The next step a promising young defender will take is seemingly at Manchester City | OneFootball

Vitor Reis left Manchester City for the 2025-26 season to spend the campaign in Spain playing with Girona. A season plying his trade in La Liga looks to have done wonders for the young Brazilian defender’s development. Vitor Reis made 38 appearances in all competitions, playing 3287 minutes. Although Girona were relegated from La Liga, the way Vitor Reis performed was a success. He established himself as a starter at Girona, and was far and away the best young centre-back in La Liga.

Looking ahead, Vitor Reis seems ready to make the step up into the Manchester City squad. A new report from Brazil indicates that Vitor Reis is set for a role in the City first team next season. Based on how the young defender performed this season, he is ready for such a role.

Vitor Reis is reportedly set for a role at Manchester City next season.

Brazilian publication Globo has reported that despite the fact that Pep Guardiola has stepped down as Manchester City manager, Vitor Reis is set for a role in the City squad next season. Furthermore, it is reported that Reis’s form for Girona throughout this season impressed City. In particular, his performances in Girona’s matches against Real Madrid and Barcelona were particularly impressive. Given that Girona are part of the City Football Group, the close relationship between City and Girona allowed City to keep close track of how well Vitor Reis performed all season. His strong form is set to earn him a role in the FA Cup holders’ squad for next season.

There is an opening in the City squad for Vitor Reis and it will be up to him to seize it.

With John Stones no longer a part of the Manchester City squad following his emotional departure, there is an opening in the City squad for Vitor Reis. City does need a fifth centre-back for next season. The expectation is that Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov, Josko Gvardiol, and Ruben Dias will be the four centre-backs that City will start next season with. Nathan Ake could also depart City this summer. If that is how it plays out, there is a role for Vitor Reis to take in City’s squad for next season.

Given that Vitor Reis is poised and composed in possession, he has always seemed like Manchester City’s long-term John Stones replacement. Reis shines in possession, which is am attribute that City need in their centre-backs. Also, Vitor Reis is now a more mature player after spending a season in Spain; he should be ready for the rigors of playing in the Premier League.

The young Brazilian defender may not be the most physically mature defender, he is only 20 years of age, he now knows what it takes to play in Europe. Defensively, Vitor Reis is solid and he is rarely beaten by a man and he reads the game exceptionally well. That stood out all season at Girona.

Being a squad member for Manchester City shouldn’t be too big a step up for Reis. City will need him as they navigate a long season so there will be opportunities for Vitor Reis to play at City. He will have to seize those chances when they arrive to earn more minutes at City.

Final thoughts.

Vitor Reis seems set to stay at Manchester City for the 2026-27 season. He has earned that opportunity after his impressive season for Girona. There is a defined role for Reis to take in the City squad, and it will be fascinating to see how he fares next season as a City player if he is given a role in Manchester City’s squad as reported.