For Real Madrid, it's been a typically quiet January transfer window. The club hasn't made any new signings to strengthen the squad and doesn't plan to make any in the last few days. While there haven't been any arrivals at the club, there have been departures, with one notable name finally getting his much-needed loan move.
Endrick has been sent out on a six-month loan to Lyon, giving him the opportunity to get the game time that he wasn't handed at the Estadio Bernabeu. He made only a handful of appearances for Los Blancos, mostly garbage-time minutes, and at the ripe age of 19, sitting on the bench is a major hindrance to his career, so his loan move was a necessity if he wants to be a major player for Madrid in the future.
Many Madridistas know just how much natural talent the Brazilian has, and many were expecting him to find much success at Lyon; however, he's started out hotter than anyone could have expected, and in Lyon's recent victory, he joins a list of Ligue 1 history makers.
Endrick becomes a record breaker at Lyon
Endrick has become the fourth youngest player to score a hat-trick in Ligue 1 in the 21st century, achieving this feat at just 19 years and 188 days old. He joins a list of top class players including:
- Jeremy Menez (Sochaux): 17 years and 260 days old
- Kylian Mbappé (AS Monaco) : 18 years and 53 days old
- Ousmane Dembélé (Rennes): 18 years and 296 days old
- Endrick (Lyon): 19 years and 188 days old
Endrick bagged his hat-trick in Lyon's 5-2 victory over Metz, giving him a total of four goals and one assist in three games with the French side. The Brazilian has got off to a flying start since joining the French side on loan and is showing what he can bring to the table when given gametime to showcase his incredible natural talent.
Seeing the Brazilian succeed early in his loan spell is surely something that pleases many Real fans, but it also brings some sense of frustration. Many have always believed that had Endrick been given more minutes and a fair run in the team, he could be a major difference maker in attack, outside of Kylian Mbappe, was struggling for form.
Endrick is only on loan for the last six months of the season, but if he keeps finding this success for the remainder of his loan spell, don't be surprised if he wishes to extend his stay at the Ligue 1 side and continue his development as a player.