Reinildo is on the brink of joining Sunderland following his confirmed exit from Atletico Madrid. Over the weekend, reports indicated that Sunderland, who recently secured promotion to the Premier League by defeating Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final, were set to acquire Reinildo on a free transfer. The 31-year-old, who joined Atletico from Lille in 2022, can play as a left-back or centre-back.
Atletico Madrid confirmed Reinildo's departure on Monday, making his move to Sunderland's Stadium of Light appear imminent. The club expressed their gratitude on social media, stating: "An example of dedication, courage and heart, of overcoming. Thank you so much for these years defending our colours, Rei! We wish you all the best in your future endeavours."

During his time with Atletico Madrid, Reinildo made 103 appearances under Diego Simeone across various competitions. This includes one match at the Club World Cup earlier this month. His versatility allowed him to contribute significantly to the team's defensive line-up.
Sunderland is also anticipated to bolster their squad further by signing midfielder Habib Diarra from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. This move aligns with their strategy to strengthen their team as they prepare for their return to top-flight football.
Reinildo was not the only defender leaving Atletico Madrid on Monday. Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta also saw his contract with the club come to an end. These departures mark a period of transition for Atletico as they adjust their squad ahead of the new season.
The transfer of Reinildo signifies a new chapter for both him and Sunderland. As he prepares to join the Premier League side, expectations are high for his contributions on the field. His experience and skills are likely to be valuable assets for Sunderland in their upcoming campaign.
A tweet from Atletico Madrid highlighted Reinildo's journey: "A kid from Mozambique fulfilling his dream." This sentiment captures the essence of his career progression and aspirations as he embarks on this new opportunity with Sunderland.
As Sunderland looks forward to integrating Reinildo into their squad, fans are eager to see how his presence will impact their performance in the Premier League. His addition is expected to enhance their defensive capabilities significantly.