CONFIRMED: Alonso sack will not stop Real Madrid's first January transfer

Robin Bairner

13 Dec 2025 10:54 GMT
4 min read

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Real Madrid’s first January transfer has been completed in a move that is designed for the long-term future of the Bernabeu club – and even the sacking of Xabi Alonso will not stop it.

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With the position of Alonso as head coach uncertain, there is the potential for the plans of Los Blancos to change, but according to reports at least one long-awaited deal will be completed.

Endrick is set to move to Lyon, having been peripheral to Alonso’s plans in the opening weeks of the season, even being reduced to just 22 minutes of action.

Current ETV

Endrick

F (C)

Real Madrid

Endrick

F (C)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€39.9M - €48.8M

Doubts were raised over the move after the midweek Champions League loss to Manchester City, when the 19-year-old impressed in a cameo. It was claimed his team-mates were ready to campaign for him to get more minutes, while it was also suggested the board are puzzled why he is not getting more opportunities.

Even if Alonso does leave Madrid, though, Sport reports that the arrival of the new coach will not impact Endrick’s situation this close to the opening of the January transfer window.

Los Blancos are concerned he has not had enough first-team football to adapt to European football and are looking for a way for him to get this. Lyon have been picked as his destination.

Endrick to Lyon will have a ripple effect

Endrick’s forthcoming move is bound to have a ripple effect elsewhere in the transfer market.

Crucially, it means that it is now highly unlikely that Real Madrid will allow emerging striker Gonzalo Garcia, who moved ahead of the South American thanks to his performances at the FIFA Club World Cup, will be allowed to depart.

Gonzalo has been linked to a string of sides. Marca reports that Aston Villa, Leeds United, Brighton, Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolves have all been linked with the youngster.

Allowing both Endrick and Gonzalo to depart, though, would leave Madrid without any cover for Kylian Mbappe in the centre-forward role.

Is Lyon the right move for Endrick?

Data analytics experts SciSports give Lyon a Club Fit score of 73 when ‘Playing Time’ is set as the player’s major goal for a January move.

The Ligue 1 side do not score well in terms of development and playing style, but according to the Career Advice algorithm, OL get a perfect five stars in the playing time category, making them an appealing move to Endrick.

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