Barcelona sporting director makes Man City contact over Vitor Reis after Girona relegation | OneFootball

Barcelona have contacted Manchester City over their plans for Vitor Reis under incoming manager Enzo Maresca, as per reports from Spain.

Reis joined City from Brazilian side Palmeiras in January 2025 in a deal worth around €37 million, having previously been tracked by Barcelona before he moved to the Etihad Stadium.

The young defender made four appearances for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola in the 2024-25 season before spending the entirety of the recent campaign on loan at Girona, continuing his development within the City Football Group‘s network of clubs.

Deco’s admiration, Girona’s relegation & a loan-to-buy structure

According to SPORT, Barcelona’s sporting department – headed by Deco – have now reignited their interest in the centre-back, with club officials moving to establish City’s intentions for the player ahead of the summer window opening.

Barcelona’s recruitment staff are understood to admire Reis’s composure on the ball, technical quality and confidence operating under pressure – qualities believed to fit closely with Hansi Flick‘s demand for defenders comfortable holding an aggressive, high defensive line.

The report adds that Barcelona have yet to receive clarity from City on whether a temporary departure would be sanctioned, with a loan including an option to buy currently viewed as the most realistic mechanism for a deal, rather than an outright sale this summer.

Girona’s relegation to Spain’s second division has effectively closed off the option of sending Reis back to the City Football Group side, leaving his immediate future open to reassessment.

Where does this leave Reis’s Man City future?

City invested significantly in Reis when signing him 18 months ago, viewing the Brazilian as a long-term defensive prospect even as he was immediately sent out on loan to continue his development in European football.

With Girona no longer a viable loan base, City’s recruitment staff face a decision on the best next step for the 20-year-old – whether that is a fresh loan elsewhere, a permanent sale, or a chance to challenge for a squad place under incoming manager Enzo Maresca, who is overseeing a significant rebuild of City’s backline this summer.

Barcelona’s own business at the back remains far from settled, with Deco’s department working through several scenarios before the transfer window gathers pace – but Reis’s profile, age and growing experience in Spanish football mean he is unlikely to be the only option City and Barcelona discuss before a final structure is agreed.