Pep Guardiola is preparing to add another promising talent to his defensive ranks to replace Manuel Akanji. With Vitor Reis’ performance at Girona, Manchester City planning to bring 19-year-old centre-back into the first team on a permanent basis ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Brazilian, signed for around £29.6 million from Palmeiras in January 2025, has long been viewed within the Etihad hierarchy as a cornerstone for the club’s defensive future.
Although his first few months in England saw limited opportunities, City have been meticulous in mapping out his development, sending him on loan to Girona in August — a move designed to ease his transition into European football while maintaining tactical consistency within the City Football Group (CFG) structure.
Strategic development at Girona for Reis
During his loan spell in Spain, Vitor Reis’ performance at Girona has shown his potential on a consistent basis in La Liga. His composure under pressure, physicality, and aerial prowess have stood out, qualities that City believe align seamlessly with Guardiola’s playing philosophy.
Girona’s tactical approach, which mirrors much of City’s emphasis on ball retention and intelligent positioning, has provided the perfect setting for the teenager’s evolution.
Club sources describe the loan as a calculated step rather than a temporary fix, with Guardiola’s staff keeping close tabs on the player’s progress.
According to ESPN Brazil, City’s technical department reviews Vitor Reis’ performance at Girona every five matches, monitoring key metrics such as positioning, recovery pace, and distribution accuracy.
The results, so far, have been encouraging. Within City’s scouting and analytics teams, there’s growing confidence that the Brazilian will be ready for a full Premier League integration by next season.
Reports also reveal that both Bayern Munich and FC Porto made moves to sign Reis earlier in 2025, but Manchester City rejected those offers, preferring to keep him within the CFG network for tighter control over his development and communication.
City’s choice of Girona was not accidental. The club has repeatedly used the Spanish side as a testing ground for young prospects before bringing them into Guardiola’s fold — a strategy that has proven effective in cases like Savinho, who impressed in Catalonia before earning a permanent role at the Etihad.
The same blueprint now appears to be in place for Reis, whose development trajectory is being treated as a long-term project.
City insiders believe he could form part of a new central-defensive partnership alongside Ruben Dias, potentially ushering in the next phase of Guardiola’s defensive rebuild.
Reis is also a rising stock in Brazil’s defensive future
Reis’ steady progress in Europe has also drawn attention from Brazil’s national team setup. Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to lead Brazil into the 2026 World Cup, has reportedly taken note of the youngster’s performances.
ESPN Brazil reports that Reis is being considered for upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, a sign of his growing reputation back home.
The defender’s representatives are equally optimistic, believing that his blend of physical dominance and technical ability could make him a serious contender for a World Cup spot if his upward curve continues.
For Manchester City, Reis’ potential arrival in 2026/27 comes at a pivotal time. Pep Guardiola’s defensive core has begun to evolve in recent seasons, with John Stones facing uncertainty over his long-term fitness and Manuel Akanji now on loan at Inter Milan.
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The introduction of a young, technically sound defender like Reis could provide both depth and long-term stability.
Guardiola has made it clear in past interviews that he values defenders who can initiate play from the back, and Reis’ confidence in possession fits the mold perfectly.
The Brazilian has already shown signs of mastering quick transitions, diagonal passes, and the positional awareness required to maintain City’s high defensive line — all essential traits for a Pep Guardiola centre-back.
