Reinier Jesus is very close to becoming a Benfica player. The Portuguese side want to sign the Brazilian midfielder on loan and the three parties are expected to reach an agreement. As MARCA has learned, the potential deal between Los Blancos and Benfica will not include a buyout option for the Primeira Liga club and the name of Benfica striker Henrique Araujo was also put on the table. The 20-year-old midfielder has had no luck at Real Madrid. When it seemed as though he had already adapted to his new environment at Real Madrid Castilla, the COVID-19 outbreak halted his progression. Reinier joined Borussia Dortmund on loan, but he wasn't not given as many opportunities as him and Real Madrid may have expected. In Germany they believe that the main reason behind his lack of playing time is that he struggled to adapt to his new team. In fact, Reinier started just two of the 27 Bundesliga games in which he featured over the last two years. Both Real Madrid and the player now hope that Reinier would be a good fit at Benfica in order to justify the club's investment in him back in 2019. Coach Nelson Verissimo has given the green light for the deal to be sealed, which means that the Brazilian midfielder is expected to be given opportunities in Portugal. Following the end of last season, Benfica sold their striker Darwin Nunez to Liverpool in exchange for 75 million euros. Their latest signing is Enzo Fernandez from River Plate for 10m euros plus variables, with Real Madrid being among the clubs who monitored the Argentine midfielder. Meanwhile, it has to be noted that Benfica and Real Madrid maintain an excellent relationship. In fact, Los Blancos have set sights on Benfica academy product Henrique Araujo, who has already made his debut with the first team.
