Reis to Get His Chance
Vitor Reis will be given the opportunity to stake a claim in Enzo Maresca's first-team plans this season, according to sources close to the club. The Brazilian centre-back has impressed the City boss during his opening months at the Etihad, with the door now firmly open for him to fight for a place at the back.
It has been a winding road for Reis since his £29.6 million arrival from Palmeiras in January 2025. He joined the Brazilian club as a ten-year-old, lifted trophies at every Academy stage, and made his debut in June 2024 before quickly becoming a starter under Abel Ferreira. But his first six months in Manchester were quiet—just one start, against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup—before the club sent him to Girona for the season to get minutes.
That spell in Spain was not without its frustrations. Girona were relegated, but Reis came through it with significant development under Míchel, starting 36 La Liga games and contributing a goal and an assist. His pace in covering counter-attacks was a standout, and his overall profile—physique, technical ability, composure on the ball—has drawn comparisons to John Stones, who has since departed for Inter.
Until the close of the summer window on Tuesday night, there was real uncertainty around Reis' future. With any exit now off the table, City have no opportunity to bring in a replacement. That suits Reis fine. He is determined to be a key part of the club's future and is said to be focused on doing his best at the Etihad this season.
Maresca first took note of Reis during pre-season, when City travelled to Hong Kong and South Korea. The No.22 lined up against Inter Milan, the K-League Allstars and Atlético de Madrid, and was highlighted for his quality on the ball. Within Maresca's system, Reis could feature centrally or on the right of a three-man line in build-up play; without the ball, he is most likely to operate as a traditional centre-half.
The competition is stiff—Abdukodir Khusanov, Rúben Dias, Marc Guéhi and Josko Gvardiol are all vying for spots—but Reis has the tools and the backing to make it interesting. He will keep working hard, ready for any minute he gets.