Real Madrid see 19-year-old starlet’s loan exit as a strategic move for his development | OneFootball

Real Madrid have already sanctioned a player exit in the ongoing winter transfer window, allowing Endrick to join Olympique Lyon on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old striker had been struggling for minutes at Real Madrid this term under Xabi Alonso, and as such, the club and the player decided it was the best move for him to leave temporarily in search of minutes.

Real Madrid consider Endrick’s exit as strategic

Now, according to MARCA, Real Madrid see Endrick’s loan switch to Lyon as a manoeuvre to protect the Brazilian in the long run with a strategic move.

Since his arrival in 2024, Endrick has barely had opportunities. He has played only 11% of the possible minutes, 946 out of 8,490. Very little for a talent who, when he has played, has delivered a goal every 135 minutes.

That is why his departure in January is not considered a defeat, but instead seen as a mission.

Looking to succeed away from the Bernabeu. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

At the club, it had been clear for weeks. Endrick was not part of Xabi Alonso’s short-term plans and another season watching from the bench could be lethal for his development – not due to a lack of quality, but because of a lack of continuity.

As such, the loan move to Lyon is a strategic decision – a place to reconnect with himself, to recover lost confidence, to find peace, and regular minutes. That is why there is a clause that obliges the club to put him on the pitch for a minimum number of matches.

Moreover, there is also the FIFA World Cup on the horizon. Carlo Ancelotti is following his progress closely and knows that to be involved in such a tournament, talent alone is not enough. One must compete every week. Real Madrid and Endrick knows it.

It also played a major part in the decision to move to Lyon on loan. Invest in his future. Protect him now to enjoy him later.