Real Madrid have been known for making strong transfer decisions over the last decade. Even so, a few bad ones have still slipped through the cracks.
Right after signing Vinícius Jr and Rodrygo Goes, Real Madrid also brought in Reinier Jesus. At the time, he was being touted as the next big thing for Brazil.
Technically, he was very good, moved the ball well, and impressed whenever he played for Castilla during his brief three or four-game stint. He was too good for the team at that level.
Fast forward five years, and Real Madrid have no idea how to move him on.
Since his arrival, Reinier has endured a number of failed loan spells. The first major setback came with a two-season move to Borussia Dortmund, where he struggled for minutes.
After that came a series of disappointing loans in Italy and Spain, with little sign of improvement from the player. Now, however, Real Madrid have finally found a club for him.
Real Madrid had a stinker with this signing in 2020
Reinier is set to join Atlético Mineiro in a permanent move, according to Ben Fernandes, ending a five-year search for a solution.
This is a good move for the player, as it is clear he is not at the level once expected for top-tier European football.
He could still establish himself in Brazilian football, improve, and perhaps earn another move to Europe in the future.
For now, what Reinier needs most is regular game time at a club where he can be a key figure, and Atlético Mineiro could be the perfect place for that.
Something that makes this situation a lot worse is that even though Real Madrid paid €35 million for Reinier at the time, he has still not played an official game for the first team - which is remarkable to think about.
Be that as it may, this is a big relief for Real Madrid because they no longer have to search for a club for the player.
They can focus on transfers that either bring in a decent amount of money or secure a player who can genuinely contribute to the team.
Real Madrid will now also have to think carefully about the signings they make - especially ones like the Reinier deal - to ensure the money is invested wisely.
But situations like this are part of football; you can’t have a perfect or successful transfer every single time. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.
Unfortunately for Reinier, this one was a costly mistake that everyone will want to move on from.