Who is new Manchester City signing Vitor Reis? | OneFootball

Manchester City are closing in on a new signing, Palmeiras’ 19-year-old centre-back Vitor Reis. But who is he and how can he benefit Pep Guardiola’s side?

Playing history

Reis is one of the most highly-rated talents in South America and started 18 league games for Palmeiras this season, as they finished second in the league behind Botafogo.

Reis joined the side in 2016 and has developed with them ever since, breaking his way into the Brazilian U17 side in March of 2023, and playing for his nation 13 times since.

Contract status

Palmeiras locked Reis into a new deal in the summer, lasting until 2028. He does not have a buyout clause and the Brazilian side were waiting to see the club that could offer them the best deal.

With no need to sell, the fee from Manchester City is thought to be £29.4 million, with no additional bonuses.

Style of play

Coming from Palmeiras, who recently sold Endrick to Real Madrid and Estevao to Chelsea, is a good sign, but it is Reis’ traits that make him stand out.

He’s six foot one inch, and his aerial ability is very impressive, winning over three aerial duels a game. His footballing intelligence, though, is perhaps his most impressive attribute. He knows exactly when to step out, and when to drive up the pitch. He is similar to John Stones in that regard.

Guardiola likes his defenders to be versatile and to be able to play different positions in the back-line, something Reis has often done during his time in Brazil. Alongside his main role at CB, he is also used to filling in at right-back.

With Kyle Walker set to leave City either this January or in the summer, this will be a valuable attribute and means that City don’t have to rush into the market to look for the 34-year-old’s replacement.

Who is interested?

City, now essentially over the line in the race for Reis, were not the only suitors. Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all sent scouts to watch the wonder-kid, but City were the club pushing to get the deal done in January.

Real Madrid, who have had a lot of joy recently with South American players such as Vinicius and Endrick, were also in for the 19-year-old. But it seems he is heading to Manchester.

What’s been said

Palmeiras President Leila Pereira said that last week City made a bid that wasn’t close enough to the asking fee, but talks continued after.

“There was an official proposal from Manchester City but we are negotiating. I will not talk about the amount but it did not reach what Palmeiras wants.

“But I’m not in a hurry. Vitor still has a long contract. We’re talking and if we reach a value that’s good for Palmeiras, for the athlete and Manchester, OK. But for now, nothing has been decided.”

Did you know?

Reis has often been compared to legendary Brazilian centre back Marquinhos, a player who he incidentally has said he has modelled his own game on.

The PSG defender is known for his quality and composure on the ball, as well as his ability to sniff out danger and wonderful reading of the game.

Reis possesses many of the same traits, and will be hoping for a career similar to the 30-year-old’s.