€30 Million Flop Unleashes Fury at Real Madrid Following Bitter Departure
Following a €30 million ($34.9 million) investment, five-and-a-half years, and four separate loan arrangements, Reinier has finally severed ties with Real Madrid, though not without voicing his displeasure regarding how the Spanish club handled his situation.
The Brazilian playmaker was introduced in January 2020 amid considerable excitement, promoted as another promising South American talent in a recruitment strategy that had previously brought Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo to the club. While his fellow Brazilians would develop into crucial players for Real Madrid, netting 174 goals collectively, the struggling prospect never managed to make a single first-team appearance.
After another disappointing loan period in 2024–25—where he only started 14 matches out of Granada's 42 second-division fixtures—Real Madrid allegedly contemplated canceling Reinier's contract simply to remove him from their payroll.
The Spanish club successfully located a purchaser in mid-table Brazilian team Atlético Mineiro. Madrid allegedly maintains 50% of Reinier's transfer rights, meaning the relationship hasn't been completely terminated. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old certainly spoke like someone with little concern for Real's perspective.
"I'm extremely pleased to join El Galo, at my new home. Delighted to receive this warmth, something I lacked previously," Reinier deliberately stated. "Thrilled to don this jersey. I'll give my all on the pitch and I'm prepared to contribute to the squad."
"Upon my arrival, I could sense it immediately," Reinier continued. "It even gave me chills. My mother was nearly moved to tears."
Reflecting on his Madrid struggles, the former Flamengo prospect explained: "I was seeking my joy. I spent five years on loan. I wasn't content. Paulo Bracks [Mineiro's sporting director] pursued me, as did Víctor Leandro [club legend]. He appreciated my value, and I discussed things with manager Cuca. I'm extremely pleased with this opportunity and believe it will work out excellently."
It certainly couldn't fare worse than his Real Madrid experience.