Manchester City have completed the signing of teenage defender Vitor Reis in a reported £29.6million move from Brazilian club Palmeiras.
Reis has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Premier League champions and becomes their second January signing, following Abdukodir Khusanov’s arrival on Monday.
The Brazilian centre-back made 22 appearances across all competitions for Palmeiras, netting two goals, and has also represented his country’s Under-17 side nine times.
Palmeiras had hoped to keep Reis on loan for the remainder of the season but City have insisted that he moved this month amid their recent injury crisis in defence.
Alongside the season-long absence of key midfielder Rodri, John Stones and Ruben Dias have also suffered stop-start campaigns, while Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have also picked up injuries of their own along the way.
The issues threatened to derail their season as the champions embarked upon an unprecedented run of one victory in 13 matches – Pep Guardiola’s worst in his coaching career.
But City have now won four of their last five matches across all competitions, the latest of which came in a 6-0 thrashing against Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
We’re delighted to announce the signing of Vitor Reis pic.twitter.com/jgFf8MaDp9
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 21, 2025
Reis is the latest prospect to leave Palmeiras for a sizeable fee after Endrick made the move to Real Madrid, while Willian Estevao also left for Chelsea.
“This is a dream come true, since I was a young kid I’ve always dreamed of an opportunity just like this one and to play for a club as big as City,” said Reis.
“The magnitude of Manchester City, its history and its structure. When the door knocked, and it was Manchester City, I knew there wasn’t anywhere else to go.”
“Working with Pep Guardiola is something every young player wants to do, and I know he can help me to develop into the best player I can be.
“City also have a lot of experience of working with Brazilian footballers and joining the likes of Ederson and Savinho in the squad will be a big help to me.”
Guardiola’s side are also hoping to complete a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush before the window closes later this month.
