Even those who do not follow French football in its most granular detail will be aware of the plight that could have befallen Lyon this summer. A firesale of the side's most valuable assets duly ensued, and with it, expectations of a third successive season of European football dwindled. Constrained by their financial frailties, Les Gones, spearheaded by sporting director Matthieu Louis-Jean, had to work diligently, embarking on an agile recruitment drive. Having amassed just 99 minutes of action for Real Madrid during the first half of the season, Brazil striker Endrick needed an escape. Lyon were more than happy to provide sanctuary for a player and talisman they desperately craved.

Source: BBC February 10, 2026 08:41 UTC