Real Madrid sends Lucas Silva to Marseille on season-long loan

Real Madrid midfielder Lucas Silva has joined Marseille on loan until the end of the season, the clubs confirmed on Thursday.

Madrid signed Silva, 22, in January from Brazilian club Cruzeiro. He made just eight appearances.

"Ready for a new and exciting challenge with Marseille," Silva tweeted.

(Courtesy: Olympique Marseille)

Madrid chose to move Silva, who does not have a European passport, because the club already has James Rodriguez, Danilo, and Casemiro occupying the maximum three non-EU player slots.

Silva is the fifth player to depart Madrid this summer. The loan spell gives him time to get first-team experience with a top French club in European competition.