Sunderland is reportedly interested in signing left defender as a free agent this summer, after Atlético Madrid confirmed his exit this morning.
Atlético Madrid’s English account shared the following social media post:
“An example of perseverance, courage, and heart, of overcoming… Thank you for years of defending our colors, Rei! We wish you the very best in your future efforts.”
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano said on Sunday: “Reinildo to Sunderland, here we come! The left back will join from Atlético Madrid on a two-year agreement. Following his arrival from Lille in 2022, the defender made 74 appearances in all competitions for Atlético Madrid.
Sunderland’s Premier League rivals Leeds United and Crystal Palace reportedly had interest in Reinildo, but he chose to transfer to Wearside.
Reinildo Mandava, who played at the Club World Cup earlier this year but dropped down the pecking order in Madrid, will add crucial top-tier experience to Sunderland’s young side preparing for Premier League action. The club is close to finalizing a club-record deal for RC Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra. The midfielder might sign for roughly £30 million. Sunderland may struggle to recruit Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka due to a late push from Saudi Arabian club Neom.
The upcoming arrivals of Reinildo and Diarra, however, highlight the club’s ambition in the transfer market this summer as they prepare for a return to the Premier League. Florent Ghisolfi, the new football director, is anticipated to arrive at some point.