If there's one thing that Real Madrid fans have learned about Xabi Alonso this early in his tenure, it's that Real Madrid will be run his way, or the highway.
Already, key players have found themselves in decreased roles, and new heroes have entered the forefront. Players who previously struggled for minutes - Arda Guler, for example - have replaced players who previously were handed minutes on a silver plate - Vini Jr and Rodrygo.
One player who fits neither of those camps is Endrick. The Brazilian prodigy never got enough minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, and Xabi Alonso has done nothing to change that.
Yes, Alonso did make a promise that Endrick would get more time on the pitch, but that promise hasn't been kept. Now, Endrick is close to making the departure that everybody saw coming.
Endrick is one step closer to leaving Real Madrid
According to the reliable journalist, Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport, Endrick has moved a step closer to leaving Real Madrid on loan. It is believed that Real Madrid is now in advanced talks with Lyon over a January loan move.
This was coming; it was more a matter of when, not if. Real Madrid fans have speculated at large when Endrick would leave, and it now seems like that will be the January transfer window.
There is no point in being bitter here; everybody knows that this is the right move for everyone involved. Real Madrid is clearing up some room in the squad, Endrick will be given the minutes he needs to make a case for the Brazil squad this summer, and Lyon is signing a potentially world-class player on loan. Everybody eats.
Recently, Brazil manager and Real Madrid legend Carlo Ancelotti said that Endrick needs to speak with Real Madrid about his progress. This came after many believed his place in the 2026 World Cup squad was under threat due to his lack of minutes.
And look, that's a conversation that Endrick and Xabi Alonso have already had. Neither are children (albeit, Endrick is pretty young), and they both have each other's best interests at heart.
Xabi Alonso hopefully will not give up on Endrick. After all, many players have gone out on loan, only to come back to non-negotiable starter status. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Endrick has a Real Madrid future, but that starts with getting his development elsewhere.