Forgotten Real Madrid signing who cost €30m leaves club without making a single appearance in five years

When Real Madrid sign a highly rated Brazilian, there’s always excitement – but it's simply not worked out for one former wonderkid.

Back in 2020, a then 18-year-old attacking midfielder signed a six-year contract at Real Madrid after completing a €30 million (£26 million) transfer from Brazilian side Flamengo.

A lengthy list of Brazilian footballers have shone at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Ronaldo Nazario, Kaka, Roberto Carlos, and Marcelo all previously donning the famous white shirt of Los Blancos.

Currently, Endrick, Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Vinicius Junior fly the flag for the iconic nation in the Spanish capital, but for one man, his time at the most successful club in Europe has not gone as he may have liked.

The name Reinier Jesus has seemingly have been forgotten by fans in recent years, despite the attacking midfielder once being tipped for great things.

Reinier Jesus spent last season on loan at Granada (Credit:Getty)

At the time, Reinier, now 23, was slapped with the term ‘wonderkid’. In an interview with Spanish publication AS, he explained how “every child dreams of playing for a massive club like Real Madrid” upon the completion of his move from Brazil.

“Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world and they've always had great squads,” said Reinier in 2020. "Ever since I was a boy, my dad has always encouraged me to watch Real Madrid's games. I've been a Madridista since the days of the Galácticos, when I was very little, and right the way up to the current generation who won four Champions Leagues."

But fast forward five years, and he is set to move on without making a single first-team appearance for Real Madrid.

On Sunday (August 3), Spanish outlet MARCA reported that the 23-year-old had agreed to return to Brazil, joining Atletico Mineiro.

Reinier in action for Borussia Dortmund in 2021 (Credit:Getty)

This comes after several failed loan spells at Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Frosinone and Granada.

Just last year, then Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti even explained, “what I would recommend is a team where he can show his qualities—simply that”.

Of course, the 23-year-old still has plenty of time ahead of him to salvage his career in Brazil and even return to the form that once captured the imagination of suitors in Europe.