Nobody at Real Madrid disputes that succeeding in the transfer market is just as important as winning on the field. Every summer, promising talents from around the world arrive with the dream of succeeding in white, but not all of them reach the goal.
Some signings shine quickly and become undisputed starters; others stagnate, go out on loan, and return without a place. The case shaking Valdebebas today belongs to the latter category.
The fans remember the photo from signing day, the smile of an 18-year-old boy. They also remember the thirty-million-euro check that boasted a futuristic vision. Five years later, the reality is very different.
A signing without a debut
Reinier Jesús arrived at Bernabéu from Flamengo as another gem from the Brazilian academy. Since then, he has been loaned out to Dortmund, Girona, and Almería. But he hasn't played a single minute with the first team.
A burdensome contract
The midfielder's contract with Real Madrid ends in June 2026. The sporting management acknowledges that keeping him on the payroll for another season would be a useless luxury. If no buyer appears in the coming weeks, they're willing to grant him a free transfer, according to today's report from As.
Five years of silence
The sporting record is devastating. Zero official matches, zero goals, zero assists, and many doubts. The coaches highlight his talent, but they regret his lack of consistency and insufficient physical adaptation to the European pace.
A warning for future superstars
The club acknowledges that the operation serves as a lesson. Betting millions on teenagers looks good in photos, but it carries enormous risk. Florentino has won other battles, no doubt, but this one will be remembered as an expensive blot.
A decisive summer
The roadmap is clear. First, offer him to the Premier League and Serie A for a symbolic price with performance-based clauses. Second, if no one bids, a friendly contract termination and freedom to seek a new destination without Madrid losing more money.
His inner circle already accepts it
Sources close to the player admit that he expects an urgent change. He wants to feel important and accepts that he won't have a stage at Bernabéu. His goal is to relaunch his career and prove that he still possesses the quality that saw him emerge in Rio.
Florentino takes note
The presidency accepts the mistake and is preparing adjustments. The youth plan continues, but with stricter filters.
Fewer showcase signings and more internal monitoring before signing. Reinier will leave soon; the lesson will remain forever.
Painful numbers
The thirty-million-euro outlay wasn't the only expense. Including salary, bonuses, and commissions, the total investment exceeds forty-five million euros according to internal calculations.
Every euro invested without sporting return is a bitter reminder that precocious talent doesn't always materialize. For audit purposes, Reinier is listed as one of the most devalued assets of the Pérez era.
The final message to the locker room is clear. The badge demands daily sacrifice and humility.
If there's no commitment, not even the biggest checks guarantee minutes. Reinier learned it late; others would do well to take note.