Real Madrid: Reinier’s next loan after Dortmund could be a different kind of trade-off

In January 2020, Real Madrid signed one of the most promising Brazilian prospects in Reinier Jesus, who quickly made a name for himself in Castilla as an involved attacking midfielder with goal-scoring upside. A modern-day No. 10, Reinier impressed so much that he earned a big-ticket loan move to Borussia Dortmund, which was the club that helped turn Achraf Hakimi into a legitimate star on the world stage.

Unfortunately, Reinier has not progressed at all with Dortmund. But it’s not like he has been given a chance. Whereas we have seen the likes of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho become global superstars as BVB attackers, Reinier has barely played for the Black and Yellows.

In total, the ex-Flamengo standout has played fewer than 300 Bundesliga minutes across the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons so far, with his lone goal and assist in Germany’s top flight coming last season.

With 34 minutes played this season, there are no signs of a turn-around for Reinier. Real Madrid have been restless for months, and January 2022 may be the time to end this farcical loan six months early. It is not as if a third manager, the renowned Marco Rose, is giving Reinier opportunities his predecessors did not.

Reinier could be loaned to Benfica

According to a report from torcedores.com, via Fernando S. Tavero of AS, Reinier’s agent has been discussing a move to Benfica. The Portuguese club’s current manager is someone familiar to Reinier. Jorge Jesus was his manager at Flamengo, and it sounds like he would enjoy working with Reinier once more.

A loan to Benfica would not be as prestigious as one to Dortmund, but this is still a Champions League team competing in a pretty competitive league. Liga NOS is not as far below the Bundesliga in quality as you may think. And certainly, it is preferable for Reinier to get some minutes at Benfica rather than nearly 0 in Dortmund.

The problem is that the article goes on to state that Real Madrid want Benfica to be obligated to buy him for 20 million euros. That would be a hard pill to swallow, since Real would be selling Reinier on a loss from what they paid before the pandemic.

That price needs a mental readjustment because of the way the pandemic impacted football finances and the lack of progress from Reinier, but it would still be an issue for Real to make that sale already and to admit defeat on a player who does have talent.

Should Real Madrid sell Reinier?

Benfica could boost Reinier’s confidence, both because of the manager and the situation. But nothing would be given. There are still players competing for spots there who have shown more than Reinier has in European football. Even so, at least he would have a fighting chance.

Finding a way to fit in his salary is one financial issue. And the other is that clause, which is a part of this information that looms large. Many Madridistas would be more than OK with letting Reinier go, and 20 million euros is a good chunk of change. Even if it is an operational loss.

Yet would Benfica take that fee and Reinier’s salary? Doubtful. So a six-month loan with no purchase could be at least a way for Reinier to get minutes and some confidence. However, if he cannot make it there, what would that do to his confidence and, more cynically, this transfer value? Would Real even have a hope at 20 million euros?

Reinier is still young, do not forget that. He was highly rated, too. For sure, he must leave Dortmund. And soon. Benfica can be a good destination with their manager and surely cannot be any worse than BVB for Reinier. But let’s see if any other options or details emerge.