Real Madrid: Reinier on verge of Leverkusen loan deal
Real Madrid are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a loan for the Brazilian teenager, who is also on Ronaldo's agenda at Valladolid. Zidane sees him as one for the future.
Real Madrid are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a season-long loan deal for Brazilian teenager Reinier. Valladolid, who are owned by former Bernabéu striker Ronaldo, are also interested and Zinedine Zidane is open to allowing the 18-year-old to go out on loan to gain experience. Leverkusen’s presence in the Europa League is attractive to Madrid but Ronaldo is expected to use his contacts and history to try and ensure is compatriot remains in LaLiga.
Madrid signed Reiner last January for €30m on a contract until 2026. Zidane sees the attacking midfielder as one for the future as he weaves his other young stars Vinicius and Rodrygo into the first team fabric. The presence of the two Brazilians plus back-up defender Éder Militão also means there is no room for another non-EU player in the Frenchman’s senior squad. Vinicius has started the process of gaining Spanish citizenship but it is not an overnight process.
Zidane: Reinier "one for the future"
Working in Valladolid’s favour in that respect is that Reinier’s own nationalization plans would be put on hold if he spent a year in Germany.
If the Bayer deal goes through Reinier will follow in the footsteps of Dani Carvajal, who spent a season on loan at the BayArena and returned to Madrid with an award as the best full back of the season in his luggage.
Reinier has mostly played for Real Madrid Castilla since his arrival under the tutelage of Raúl, scoring twice in three appearances. Zidane has faith in the teenager but says he will not rush him into the first team squad. “He’s looking good. He is a player for the future; he’s very young and he’s only just arrived [in Spain]. But he has a lot of talent,” the Real Madrid manager said in June.