Real Madrid still has work to do regarding the formation of its squad for next season. Next Monday, Xabi Alonso's side will return to work to start preseason after the World Cup. They'll do so with things clear: the players who are staying, and also those who are leaving, know firsthand the plans in Valdebebas.
Not in Xabi Alonso's plans, he's leaving
Since his arrival on Santiago Bernabéu bench, Xabi Alonso has been very clear: he doesn't count at all on Reinier Jesús. The Brazilian isn't in his plans and the best thing he can do is leave, with one year left on his contract. Things haven't worked out as desired and at 23, he'll make his way back to Brazil, already close to finalizing what will be his next destination.
In recent hours, journalist Ben Fernandes has revealed that "Reinier Jesús is leaving for Atlético Mineiro". After five years as part of Real Madrid's squad, "he's leaving Valdebebas without having played an official match with the first team".
Failed signing
Reinier Jesús's case is one of the clearest examples of a bet that hasn't worked out for Real Madrid. The Brazilian attacking midfielder, signed in 2020 for €30 million (about $32.6 million) from Flamengo, never made his debut with the first team. Now, at 23, he's leaving for good to Atlético Mineiro, closing a chapter marked by disappointment and lack of opportunities.
Florentino Pérez had trusted in repeating the success with another Brazilian gem, as had already happened with Vinícius Júnior or Rodrygo. However, Reinier never found his place. Loaned successively to Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Frosinone, and Granada, his performance was inconsistent and he never achieved continuity or real impact at any of those clubs.
In Madrid, he was considered a prospect with great potential, but the loans didn't help his development. In Dortmund, he barely got minutes, in Girona he fell victim to injuries, in Frosinone he couldn't find consistency, and in Granada he ended up as a regular substitute. In the capital, he's already been labeled a failed investment.
Reinier's departure to Atlético Mineiro puts an end to a frustrating cycle for Real Madrid, which was never able to take advantage of the player's services. A Brazilian signing that, this time, hasn't worked out. Florentino, who's gotten it right many times, also adds a mistake here in his youth recruitment policy.