Few outside France fully grasped how close Lyon came to disaster ahead of the new campaign. Only weeks before kickoff, administrative demotion to Ligue 2 loomed, with survival in the top tier dependent on meeting strict financial guarantees.
Once the threat eased, reality hit fast. To stabilise the situation, the club offloaded several high-value players, sharply lowering expectations of another continental adventure after two seasons of European qualification.
Operating within tight limits, sporting director Matthieu Louis-Jean led a nimble transfer strategy. Rather than chasing established names, Lyon shifted focus toward emerging profiles across smaller European competitions.
That approach brought arrivals such as Pavel Sulc from Viktoria Plzen, Ruben Kluivert from Casa Pia, and Adam Karabec on a temporary deal from Sparta Prague. Each signing reflected a deliberate move away from past habits.
Despite this activity, one position remained deliberately vacant. Management chose not to commit to a primary centre-forward before the window shut, convinced the right option would emerge later.
January gamble brings instant rewards
That patience paid off in winter. Real Madrid forward Endrick, limited to brief appearances totaling just over an hour during the opening months of the season, needed regular football. Lyon seized the moment.
The Brazilian teenager arrived on loan until season’s end, instantly becoming the focal point of the attack. His introduction answered a long-standing need, as acknowledged by club officials at his presentation.
Impact followed immediately. He struck during his first outing in the French Cup against Lille, then added four more goals across the next five matches.
A standout performance against Metz saw him net three times, setting a new club benchmark as the youngest Lyon player to achieve a Ligue 1 hat-trick, eclipsing a record that had stood for more than half a century.
Statistically, his influence has been striking. Since joining, no teammate has matched his combined output in goals, shots on target, or successful dribbles.
Brazil dreams and growing responsibility
Lyon has a rich history of Brazilian stars, from Juninho Pernambucano to Cris and Sonny Anderson, many of whom shaped the club’s golden era in the early 2000s. Endrick was well aware of that heritage before arriving.
Conversations with Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães helped reassure him that the move could offer both happiness and development. Playing time, with a World Cup approaching, weighed heavily in his decision.
For Brazil, the pathway remains open but competitive. Former Lyon captain Cris believes Endrick’s movement and dynamism could fill a tactical gap in the national setup.
Carlo Ancelotti, who oversees Brazil’s selection, has already spoken with the young forward, offering guidance while leaving the final judgment to performances on the pitch.
That responsibility has not come without challenges. A red card against Nantes, following two cautions and a moment of frustration, underlined the discipline and maturity still required as he adjusts to being the central figure rather than one star among many.
Off the field, his arrival has also lifted Lyon’s profile. Social media engagement surged, with announcement and match content featuring Endrick topping the club’s recent metrics.
Sporting results have mirrored that momentum. A winning streak that began before his signing has grown substantially, with Lyon advancing in the French Cup, positioning themselves well in Europe, and remaining firmly in the chase for Champions League qualification.
For both player and club, the partnership has quickly become one of belief, opportunity, and shared ambition.