Reinier Jesus to train with Real Madrid’s reserve team amidst uncertainty over future

Real Madrid midfielder Reinier Jesus will train with the club's reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla, as his future at the club remains uncertain. The 23-year-old joined Madrid in January 2020 for €30 million but has never played for the first team and has subsequently had four loan spells away from the club.

Interest in Reinier has emerged from clubs in Brazil, including his former club Flamengo. His contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2026, and discussions between the club and the player's representatives are expected this month to determine his next steps. He is not anticipated to feature in Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa's plans for this season, contrasting with predecessor Raul who wanted to keep him before his loan to Granada last season.

Reinier progressed through Brazilian academies (Vasco de Gama, Botafogo, Fluminense) before joining Flamengo in 2014. He made his senior debut for Flamengo in 2019. Despite interest from Manchester City, other English clubs, and Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid secured his signature by paying his €30 million release clause (distributed 80% to Flamengo, 10% to family, 10% to agent).

After signing a six-year contract, he made only three appearances for Castilla (scoring twice) before being loaned to Borussia Dortmund for two years (August 2020) for a €5 million fee. He played 39 times for Dortmund (1 goal, 1 assist). Subsequent loans followed: to La Liga's Girona (2022-23), Serie A's Frosinone (2023-24), and finally to Spanish second-tier side Granada in August last year, where he played 25 games and provided four assists.

Reinier has represented Brazil at under-17 level and was part of the gold medal-winning squad at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.