Reinier Jesus: A Journey from Promise to Challenge
In an unexpected turn of events, Brazilian footballer Reinier Jesus, who was once seen as a burgeoning star at Real Madrid, is poised to return to his homeland as he prepares to join Atletico Mineiro on a free transfer. This development comes after a challenging five-year journey with the Spanish club, during which he failed to secure a spot in the first team despite a promising start.
Early Promise and Transfer to Real Madrid
Reinier, now 22, first captured attention at just 17 when he was approached by Real Madrid during the Club World Cup in Qatar in December 2019. His participation in an exhilarating meeting, where the club expressed keen interest in acquiring him, marked a pivotal moment in his career. At that time, Reinier had a contract with Flamengo that included an enticing release clause of €30 million, making it easier for European clubs to pursue him.
Although clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Ajax were initially in the running for his signature, it was Madrid that ultimately prevailed over Manchester City, sealing the deal in early 2020. Madrid’s strategy to recruit young Brazilian talent, spearheaded by chief scout Juni Calafat, contributed to Reinier’s transition from Flamengo to La Liga.
The Brazilian player’s family was charmed by Calafat’s engagement during his visits to Brazil, ultimately leading to the signing of a six-year contract for Reinier, who began to learn Spanish in preparation for his career in Spain.
Challenges and Setbacks in Europe
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, severely hindered Reinier’s development. After a bright start with Madrid’s reserve team, scoring in just a few showcases, he fell out of favor as the club refrained from promoting him to the senior squad. He was subsequently loaned to Borussia Dortmund in July 2020, where he faced limited playing time and struggled to make an impact over two seasons, culminating in a brief stint at Girona and a disappointing season with Granada.
Despite a few flashes of potential, Reinier’s time in Europe has been marred by injuries and inconsistent performance, leading him back to origins where his professional journey began.
A New Chapter with Atletico Mineiro
As Reinier is set to sign a deal with Atletico Mineiro until December 2029, Real Madrid will retain a 50% sell-on clause, indicating their belief in his residual potential despite a lack of senior appearances during his tenure.
Reinier’s case reflects larger issues within Madrid’s handling of young talents, with many past players successfully transitioning to other clubs permanently rather than struggling through loan spells. He is now seen as a cautionary tale of unfulfilled promise as he prepares to embark on a new chapter of his career back in Brazil, potentially leaving behind what could have been a remarkable trajectory in European football.
