Reinier Jesus is set to leave Real Madrid, marking one of the club’s most disappointing signings in recent years. Signed from Flamengo in 2020 for €30 million, the Brazilian midfielder never played a single minute for Madrid’s first team. The move, spearheaded by scout Juni Calafat, was meant to secure the next South American star, but it didn’t pan out.

Now 23, Reinier has agreed to join Atletico Mineiro, with a four-and-a-half-year deal running until December 2029. However, the clubs have yet to finalize terms. Atletico Mineiro is unwilling to pay a transfer fee, pushing for a free or loan deal. Real Madrid is open to releasing him but wants to retain 50% of any future transfer fee. Atletico, led by executive Paulo Brack, is negotiating to reduce that figure as talks continue between the two sides.