward is expected to play regularly, would accelerate his development. The coach emphasized that the club will monitor his progress closely, noting Madrid’s history of allowing young players to mature elsewhere before returning stronger.
Alonso also underlined that the decision was made with a medium-term outlook in mind rather than immediate considerations, confirming there is no reversal planned now that the move has been completed. He reiterated confidence in the current squad as Madrid prepare for upcoming competitions.
Endrick has already represented Brazil’s senior national team 14 times, scoring three goals, but recently admitted he feared missing out on the 2026 World Cup if his lack of game time continued. In a conversation with Brazilian icon Romario, he openly discussed the challenge of playing for a star-studded club while trying to maintain his international prospects.
The young forward described his determination to showcase his qualities whenever given the chance, expressing hope of securing a place in Brazil’s squad and helping the nation chase World Cup glory.
His spell at Lyon is intended as a short-term but crucial step. Endrick has reportedly reassured figures at Real Madrid that he plans to return and succeed at the club, believing his journey in Spain is far from finished.
Since arriving in France, he has already made waves off the pitch, with his unveiling video setting new social media engagement records for Lyon. Head coach Paulo Fonseca has spoken positively about Endrick’s integration into training, praising his attitude and quality.
Although a registration issue delayed his debut and ruled him out of the squad against Monaco, Fonseca confirmed the forward is adapting well and is highly motivated. He is expected to make his first appearance against Lille in the French Cup on January 11, as he continues to build match fitness and settle into his new surroundings.
Comments
Post a Comment