The 19-year-old Brazilian forward joined Lyon from Real Madrid on a six-month loan in December, having fallen out of favour under then-head coach Xabi Alonso. He made three appearances under Alonso all season.
The move to France transformed his campaign. He has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 19 appearances across all competitions for Paulo Fonseca's side, and Lyon sit third in Ligue 1 — a position that would earn them Champions League football for the first time since 2019/20.
Speaking to Ligue1+, Endrick was candid about where his preference lies.
"My future? I feel very well, I feel very happy here. I'm pleased with my teammates, and the rest I leave to God. If I have to go back to Real Madrid, I'll go back to Real Madrid. If I have to extend my contract here, that will happen. I would like to stay here — everyone is doing their best to make me feel comfortable."
Real Madrid, however, have been equally clear. The loan agreement contains no purchase option and the club confirmed through sporting director José Ángel Sánchez that Endrick will return to Madrid in the summer as planned.
Tribuna reported separately that Real Madrid have communicated internally that there will be no further loan and that Endrick will be integrated into the first-team squad with a defined role for the 2026/27 season.
His agent Thiago Freitas underlined the position in February.
"Endrick was loaned to Lyon for six months. The decision is already made and Endrick will return to Real Madrid at the end of the season. There is no ambiguity and no secret about this."
The challenge for Endrick upon his return will be familiar — competing for minutes in an attack that also contains Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Gonzalo García. His performances in France have at least reinforced the club's conviction that he is ready to contribute rather than simply develop, and he remains firmly in Carlo Ancelotti's plans for Brazil's World Cup squad this summer.