Manchester City has bolstered its defensive options by completing the signing of Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for £29.6 million. The 19-year-old’s arrival marks the second defensive reinforcement for the club in just two days, following the acquisition of Abdukodir Khusanov. This brings City’s total transfer expenditure to £63.4 million, with further spending expected as the club prepares to sign forward Omar Marmoush for an additional £50 million.
Reis, who can also play as a full-back, joins from Palmeiras’ youth system, where he has made 22 appearances for the senior team. Having represented Brazil at under-16 and under-17 levels, Reis is regarded as one of the top young defenders emerging in world football. The deal does not include performance-based add-ons, and the player has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with City.
Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s director of football, praised the signing, describing Reis as “one of the most promising young defenders in the world.” Begiristain added, “He is excellent on the ball and outstanding in the air – he has all the attributes needed to become one of the best in his position.”
This move underscores City’s commitment to strengthening their defensive depth, with Khusanov, 21, also added to the squad in recent days. The club’s defensive reshuffle comes amid speculation that veteran defender Kyle Walker, 34, could be on his way out, with AC Milan reportedly showing interest in the England international.
Reis expressed his excitement at the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola, saying, “Working with Pep Guardiola is something every young player wants to do, and I know he can help me develop into the best player I can be. City also has a great track record of developing Brazilian players, and joining the likes of Ederson and Savinho in the squad will be a big help to me.”
In addition to Reis, Manchester City is close to finalizing a deal for Omar Marmoush, the 26-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt forward. Marmoush has been in impressive form, scoring 15 goals in the Bundesliga this season, just one behind top scorer Harry Kane.
With these new signings, Manchester City continues to reshape its squad as it seeks to maintain its dominance in both domestic and European competitions.
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