Manchester City have finalized a £29.4 million deal to sign 19-year-old defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras, bolstering their defensive options in the January transfer window. The highly-rated Brazilian is set to join Pep Guardiola’s squad, with no bonuses included in the agreement, as confirmed by Palmeiras president Leila Pereira. Reis is currently en route to England to complete the move.
The teenage sensation attracted interest from several clubs, including Brighton, but City secured the signing after reaching an agreement in principle earlier this week. The deal marks another major step in City’s effort to refresh their squad amidst ongoing injury challenges.
Reis is the second centre-back acquisition for City this January, following the £33.5m transfer of Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens. The double signing comes at a crucial time, with injuries sidelining key players like John Stones and Ruben Dias. Guardiola, addressing the situation in a press conference, emphasized the importance of gradually revamping the squad while maintaining their competitive edge.
“We knew that sooner or later, we’d need to rejuvenate the squad,” Guardiola remarked. “But the injuries accelerated that process. The team is still strong, as shown by winning our fourth Premier League title in a row, but change is necessary.”
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Palmeiras, known for producing top talents such as Endrick (Real Madrid) and Estevão (Chelsea), were reportedly calm about Reis’s departure, given their recent track record of lucrative transfers. South American football expert Tim Vickery highlighted Reis’s potential, noting his composure on the ball, defensive versatility, and leadership qualities as key factors behind City’s interest.
“Reis is inspired by the likes of Marquinhos and Thiago Silva. He’s classy on the ball, can play out from the back, and is adaptable in a back three or four,” Vickery explained. “City see him as a future leader and a vital addition to their defensive lineup.”
The deal positions Vitor Reis as the most expensive centre-back ever to emerge from Brazil, underlining his promise as a generational talent. As City push to maintain their dominance domestically and in Europe, the signing of Reis signals their intent to invest in youth while addressing immediate needs in defense.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Reis’s arrival in Manchester, with expectations high for the young Brazilian to make an impact in Guardiola’s squad. This move reinforces City’s proactive approach to staying ahead in an ever-competitive football landscape.
