Real Madrid set to write off €30M Reinier deal

From “new Kaká” to the exit door
Having broken into the spotlight at Flamengo at just 15, Reinier was dubbed the “new Kaká” by the Brazilian press. Despite spending less than six months with the senior team, Real Madrid beat off competition from other European giants and sealed a €30 million transfer at the start of 2020.

Between 2017 and 2020, Madrid’s transfer strategy was built on signing young talent from Brazil at an early age. While this model produced stars like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, the Reinier case has become the most costly turning point in that policy.

Dortmund opportunity slipped away

After joining Real Madrid, Reinier spent his first six months with Castilla before heading to Borussia Dortmund on a two-year loan. However, his spell in Germany never took off as hoped.

At Dortmund, Reinier found himself far down the pecking order behind Brandt, Reus and Reyna in the No.10 role. He struggled to find playing time in such a crowded field.

According to AS, Dortmund made an offer to sign Reinier permanently in the summer of 2021, but Real Madrid rejected the proposal. From that point, his trajectory took a sharp downward turn.

European tour: Girona, Frosinone, and final hope at Granada

Following his Dortmund stint, Reinier had underwhelming loan spells at Girona and Italy’s Frosinone. Last season, he finally managed to earn more minutes while at Granada.

In total, he featured in 25 matches and logged 1,401 minutes on the pitch, but a major hamstring injury hampered his momentum. His performances were inconsistent, and Madrid’s hopes of attracting buyers through his performances were once again extinguished.

Madrid now considering release option

With only a year remaining on his contract, Reinier’s time at Madrid is nearing its end. However, sources within the club say there’s no place for him in the coaching staff’s plans or squad outlook.

Madrid’s first choice remains to sell him outright, but Reinier’s erratic five-year stint in Europe makes that prospect unlikely. As a result, the club are seriously considering the possibility of terminating his contract.

Spanish outlet AS reported the situation with the following statement:

“Si Reinier no atrae ningún interés concreto, el Madrid estaría dispuesto a rescindir su contrato.”
(“If Reinier fails to attract concrete interest, Madrid would be willing to terminate his contract.”)

The quote sums up Madrid’s stance. The €30 million investment has effectively been written off.

A critical look at Europe’s youth investments

In recent years, European clubs have come under increased scrutiny for the large sums spent on players under 18, with the Reinier case fuelling renewed debate.

Madrid’s €30 million gamble has reignited the debate around the perils of investing in teenage prodigies.

For every Vinícius or Rodrygo, there is a Reinier. It is a reminder of the risks Europe takes on teenage potential.

His story stands as a cautionary tale, not only for Madrid but for every club betting big on promise over proof.