Manchester City have now officially signed the talented Brazilian center back from Palmeiras for four and a half years. The Premier League champions confirmed the deal on Tuesday, with the 19-year-old joining the squad immediately despite Palmeiras’ initial unwillingness to sell him before the Club World Cup.
“Vitor Reis is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football,” said City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain. “We have no doubt that he will develop under Pep Guardiola and our coaching staff to become a complete player.”
He has made 18 league appearances for Palmeiras and is already an international at under-17 level for Brazil. The defenders versatility allows him to be able to play both centre-back or right-back. He will be part of City’s squad renewal strategy alongside fellow young talent Abdukodir Khusanov, who signed from Lens a day earlier.
Reis described the transfer as the greatest challenge of his career and said he was excited to work with Guardiola and join with the club’s Brazilian contingent that includes goalkeeper Ederson and winger Savinho.
Reis came through Palmeiras’ academy and made his senior debut last June. His performances had reportedly attracted interest from top European clubs including Real Madrid, before he chose City.