Manchester City include major break clause in loan deal for Vitor Reis | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City have included a significant clause in the loan agreement that will take Vitor Reis to Girona for the forthcoming 2025/26 campaign.

The 19-year-old Brazilian central defender only joined City in January from Palmeiras for a fee of £29.6 million but now looks set for a temporary move to Spain to accelerate his development.

With the Premier League giants currently boasting a wealth of senior talent at centre-back, City view a loan within the City Football Group as a key opportunity for the teenager to play regular top-flight football.

The decision comes after Reis was notably absent from the club’s open training session at the Joie Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, prompting further speculation about an imminent transfer.

Manchester City remain highly invested in the long-term future of the defender and see Girona – a core component of the City Football Group’s global club portfolio – as a fitting environment for his growth.

Now, according to the information of journalist Andre Hernan, it has been detailed that Vitor Reis’ loan move to Girona comes with the idea of the move securing more playing time in an attempt to secure a spot in the Brazil national team through La Liga action.

From the side of Girona, it is claimed that officials at the club promise to be a competitive team for the new Spanish top-flight season, while the loan contract includes an immediate return to Manchester City for Reis should he be required at any point under Pep Guardiola.

Additional reporting from Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that Reis is due to travel to Spain on Wednesday for medical tests and his contract signing at Girona.

The break clause included in the loan agreement is particularly notable, ensuring that City hold the ability to recall the teenager should injury or squad depth require it, particularly following such circumstances that hampered the previous campaign.

With John Stones managing his own fitness and doubts concerning the Englishman still lingering, and other names like Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake facing uncertain futures, the option to bring Reis back mid-season may prove vital.

The move also mirrors Manchester City’s approach with several of their top young talents in recent years, including those who joined Girona temporarily before stepping into first-team contention at the Etihad Stadium or being sold for significant fees with buy-back clauses.

Should Reis impress in La Liga, his stock with the Brazilian national team setup could rise rapidly. Manchester City scouts will monitor his progress closely with the view to a first-team role in the near future, especially with long-term planning already underway beyond 2025/26.

A successful loan stint could also influence City’s decision-making around other central defenders in the squad, including potential long-term successors to the likes of John Stones and Manuel Akanji, or replacements for fringe players.