Following a standout spell at Girona and a strong pre-season, Brazilian defender Vitor Reis is nearing a permanent spot in Manchester City‘s first-team squad under manager Enzo Maresca.
The future of promising Brazilian center-back Vitor Reis at Manchester City is taking a new turn, pointing toward a promotion to the senior squad. After a solid season on loan at Girona and convincing performances during pre-season, the 20-year-old has caught the eye of the Citizens‘ coaching staff.
The prospect of becoming a permanent fixture in the Manchester squad is bolstered by the backing of new manager Enzo Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola. Sources close to the club, reported by M360 and confirmed by SkySports, reveal that the defender’s performances have impressed the manager, who now considers him part of the plans for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Vitor Reis’ Path in European Football
Signed by Manchester City in early 2025 after a stellar stint at Palmeiras, Vitor Reis initially faced stiff competition in the defensive ranks. With players like Rúben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones ahead of him, the youngster had limited opportunities in his first six months, totaling only four appearances.
To gain valuable experience, Reis was sent on loan to Girona. Despite a challenging start and the Catalan side’s relegation to the Spanish second division, the Brazilian managed to adapt and established himself as one of the few bright spots of the campaign, demonstrating his resilience and ability to adjust to European football.
Favorable Conditions and Openings
The defensive landscape at Manchester City is now more favorable for Vitor Reis. With Nathan Aké moving to Fenerbahçe and Manuel Akanji joining Internazionale, along with the departure of John Stones to the Italian club and Josko Gvardiol being utilized as a left-back, competition has significantly thinned.
Even with the arrival of Marc Guéhi, Reis‘ path to the starting rotation appears more clear, a strong indicator that the club and technical staff view him as a valuable asset for the squad in the demanding season ahead.
Brazil National Team Ambitions and Future Challenges
Vitor Reis stated in an interview with M360:
“I am very motivated for this new season. Pre-season is an important time to gain rhythm, work hard, and show that I am prepared for the challenges ahead. I want to make the most of every opportunity, keep evolving, and help the team achieve its goals.”
His strong form has not gone unnoticed by the Brazil national team. Reis received his first call-up to the senior squad under Carlo Ancelotti, participating in a pre-World Cup friendly against Croatia. Although he did not feature on the pitch, he remained on the radar, making the preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup.
While he did not participate in the last World Cup, the center-back is viewed as a fundamental piece in the regeneration of the Brazil national team for the 2030 World Cup. He is expected to be included in Ancelotti‘s first squad for the upcoming September Super International Break matches against Australia and India.
The impending permanent promotion of Vitor Reis to the Manchester City first team marks a crucial point in his career. It represents not only recognition of his talent and work ethic but also the consolidation of another young Brazilian player at one of the world’s top clubs.
With City‘s official season kicking off this Sunday (16) in the Community Shield against Arsenal, expectations are high that Reis can truly become an important piece in Maresca‘s tactical setup and a pillar for the Brazil national team in future World Cup cycles.
