Manchester City defender Vitor Reis is set to return to the Etihad Stadium this summer after an impressive loan spell with Girona, hoping to stake his claim for a first-team role ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The 20-year-old Brazilian spent the previous campaign with City’s sister club in La Liga, where he emerged as one of Girona’s standout performers despite the Spanish side suffering relegation on the final day of the season.
With Manchester City still awaiting the arrival of Pep Guardiola’s successor, widely expected to be Enzo Maresca, Reis is among the players who could benefit from a fresh start under new management.
The young centre-back is expected to be part of City’s pre-season tour of Hong Kong in July, with several senior internationals likely to be granted extended breaks following their World Cup commitments.
City paid £29.6 million to sign Reis from Palmeiras in January 2025 despite the defender having made only 22 senior appearances in Brazil.
After limited opportunities in Manchester, he was sent to Girona to gain regular first-team experience.
His start in Spain was challenging, including a red card in just his fifth appearance, but Reis steadily adapted to life in La Liga and became a key figure in Michel’s side.
Girona commentator Miquel Agut Riera believes the defender has all the attributes needed to succeed at the highest level.
“If he plays for Manchester City next season, he has already faced Real Madrid and Barcelona and performed brilliantly,” Riera said.
“He has everything to become an important player in a top squad. We are talking about a star in the making.”
Riera highlighted Reis’ physical development as one of the biggest improvements during the season.
“At first, people questioned whether he was strong enough physically, but he became much better in duels."
"Once that side of his game improved, he was almost unbeatable.
“He was one of the best defenders Girona have had in recent seasons.”
Despite John Stones’ departure, breaking into City’s defence will be no easy task.
Abdukodir Khusanov and January signing Marc Guehi have established themselves as important figures, while Josko Gvardiol recently committed his future to the club by signing a new contract until 2031.
Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake also remain part of City’s defensive options, although both have been linked with potential moves away.
Meanwhile, highly rated French teenager Hermann Malonga is set to join from Paris Saint-Germain, although he is expected to begin with the club’s development squad.
Reports linking Reis with Barcelona have been dismissed by sources close to the club, with City’s current plan focused on integrating the Brazilian into the first-team picture rather than sanctioning another move.
However, much could depend on his performances during pre-season and the vision of the club’s incoming manager.
For now, Reis returns to Manchester with valuable top-flight experience, enhanced confidence and a growing reputation.
The coming weeks could determine whether he becomes part of City’s next chapter or heads out on loan once again in search of regular football.
