Reinier Leaves Real Madrid for Atlético Mineiro in Major Career Shift

Reinier Jesus has officially ended his time at Real Madrid and signed for Atlético Mineiro on a free transfer, with Real Madrid securing a 50% sell-on clause in the deal.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Reinier, once seen as one of Brazil’s brightest football prospects, has joined Atlético Mineiro after five years with Real Madrid where he never made a first-team appearance. The midfielder arrived in Madrid in 2020 from Flamengo for nearly $35 million. His time in Spain was marked by a series of loans to clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Frosinone, and Granada, but injuries and a lack of consistent playing time meant he never settled or met the high expectations set for him. Now aged 23, Reinier hopes to restart his career back in Brazil with a team eager to help him reach his potential.

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS

Reinier was once marketed as the next great Brazilian star, following in the footsteps of Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo. However, unlike his countrymen, he struggled to adapt to European football and never made a competitive debut for Real Madrid’s main squad. His story is viewed by many as an example of how even top clubs sometimes mismanage young talents. For Atlético Mineiro, this signing brings experience from European leagues and a player determined to prove his worth, as the team aims to strengthen in the second half of the Brazilian season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR REINIER AND ATLÉTICO MINEIRO?

Atlético Mineiro currently fights for a top spot in the Brasileirão Serie A, sitting in 10th place but only 4 points behind Bragantino, the last team qualifying for the Libertadores playoffs, and with 2 games in hand. The addition of Reinier comes as the team prepares for their next league match against Cuiabá, where three points could see them overtake one of their closest rivals. Reinier’s return home is seen as a chance for both him and his new club to achieve ambitious goals for the season and beyond.