Vitor Reis’ Manchester City future outlined as John Stones contract and transfer factor explained | OneFootball

The future of Vitor Reis beyond his ongoing loan spell at Girona has now been outlined by reports in Brazil, in an exciting update for those of a Manchester City persuasion.

City have long viewed the 19-year-old as one of their most significant defensive investments having paid £29.6 million to prise him from Palmeiras in January. His immediate pathway was carefully managed through debut minutes in the FA Cup, a brief Premier League introduction, and a strategically planned season-long loan at Girona to expose him to sustained top-flight football.

That wider plan now appears to be reaching its next phase, with many consistently maintaining that Reis is earmarked for a key role in City’s next defensive cycle, particularly as questions linger around the long-term availability of senior figures such as John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake.

The England international in particular has reiterated his desire to remain at the Etihad Stadium, yet injury fears and tactical transitions have inevitably prompted speculation. However, the latest information from Brazil suggests Reis’ destiny is not tied to any decisions surrounding Stones.

The wider strategy fits previous beliefs that City want young, ball-playing defenders ready to step into the first-team group, mirroring pathways seen with other talents all developed through the City Football Group before being reintegrated into Pep Guardiola’s environment.

According to the information of journalist Bruno Andrade reporting with ESPN Brasil, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Vitor Reis’ return to Manchester City does not depend on John Stones leaving or renewing his contract with the club.

From the side of key first-team decision makers at the Etihad Stadium, it is reported that City already see the Brazilian central defender as a confirmed part of their upcoming 2026/27 squad list.

Vitor Reis remains under contract with Manchester City until the summer of 2029 having signed a long-term agreement with the club following his January 2025 move from Palmeiras, and is viewed as an important piece of Pep Guardiola’s long-term planning.

With his ongoing loan at La Liga and City Football Group side Girona aimed at giving him minutes at a high level of the European game, Manchester City believe Reis is developing exactly as expected.

This development adds to recent reports indicating that Manchester City rejected approaches from Bayern Munich and FC Porto earlier in the year and had no intention of selling or even entertaining proposals.

Not only is Vitor Reis seen as a critical part of Pep Guardiola’s squad refresh, but he is also attracting attention from Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil coaching team – another indication of his rising stock.

Looking ahead, Manchester City’s defensive landscape may look markedly different by the time the 2026/27 campaign begins. Stones’ contract situation, Manuel Akanji eyeing a permanent move to Inter off the back of a loan with the Italian giants, and the natural evolution of Pep Guardiola’s back line all suggest opportunities will open for Reis.

If his Girona performances continue on their current trajectory, City could soon be integrating one of Brazil’s most highly rated young defenders at precisely the moment the squad begins its next cycle, and a scenario that underlines just why the club resisted major transfer interest.