SouthernWorldwide.com – Olympique Lyonnais has officially announced the departure of Brazilian teenager Endrick, marking the end of his loan spell in Ligue 1.
Despite a series of impressive performances that captivated the French public and left them wanting more, the young forward, on loan from Real Madrid, is set to return to the Santiago Bernabéu for the next phase of his career. This confirmation came from Lyon’s head of recruitment over the weekend.
Matthieu Louis-Jean, Lyon’s recruitment chief, confirmed that Endrick will be returning to Madrid this summer, bringing to a close his impactful five-month stint in France. The 19-year-old forward joined Lyon in January on a short-term agreement with no option to buy.
While the club was thoroughly pleased with his contributions, the financial and contractual realities of the situation mean that a permanent or extended stay is not feasible. Louis-Jean addressed the media following Lyon’s final match of the season, a 4-0 home defeat to Lens, regarding the possibility of retaining the Brazilian star.
“Yes, we would love to keep him, but at this moment, that seems highly improbable,” he admitted. “It makes one wish to extend his contract. Whether it is possible is another question entirely. It has been a very positive loan for Endrick; he has thoroughly enjoyed his time here. He has been surprising, truly amazing in how he has adapted. He already speaks French, which is incredible. He is a good young man.”
Endrick’s statistics during his brief period in the Rhone region are a testament to his impact. In just 21 appearances across all competitions, the Brazilian teenager managed to score eight goals and provide eight assists, establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive players since the beginning of the year.
Louis-Jean was effusive in his praise for the youngster’s contribution to the team’s strong finish to the season. “He brought us a great deal in a very short period. He delivered what we expected of him. He is a young player who will continue to improve, and I hope he participates in the World Cup and has a fantastic tournament. It was a good period spent together. Now, will it continue? Today, it is over, yes.”
The player himself had previously conveyed his satisfaction at the Groupama Stadium, leaving the door slightly ajar for a potential return should the circumstances align. Following a recent victory against Rennes, Endrick spoke about his future with a sense of serenity, entrusting his career path to a higher power.
His connection with the Lyon supporters was palpable during his final substitution against Lens, where he was met with a standing ovation. Reflecting on his time in France, Endrick had previously stated: “I take it one day at a time. Today was great, and I am very happy about that. I am very happy here; there is a good team, a good staff, and good teammates.”
“I am doing very well, and I do not know what will happen. I am always with God. Whatever God tells me, I will do. If I have to stay in Lyon or go to Madrid, I will do what God tells me. I will wait to see what God tells me. But I am very happy.”
With Endrick’s departure confirmed, Lyon must now shift its focus to a demanding summer and the challenge of qualifying for the Champions League rounds. Having secured a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1, the club faces an early commencement to the next campaign. Louis-Jean confirmed that the recruitment team is already actively collaborating with manager Paulo Fonseca to identify suitable replacements and bolster the squad for European competition.
Read more : Carlos Alcaraz to Miss Wimbledon Due to Injury Recovery
“We are anticipating it; we have already begun our work,” he stated. “It is going to be complicated because high-level matches are approaching very quickly. We have already started working with Paulo (Fonseca) and Benjamin (Charier) on players who could join us. We are going to process this season, which has been very successful for us; we are proud of what we have achieved.”
