Have the plans that Manchester City have in store for a young centre-back been revealed? | OneFootball

Vitor Reis started for Manchester City in their FIFA Club World Cup Group G win over Wydad AC. Pep Guardiola’s side beat the Moroccan side 2-nil to make a good start to their Club World Cup campaign. In the case of young centre-back Vitor Reis, he showed plenty of promise on the pitch over the course of the 90 minutes he was on the pitch in Philadelphia. Although it was also clear that Reis does need to mature physically as a player, which also stood out against Wydad AC.

Based on his performance at the Lincoln Financial Field, there could be a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad for Vitor Reis next season. Now, based on a new report, it could be Manchester City’s plan for Vitor Reis next season.

Manchester City are reportedly leaning towards keeping Vitor Reis for next season.

Rudy Galetti and Valentin Furlan have reported via X, that Manchester City are leaning towards keeping Vitor Reis at the club for next season. Furthermore, Galetti and Furlan report that top clubs from Germany, Spain and England have shown an interest in signing the young Brazilian centre-back on loan for next season. But Pep Guardiola sees Vitor Reis as part of his plans for next season as per the new report.

If Vitor Reis does stay at City it would appear that one of Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji or John Stones will leave this summer.

There is no doubt that Vitor Reis has all of the makings of a quality centre-back. He reads the game well, is composed when in possession and is strong in the air and in a challenge. If the new report from Rudy Galetti and Valentin Furlan is correct, there is a role for Vitor Reis in Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season with his attributes and quality. That may be the best move for the development of Vitor Reis to develop into a first-team centre-back in the Manchester City squad. But if Vitor Reis does stay at City for next season it will likely see an experienced defender leave the club this summer. There are three prime candidates to leave City if that scenario eventuates.

The players in question would be Manuel Akanji, John Stones or Nathan Ake. In the case of Ake, given that he is homegrown and can play at left-back he’d likely remain at Manchester City for next season. Manuel Akanji while not homegrown, can play at centre-back or right-back. The fact that he can play at right-back may see City keep him for next season. But if City do sign a right-back then the possibility is real that Akanji could leave Pep Guardiola’s side this summer. That leaves John Stones. Of the three players mentioned, he’d be the favourite to depart City this summer. His injury record over the past two seasons does make it seem like Stones is a defender that could leave the club. If Vitor Reis stays at Manchester City, then it would not be a surprise to see Stones depart and possibly Manuel Akanji alongside him.

Vitor Reis may have a prominent role to play for Pep Guardiola’s side next season. The new report from Rudy Galetti and Valentin Furlan does suggest that this will be the case. That is an exciting development but if Reis stays at Manchester City, then it would appear that one of, or two, of Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji will likely depart City this summer. That way Pep Guardiola’s squad won’t be so bloated and there will be an opportunity for Vitor Reis to play regular minutes next season.