Atletico Madrid sign Reinildo Mandava from Lille

Atletico Madrid has signed left-back Reinildo Mandava from Lille on the January transfer window deadline day. The Mozambique footballer was in Madrid last week to sign a pre-contract for the summer, but the agreement will be brought forward as Lille and Atletico Madrid announced the defender’s transfer with an hour left in the transfer window. Reinildo has signed a contract worth EUR 3 million that will keep him at Atleti until 2025 and will bolster the La Liga side’s hopes of finishing in the top four this season. 

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— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 1, 2022

The 28-year-old has featured in as many as 27 games this season, while he has participated in all six of Lille’s games this season in the Champions League group stage. He came through Benfica’s academy before joining Belenenses, but in January he switched to Ligue 1 side Lille, initially on loan before they bought him for EUR 3 million. Last season, he played a pivotal role in Lille’s title-winning campaign.

Reinaldo’s contract with the French side was about to expire in June and Atleti grabbed the opportunity to strengthen their defense. Primarily a left-back, he can also be slotted in as a right-back, therefore the 28-year-old will provide competition for Renan Lodi down the right flank as Diego Simeone attempts to tighten up his defense.

Unlike the previous campaigns, Atletico’s defense has been a bit leaky this season, conceding 26 goals in the league, which has contributed to them falling 14 points behind leaders Real Madrid in the table. At Atletico, Reinildo will rejoin forces with his former teammate at Benfica, Joao Felix, who signed for Los Rojiblancos back in 2019.

“We have incorporated into our team a powerful footballer, capable of covering the entire left flank, and a player who is very difficult to beat thanks to his strong physique,” Atleti’s statement read. “In addition, he is very good in the air thanks to his leaping ability, which makes him secure in the aerial game at the back and a danger from set pieces in attack.”

Defending champions Atletico are currently fourth in the table with 36 points from 21 games and will face fifth-placed Barcelona, who are just one point behind them, in Camp Nou on February 06.