Brazilian attacking midfielder Reinier Jesus, once heralded as a significant €30 million investment by Real Madrid, is reportedly set to leave the Spanish giants on a free transfer. Five years after his highly-anticipated arrival from Flamengo, the 23-year-old has failed to make a single first-team appearance for the club. As highlighted by @TheAthleticFC, "He joined Real Madrid for $35 million. Now, this forgotten Brazilian wonderkid is set to leave for nothing."
Reinier joined Real Madrid in January 2020, signing a contract until June 2026. His acquisition was part of the club's strategy to secure promising young Brazilian talents, following the successful signings of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. At the time, he was considered one of the brightest prospects in South American football, with the investment reflecting the high expectations placed upon him.
Despite the substantial outlay, Reinier's path to the senior squad was consistently blocked. He was immediately sent on a two-year loan to Borussia Dortmund, where he struggled to secure regular playing time. Subsequent loan spells at La Liga side Girona, Italian Serie A club Frosinone, and Spanish second-tier team Granada also yielded limited impact, with the player unable to consistently replicate the form that attracted Madrid's attention.
The decision to release Reinier for free underscores the club's acknowledgement that the investment did not materialize as hoped. While his contract still had time remaining, Real Madrid opted to facilitate his departure, potentially retaining a future sell-on clause. This move allows the player to seek a fresh start and revive his career away from the pressures of the Santiago Bernabeu.
Reinier is now expected to return to his native Brazil, with reports indicating a move to Atlético Mineiro. His departure stands in stark contrast to the successful integration of other young Brazilian players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who have become integral parts of Real Madrid's first team and achieved significant success. For Reinier, this marks the end of a challenging European chapter and the beginning of a new phase in his professional journey.