Endrick is close to agreeing a January loan to Lyon, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The 19-year-old is seeking game time as he bids to make Brazil's World Cup squad under Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid are willing to sanction a mid-season exit with no buy option. This is a reluctant move by the LaLiga giants and still subject to agreeing terms with Lyon.
Endrick made 37 appearances last season under Ancelotti after joining from Palmeiras, and scored seven goals, but he has played just 14 minutes this season having fallen out of favour under new Real boss Xabi Alonso. There is no breakdown in relationship with Alonso invested in Endrick's long-term potential, but the new Real boss has simply preferred other players and can't guarantee Endrick the minutes he craves between now and the World Cup.
Endrick Seeking Game Time Ahead Of World Cup
Endrick in action for Real Madrid
Endrick's season has also been impacted by injury. He missed the Club World Cup with a hamstring issue and suffered a setback in his recovery forcing him to also be absent from the start of the LaLiga season. The Brazilian teenager is now fit, but his sole appearance came in September off the bench in Real's 4-0 home win over Valencia.
Gonzalo Garcia, who impressed at the Club World Cup, is currently ahead of Endrick in the pecking order and all parties therefore view a January loan as the best option. Real still believe Endrick has a long-term future at the club and his future will be discussed further over the summer. The relationship between Endrick and Real is understood to be positive, despite the Brazil international having faced a difficult few months.
Lyon are trying to get ahead of the market by pre-agreeing terms on a loan this month, knowing there is also Premier League interest. GMS understands manager Paulo Fonseca has played a key role in attracting Endrick to Lyon, and that talks between the player and Ligue 1 side are accelerating and already advanced.
Endrick remains confident of making Brazil's World Cup squad having won 14 caps already for his country and scored three goals. Ancelotti naturally knows him well, and he played regularly under the Brazil boss during their time together at the Bernabeu.