Maresca keeps cards close on Reis as City's squad puzzle deepens
Enzo Maresca has offered little clarity on Vitor Reis's immediate future, leaving the young defender's fate hanging until the close of pre-season. The City manager, speaking after Wednesday's 3-1 win over K-League All Stars in Seoul, was warm in his praise but deliberately vague on what comes next for the Brazilian.
"Vitor is working very well. I am happy with him," said Maresca.
That was as far as he would go. Pressed on whether Reis would stay or head out on loan again, the manager pointed to the wider picture.
"The only thing is for most of the young players here with us, the plan is to finish pre-season and then take the final decision. And we will take the best decision for them, not just us."
Reis, 20, arrived from Palmeiras in January 2025 for around £12.5 million, a fee that reflected the club's long-standing interest in a defender viewed as a future first-team regular. Last season he spent on loan at Girona, gaining La Liga experience before returning to Manchester this summer.
He has since been part of the touring squad for City's east Asia pre-season, training under Maresca's direct supervision in both Hong Kong and Seoul. The manager has had a first-hand look at a player who has clearly impressed those working with him day to day.
Reis himself has spoken openly about wanting to force his way into Maresca's plans for 2026-27, naming the new manager as a source of genuine excitement.
His situation is just one strand of a busy summer at the Etihad. The headline incoming business remains the British record £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli imminently arriving from Marseille. On the way out, James Trafford is close to joining Leeds United, while Tijjani Reijnders has been linked with a £60 million move to Forest as City manage a deepening midfield group.
The pursuit of Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi remains live, with direct contact made at the highest level between the clubs. And in the background, Rodri's own situation continues to develop, with Real Madrid reportedly having reached a personal agreement with the player as club-to-club talks over a fee progress.
For Reis, the waiting continues. Maresca's words were kind, but the door remains ajar — in which direction, nobody is saying yet.