Manchester City’s bold move to sign Vitor Reis.
Image credit: Fabrizio Romano
Manchester City is set to bolster their defense with the signing of Palmeiras’ 19-year-old prodigy, Vitor Reis.
Here’s everything you need to know about the young center-back and why he’s catching the eye of Europe’s top clubs.
Rise to Stardom in South America
Vitor Reis has quickly emerged as one of South America’s brightest defensive talents. Since joining Palmeiras’ academy in 2016, he has steadily developed into a pivotal player for the Brazilian side.
This season, Reis featured in 18 league matches, helping Palmeiras secure a second-place finish behind Botafogo.
His performances earned him a spot in the Brazilian U17 national team in 2023, and he has since represented his country 13 times, showcasing his ability on the international stage.
The Move to Manchester
Reis is expected to join Manchester City for a reported fee of £29.4 million. Despite not having a release clause, Palmeiras agreed to the transfer after City’s persistent negotiations.
The move reflects City’s intent to invest in versatile and intelligent players who can contribute to their long-term success under Pep Guardiola.
Standing at 6’1”, Reis is a dominant presence in aerial duels, winning over three per game. But it’s his footballing intelligence that truly sets him apart.
Much like John Stones, Reis excels at reading the game, knowing when to step out of the defensive line or drive forward.
Additionally, Reis’ versatility makes him a valuable asset. Although primarily a center-back, he has experience playing as a right-back – a trait that could be crucial as City prepares for Kyle Walker’s potential departure.
Manchester City faced stiff competition for Reis’ signature, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Real Madrid all showing interest.
However, City’s proactive approach ensured they secured the deal ahead of their rivals.
Reis has often been compared to PSG’s Marquinhos, a player he admires and seeks to emulate. Marquinhos’ composure, ball-playing ability, and defensive awareness have served as a blueprint for Reis’ own development.
What’s Next?
For Manchester City, Reis represents another step in their strategy of building for the future.
As the deal nears completion, fans will be eager to see how the Brazilian adapts to life in the Premier League and contributes to Guardiola’s ambitious plans.
Stay tuned for updates on Vitor Reis’ journey to Manchester City and his impact on one of Europe’s most dominant clubs.