Real Madrid academy gem will be the undisputed backup for superstar forward | OneFootball

With about a week remaining before the January transfer window opens, Real Madrid have already confirmed the departure of Endrick.

The Brazilian international is set to join Olympique Lyon on a short-term loan, with the French club having no buyout clause.

Endrick’s move to Lyon comes after the youngster’s disappointing start to the season, where he struggled to make a name for himself under Xabi Alonso.

Endrick’s move is a huge boost for Gonzalo Garcia

Endrick’s departure may bode well for a certain Gonzalo Garcia. The young attacker is now left as the only alternative for Kylian Mbappe in the number nine role, reports AS.

With the Brazilian out of the picture, the competition has vanished. From now until June, Gonzalo will be the undisputed backup striker.

If Mbappe picks up an injury or falls to an illness, the onus will be on Garcia to replace him in the number nine position.

Gonzalo Garcia has emerged as Mbappe’s only alternative right now. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This is a welcome boost for Gonzalo Garcia, who was one of Real Madrid’s standout performers during the Club World Cup, as he notably finished the tournament as the joint-top scorer.

Since then, it has been a difficult season for the young forward, who has struggled to find regular game time under Xabi Alonso.

With just 330 minutes played, he ranks among the players with the fewest appearances, sitting only ahead of the likes of Andriy Lunin and David Alaba.

Garcia, therefore, will be hoping for an improved second half of the season, failing which could lead to question marks over his long-term future at Santiago Bernabeu.

Although the player has remained silent despite interest from Europe, he won’t be leaving the club anytime soon, as Real Madrid have decided not to make any more moves in the winter transfer window.