Chelsea plot Endrick hijack as Lyon loan nears completion – reports

Chelsea have entered the transfer spotlight once again, this time by attempting to disrupt Real Madrid’s nearly completed loan agreement for Brazilian star Endrick. Just when it seemed the 19-year-old forward was set to join Lyon on loan in January, new reports suggest the Blues are making a bold move behind the scenes to lure him to Stamford Bridge instead.

According to BBC Sport, Real Madrid and Lyon have already held advanced discussions for a six-month loan deal designed to give Endrick valuable playing time in Europe. Madrid see Lyon as a safe landing spot, offering the forward regular minutes in a less pressured environment while still maintaining competitive standards. But Chelsea’s sudden intervention threatens to complicate everything.

Cadena SER reports that Chelsea have formally enquired about Endrick’s availability, hoping to convince Madrid to change direction. The London club believe they can offer the teenager both development opportunities and the comfort of joining a squad filled with familiar faces. With fellow Brazilians Andrey Santos, Estevão and João Pedro already at the club, Chelsea are positioning themselves as a welcoming and culturally supportive environment for the young talent.

For Endrick, the timing of this transfer saga is critical. Despite being considered one of Brazil’s brightest prospects, he has struggled for minutes under Xabi Alonso this season, managing only 14 minutes of play after scoring seven goals in 37 appearances last campaign. The limited game time has also affected his international standing, costing him a spot in Brazil’s last four Seleção squads.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Endrick desperately needs a club where he can play consistently, rebuild confidence and stay competitive. Real Madrid are aware of this, which is why they were initially open to sending him to Lyon. The French club have been preparing for the move for weeks, confident the agreement was on the brink of official confirmation.

But Chelsea’s interest threatens to derail the entire plan. The Premier League side see Endrick as a long-term investment and believe he could thrive under their new sporting project. The teenager would also benefit from training alongside several rising South American talents who have already embraced life in west London.

Still, opinions among Chelsea supporters remain divided. Some fans argue that the club already has too many young forwards and that Endrick would struggle for minutes just as he has at Madrid. Others believe his raw talent, pace and goalscoring instincts make him worth the risk. Online reactions range from curiosity to skepticism, with fans questioning whether the player truly fits Chelsea’s immediate needs.

Meanwhile, Lyon are reportedly frustrated by Chelsea’s late intervention. The French side had already been preparing their squad structure for the January arrival, and Endrick’s move was expected to provide a major boost to their attacking depth. Losing him now would force them to scramble for alternatives.

Real Madrid remain silent publicly, but the decision is likely to come down to one key factor: which club guarantees Endrick the most minutes. Madrid want him developing steadily, not sitting on the bench. And while Chelsea are a bigger club with greater exposure, Lyon might still offer the more practical option for his growth.

As the January window approaches, the drama continues to intensify. Chelsea’s attempt to hijack the deal shows their determination to dominate the transfer market, but it also raises questions about their long-term strategy for young talent. Endrick, on the other hand, finds himself at the center of a high-stakes tug-of-war that could define the next chapter of his career.

Whether he ends up in London or Lyon, one thing is clear: Endrick needs a club that will trust him, play him and help him unlock the incredible potential that made him one of the most talked-about teenagers in world football.

For now, Real Madrid hold the final decision—and the football world is watching closely.