Real Madrid are reportedly contemplating the termination of Reinier Jesus’ contract, bringing an end to a five-year saga that has yet to see the Brazilian midfielder make a competitive first-team appearance for the club. The 23-year-old, once hailed as one of South America’s brightest talents, has struggled to live up to the lofty expectations set when Los Blancos secured his signature for €30 million from Flamengo in January 2020. With his contract running until June 2026 and no clear path to the first team under new manager Xabi Alonso, the club is now considering cutting ties with the young playmaker, according to reports from Spanish outlet Diario AS.
Reinier arrived at Real Madrid as an 18-year-old prodigy, drawing comparisons to fellow Brazilian stars Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, both of whom have thrived at the Santiago Bernabeu. The attacking midfielder, who impressed at Flamengo with six goals and two assists in just 15 senior appearances, was seen as a cornerstone of Madrid’s youth-oriented recruitment strategy. However, his time in Spain has been marred by a series of unproductive loan spells and an inability to break into a star-studded first team. “Reinier was a gamble on potential, but it’s clear the experiment hasn’t worked out as hoped,” said Spanish football analyst Juan Morales. “Madrid’s midfield is stacked with world-class talent, and Reinier has been caught in a cycle of loans that haven’t allowed him to develop.”
Since joining Real Madrid, Reinier has been loaned out to four clubs: Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Frosinone, and most recently Granada. His two-year stint at Dortmund yielded just one goal in 39 appearances, while subsequent moves to Girona and Frosinone showed flashes of promise but failed to secure him a permanent move. His latest loan to Granada in the 2024-25 season, where he played in Spain’s second division, did little to revive his prospects. Despite scoring two goals in 22 Serie A appearances for Frosinone in 2023-24, interest in the midfielder has dwindled, leaving Real Madrid with few options. “The lack of suitors is telling,” Morales added. “Clubs see the talent, but his inconsistent track record makes them hesitant.”
With the summer transfer window nearing its close, Real Madrid are reportedly open to a mutual contract termination if no offers materialize. This move would allow Reinier to leave as a free agent, giving him the chance to rebuild his career elsewhere. Sources close to the club suggest that Flamengo and Botafogo, two of Brazil’s biggest clubs, have shown interest in bringing the midfielder back to his homeland. “Reinier’s goal is to complete his contract, but he’s open to staying in Brazil if the right opportunity arises,” said a source cited by journalist Benfeerr on X. The prospect of returning to Brazil could provide Reinier with a fresh start, allowing him to rediscover the form that once made him a sought-after talent across Europe.
The decision comes at a time of significant transition for Real Madrid. Under Alonso’s leadership, the club has made high-profile signings, including Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alvaro Carreras, while parting ways with veterans like Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez. Reinier’s departure would align with the club’s focus on streamlining the squad and prioritizing players who fit into Alonso’s long-term vision. “Xabi Alonso is not counting on him,” reported Madrid Universal, citing Diario AS. “The management is clear that keeping Reinier offers no long-term value, especially with no role in the first team or even the Castilla setup.”
For Reinier, the potential termination marks a critical juncture. Once tipped to follow in the footsteps of Brazilian legends at Real Madrid, he now faces the challenge of proving his worth away from the Bernabeu. “It’s a tough situation for a player so young,” said former Flamengo coach Jorge Jesus in 2020, praising Reinier’s technical gifts and maturity. “He’s got extraordinary characteristics, but he needs the right environment to shine.” Whether that environment is in Brazil or elsewhere in Europe remains to be seen, but time is running out for Reinier to fulfill the promise that once made him a €30 million investment.