Endrick Returning to Real Madrid as Lyon Chief Says 'Today, It’s Over' After Stunning Loan Spell
Endrick’s memorable loan spell with Olympique Lyonnais is officially over, with the Brazilian forward now expected to rejoin Real Madrid ahead of next season.
Endrick will return to Real Madrid after Lyon confirmed the end of the Brazilian teenager’s successful loan spell in France.
The teenager arrived in Ligue 1 in January on a temporary agreement with no purchase clause attached. While Lyon were eager to explore the possibility of keeping him beyond the summer, club officials have acknowledged that such a move is unlikely.
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Speaking after Lyon’s final match of the campaign against Lens, recruitment chief Matthieu Louis-Jean confirmed the situation surrounding the young forward’s future.
"Yes, we would like to keep him, but for the moment, that seems very unlikely," he admitted. "It makes you want to extend his contract. Is it possible? That's another matter. It's been a very good loan for Endrick; he's had a great time here. He's been surprising, amazing in the way he's adapted. He already speaks French, which is incredible. He's a good lad."
Despite spending only a few months in the Rhone region, Endrick quickly established himself as one of Lyon’s key attacking players.
The 19-year-old recorded eight goals and eight assists in 21 appearances in all competitions, numbers that underlined his influence during Lyon’s push toward a top-four finish in Ligue 1.
Louis-Jean praised the youngster’s contribution and expressed confidence that the player still has plenty of room to develop further.
"He brought us a lot in a very short time. He delivered what we expected of him. He's a young player who will improve, and I hope he goes to the World Cup and has a great World Cup. It was a good time together. Now, will it continue? Today, it's over, yes."
Endrick’s connection with Lyon supporters became even more evident during the club’s final game against Lens, when he received a standing ovation after being substituted.
The forward had already spoken positively about his experience in France after Lyon’s recent victory over Rennes, making it clear that he was enjoying both the environment and the people around the club.
At the same time, the Brazilian insisted he was remaining calm about his next step and trusting in God regarding his future.
"I take it one day at a time. Today was great, I'm very happy about that. I'm very happy here, there's a good team, a good staff, good teammates. I'm doing very well, I don't know what's going to happen. I'm always with God. Whatever God tells me, I will do. If I have to stay in Lyon, go to Madrid, I will do what God tells me. I'm going to wait to see what God tells me. But I'm very happy."
With Endrick departing, Lyon have shifted focus toward the summer transfer window and preparations for Champions League qualifying matches following their fourth-place Ligue 1 finish.
Louis-Jean revealed that discussions are already underway with manager Paulo Fonseca and Benjamin Charier as the club looks to strengthen the squad ahead of a demanding start to the next campaign.
"We're anticipating it, we've already started working," he said. "It's going to be complicated because high-level matches are coming up very quickly. We've already started working with Paulo (Fonseca) and Benjamin (Charier) on players who could join us. We're going to digest this season, which has been very good for us; we're proud of what we've accomplished."
