Reinier Jesus Leaves Real Madrid After 5 Years to Join Atletico Mineiro
- Reinier Jesus has departed Real Madrid without ever featuring in a senior match for the Spanish giants
- Following five unproductive years in Europe, he is heading back to Brazil and may face his former club in his first match
- The lanky attacker was signed for a significant transfer fee five years ago when Zinedine Zidane was the Real Madrid manager
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Reinier Jesus’ time in Europe has come to an unexpected close, with the Brazilian midfielder returning to his home country after an unfulfilled spell at Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old has joined Atlético Mineiro, marking the end of a five-year stint in Spain that never quite met the initial promise.
Source: Getty Images
The tall, attacking midfielder was brought to Madrid from Flamengo in January 2020 for around €30 million, when Zinedine Zidane was still in charge.
Touted as one of Brazil’s next big stars—alongside compatriots Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo—Reinier was expected to make a smooth transition into the first team. Instead, on August 8, Real Madrid officially confirmed Reinier has departed without having played a single senior match for Los Blancos.
Reinier's loan spells at Real Madrid
Competition for places meant Reinier was sent out on a series of loans to gain experience. According to Transfermarkt, his first destination was Borussia Dortmund, where he spent two seasons between 2020 and 2022. While he was part of the squad that lifted the DFB-Pokal in 2021, his role was largely as a substitute.
Source: Getty Images
Later spells at Girona, Frosinone, and, most recently, Granada offered flashes of his ability, but injuries and inconsistency hindered his progress.
According to ESPN, Reinier has now agreed to a four-and-a-half-year contract with Atlético Mineiro, keeping him at the club until 2030. Real Madrid reportedly allowed him to leave on a free transfer, though they will retain a 50% sell-on clause in case he thrives in Brazil.
Reinier Jesus to revive career at Atletico Mineiro
A return to familiar surroundings could provide the reset Reinier needs. Atlético Mineiro, one of Brazil’s leading clubs, will give him the chance to rebuild his career and recapture the form that once made him a standout prospect.
Standing at 6ft 1in, he still possesses the athleticism and creativity that caught Madrid’s attention five years ago.
His official unveiling is expected later this week, and if fitness and paperwork allow, he could make his debut against former club Flamengo or in the following fixture against Vasco da Gama.
Though his European adventure may be remembered as a missed opportunity, Reinier remains young, already has an Olympic gold medal with Brazil’s U-23 team, and has valuable experience from some of Europe’s top leagues.
Luka Modrić departs Real Madrid
YEN.com.gh previously covered Luka Modrić’s uncertain future at Real Madrid, which has now come to an end as the Croatian star joins AC Milan.
The experienced midfielder was reportedly eager to remain with Los Blancos, who will see Kylian Mbappe wear the No. 10 shirt next season, but the club opted against a contract extension after a season in which they failed to secure any major trophies.
Source: YEN.com.gh
