A fresh target emerges as it is clear that Manchester City are aiming to add youth to their defence | OneFootball

Across this season injuries have decimated the Manchester City defence. Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias have all spent time on the treatment table. Kyle Walker’s loss of form as Father Time catches up to him has also harmed City’s defence. What is becoming clear is that City are looking to add youth to their defensive stocks this month. David Ornstein has reported for The Athletic that Manchester City’s negotiations to sign Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov are progressing.

But now a new report indicates that Manchester City are also in negotiations to sign young Brazilian defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras. That move signals that the world champions are determined to begin the rebuild of their defence this month. Based on what Vitor Reis has shown for Palmeiras it is clear to see why City are so eager to sign the young centre-back.

Brazilian publication UOL Esporte has reported that Manchester City are working on a ‘tempting proposal’ to sign Vitor Reis from Palmeiras. Furthermore, the UOL Esporte report indicates that City is prepared to pay €40 million plus bonuses for the young centre-back. Lastly, UOL Esporte adds that the world champions are in a hurry to complete a deal for Vitor Reis. Fabrizio Romano has also reported via X that Manchester City have begun negotiations to sign Vitor Reis.

Manchester City are looking to add youth to their defence and Vitor Reis fits the profile of what they need.

Manchester City’s reported moves for Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis show they are eager to begin the rebuild of their defence this month. It has become apparent this season that a rebuild of Pep Guardiola’s squad is on its way. Based on recent reports City are going on the front foot in the January transfer window to kickstart that process. A look at Vitor Reis as a player shows that he is a young centre-back with the potential to develop into an elite centre-half in time.

As the clip above demonstrates, Vitor Reis has all of the necessary attributes demanded of a modern-day centre-back. The young Brazilian is strong in a challenge and an elite defender for an 18-year-old. Tactically, he reads the game well, and his defensive positioning is elite, especially for such a young player. Although he will need time to develop physically, he is already physically strong, and he has the pace required to be a strong defensive asset. The signs he has shown in Brazil do appear well-suited to translate to the European game.

Vitor Reis is good in possession with a wide range of passing. That is a skill that is a prerequisite for a modern-day centre-back. Reis is adept in this area so his total package makes it obvious to see why Manchester City would be so eager to sign the Palmeiras defender.

An in-depth look at Vitor Reis as a player can be found at the following link courtesy of South American football expert Ben Mattinson.

Summary

Manchester City’s reported move for Vitor Reis shows that they are keen to begin their squad rebuild this month. City’s reported moves for Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis shows that they are looking to add youth to their defensive stocks. Based on what Reis has shown already for Palmeiras he could be a shrewd signing if City do complete a deal for the young centre-back this month.