Manchester City's long-term plan for Vitor Reis remains firmly on track despite Pep Guardiola's departure from the club, with the Brazilian defender expected to join the first-team squad for the 2026/27 season.
The 20-year-old centre-back spent the past campaign on loan at Girona, where he emerged as one of the standout young defenders in La Liga. According to reports in Brazil, City have now decided to bring him back to the Etihad Stadium following the completion of his development spell in Spain.
While Guardiola played a major role in both signing Reis from Palmeiras and overseeing the initial pathway for his development, the managerial change has reportedly had no effect on the club's plans.
Manchester City remain convinced by Vitor Reis progress
Reis joined Manchester City as one of South America's most highly rated defensive prospects, but the club always viewed immediate first-team football as unlikely given the competition for places.
A move to Girona, another member of the City Football Group, offered the ideal environment for regular senior football while allowing City to closely monitor his progress.
That strategy appears to have paid off.
Throughout the season, the defender established himself as a key figure in Girona's back line and became one of the club's most consistent performers. Reports suggest Manchester City received regular performance assessments from Girona's coaching staff, providing a detailed picture of his development across the campaign.
Reis' growth has been evident both physically and tactically. He has looked increasingly comfortable defending in large spaces, an attribute that will be crucial if he is to succeed in Manchester City's possession-dominant system.
Girona loan delivered exactly what City wanted
The numbers underline the success of the loan move.
| Stat (2025/26) | Vitor Reis |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 36 |
| Starts | 35 |
| Defensive Actions per Match | 9.69 |
| League | La Liga |
Source: season statistics, updated 30 May 2026
Reis finished the campaign as the Brazilian player with the most minutes played in La Liga, a significant achievement considering the quality and experience of defenders competing in Spain’s top division.
Perhaps more importantly, he impressed in some of Girona’s biggest fixtures. Strong performances against both Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly strengthened Manchester City’s belief that he is capable of making the next step.
Those displays offered evidence that the defender can perform under pressure against elite opposition rather than simply excelling in lower-profile matches.
Key Points
- Manchester City plan to integrate Vitor Reis into the first-team squad next season.
- Pep Guardiola's departure has not altered the club's strategy.
- Reis made 36 appearances for Girona during a successful loan spell.
- The defender averaged 9.69 defensive actions per match.
- Strong performances against Real Madrid and Barcelona impressed City officials.
- He was included in Brazil's preliminary World Cup squad earlier this year.
What's next?
Reis will now enjoy a short break before reporting back to Manchester City for pre-season preparations. The coming weeks should provide a clearer indication of his role under the club's new coaching staff.
If he impresses during pre-season, City could decide he is ready to compete for first-team opportunities immediately. Alternatively, another loan move cannot be entirely ruled out, although current indications strongly suggest the club view him as part of their senior plans for the upcoming campaign.
Can Vitor Reis establish himself in Manchester City's first team next season, or does he still need another year of development before becoming a regular at the Etihad?
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