Benfica are reportedly keen on signing Reinier Jesus on loan from Real Madrid in the January transfer window amid his Borussia Dortmund struggles.
According to a report by Brazilian outlet Coluna do Fla, Reinier Jesus could be given an escape route out of his frustrations at Borussia Dortmund in the January transfer window. The Brazilian playmaker, on loan at the Bundesliga club from Real Madrid, is the subject of interest from Benfica over a potential loan move.
Reinier Jesus joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in January 2020 amid a lot of hype surrounding his talent. Having drawn comparisons with Brazilian legend and former Real Madrid attacker Kaka during his youth playing days, there was understandably a lot of excitement over landing him.
However, with competition for places being fierce at Real Madrid, Reinier was sent out on loan to Borussia Dortmund on a two-year deal. The Bundesliga heavyweights are indeed known to be the breeding ground for some of the most promising young players in the world, which would have filled Los Blancos as well as the player with some confidence over the loan spell.
However, the 19-year-old has struggled to establish a foothold in the first-team setup at the Signal Iduna Park, having amassed just 24 appearances for a grand total of 391 minutes of game-time, garnering a tally of a goal and assist apiece. With his progress stalled in Dortmund, Reinier and Real Madrid are looking for a way out, something that Benfica are set to offer.
At Benfica, Jorge Jesus is a manager who know Reinier pretty well, having handed him his debut for Flamengo a couple of years ago. And the Portuguese giants employ a system that would suit the Real Madrid loanee as well while also potentially giving him a chance to feature in the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid, though, are looking to include a purchase option in the loan deal worth around €20 million, suggesting that they would be open to cashing in on Reinier. Such a stance makes some sense as well, considering they are linked with a bevy of attacking players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Raheem Sterling and Federico Chiesa, among others.
What now remains to be seen is if Reinier’s loan spell at Dortmund is cut short in the January transfer window and if he subsequently ends up joining Benfica. The 19-year-old can surely be expected to be open to such a development.
