As the new season approaches, Real Madrid continues to reshuffle its books amid intense preparations to sign new players and gear up for major competitions.
However, behind the scenes, the club is quietly working to resolve the fate of a past signing that has become a financial and technical burden—one that can no longer be overlooked.
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The decision to part ways was made without fanfare, and the details of the exit are being handled discreetly at Valdebebas, with minimal media attention, despite the player once being hailed as the “future talent” of Brazilian football.
The player in question is Reinier Jesus, the Brazilian midfielder who joined Real Madrid in January 2020 for €30 million, amid high hopes that he would follow in the footsteps of compatriots Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
What happened next, however, defied all expectations.
Since his arrival, Reinier has not played a single minute for the first team. Instead, he went through a series of underwhelming loan spells at Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Frosinone, and most recently Granada—failing to make a lasting impression at any stop.
Today, the player departs the Spanish capital on a free transfer to Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro, after the club opted to terminate his contract a full year before its expiration.
Despite the support and opportunities provided to him, Reinier struggled to adapt to the pace of European football and failed to establish himself anywhere he went.
Once considered one of Brazil’s most promising young stars, he is now described by Spanish media as one of Florentino Pérez’s least successful signings in the past decade.
Due to Financial Fair Play regulations, which compel clubs to shed underperforming contracts, Real Madrid ultimately chose to release him without resistance—an internal acknowledgment of a failed investment.
At just 23 years of age, Reinier now has another chance to resurrect his career with Atlético Mineiro, a club that has shown strong belief in his potential to bounce back. With more playing time and less pressure, this new chapter may provide the right environment after years of loan moves and criticism.
But the question remains: is this the beginning of a long-awaited comeback for a player once tipped for greatness—or the quiet conclusion to a career that started with millions and ended in silence?
