The whirlwind of speculation surrounding Endrick, the young Brazilian forward, has been abruptly grounded. Reports linking Manchester United with a dramatic swoop for the Real Madrid player are, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, entirely unfounded.
Despite the hype that followed Endrick’s arrival, mirroring the trajectories of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, opportunities at Real Madrid have been scarce. He’s made a single appearance in La Liga this season, leaving him hungry for consistent playing time.
While rumors suggested both Manchester United and Aston Villa were considering a move, Romano emphatically stated these claims hold no weight. The focus, he revealed, is firmly on a different destination: Olympique Lyon.
Lyon is aggressively pursuing a loan deal, and crucially, Endrick is reportedly enthusiastic about the prospect. The French club recognizes a pressing need for attacking reinforcements after a challenging start to their domestic campaign.
Several factors are driving Endrick’s preference for Lyon. The presence of a Portuguese-speaking manager eases the language barrier, and the club’s strong connection to Karim Benzema – a Real Madrid legend and Lyon academy product – adds to its appeal.
Discussions between Lyon and Real Madrid are already well underway, with both clubs aiming for a swift resolution. A January move appears increasingly likely, offering Endrick the chance to develop and bolster his chances of featuring in the 2026 World Cup squad.
Lyon’s proactive approach has clearly positioned them as the frontrunners. Romano confirmed they are “way ahead” of any English clubs in securing the Brazilian striker on loan, signaling a potentially transformative addition for the French side.
For Manchester United, this development means shifting their focus elsewhere in the January transfer window. The pursuit of Endrick, it seems, was never a realistic possibility.