Real Madrid misfit Endrick green lights transfer after Man Utd contact

Real Madrid are finalising a loan deal that will see Endrick head to Lyon despite late contact from Manchester United with the Brazilian struggling for opportunities at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid are closing in on a deal with Lyon over a move for Endrick, who is poised to head to the French side on loan after failing to make the grade so far at the Bernabeu.

Los Blancos landed the Brazilian teenager in 2022 from Palmeiras, although he didn't move to Spain until 2024. Despite being highly regarded his opportunities have been at a premium and there has long been talk of a move away to aid his development with a whole host of clubs across Europe keen on the young attacker.

It's Lyon who look to have won the race for his services, though, with a move in January on the cards, reports Globo Esporte. They currently sit seventh in Ligue 1 and are led by Paulo Fonseca, who will hope the arrival of Endrick can enhance their season, which sees them well sat in the Europa League.

Mirror Football revealed earlier this month that Aston Villa were keeping tabs on Endrick's situation, with Lyon also beating off competition from Manchester United, who made contact with Real over possibly bringing in the Brazilian. The Red Devils are currently assessing their options following an injury to Benjamin Sesko, who could be sidelined for a prolong period, but won't be landing Endrick.

Real and Lyon are working on the framework of the deal, which won't be signed until closer to the January window. The Spanish giants will include a clause that allows them to recall their player in the even of a mass injury crisis.

Xabi Alonso had previously ruled out a loan move for Endrick, but looked to have changed his stance. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss had also made it clear that the forward couldn't let his frustration get the better of him and instead take his chance when it eventually came.

He said: "It's clear everyone wants to play. And a young player even more so. Given the context, we want to compete right now, and it's difficult depending on the match. He has to be patient, be prepared, and know that he's at Real Madrid. His time will come."

Vinicius Jnr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo had been Real's preferred front three last term, but Rodrygo has fallen out of favour in more recent months. Alonso claims he is keen to get Endrick onto the pitch but has never found the right moment.

He said: “Of course, I’d like him to have played already. But the situations in our recent matches have been very tight since Endrick returned. I hope he can get those minutes soon. He’s training well, he’s ready - but the right moment has to come.”