- Vitor Reis has been on loan at Girona
- The 20-year-old has impressed in Spain
- His Man City future remains uncertain
Manchester City defender Vitor Reis is still uncertain of a place in Pep Guardiola’s squad next season, despite performing well on loan with Girona.
The 20-year-old Brazilian has played 31 times for the La Liga side in all competitions, including last week’s draw with Real Madrid.
He joined City in January 2025 from boyhood club Palmeiras for a reported £30 million fee, but made just one Premier League appearance last season.
Reis made the switch to Girona in August, and quickly became a mainstay in Miguel Angel Sanchez Munoz’s starting XI.
Vitor Reis has been impressing at Girona
After struggling to make an impact during his first months at City, Reis has benefitted from substantial game time in La Liga.
He has played a full 90 minutes in all but four of Girona’s league games since he joined, having been sent off after 46 minutes against Levante in September and missing the following match against Athletic Club due to a suspension.
The youngster has looked excellent at times, and will be hoping to return to the Premier League next season to fight for his place.
However, City’s depth of defensive talent may make it difficult for Reis to force his way into consideration, despite enjoying a strong season in Spain.
Tough for Reis to break into Man City first team next season
With Gvardiol, Dias, Guehi and Khusanov, Pep Guardiola already has four top-class centre-backs to choose from.
Reis will no doubt back his abilities and want to challenge those stars for a place in the squad, but it is difficult to see how he could displace any of them at the moment.
Plus, given the need for young stars to be exposed to the maximum amount of high-level football, it may be damaging for Reis to spend next season sitting on the bench or playing a handful of cup fixtures.
Another loan for Reis may be the best solution
It will not be what he wants to hear, but going back out on loan could be the best option for Reis at this stage of his career.
His potential is obvious, but he will only reach it with regular playing time, something he will be unlikely to get at City next season.
Whether he extends his stay in Girona or finds another club for next season, playing top-level football will be more important to his development than anything else.
Arsenal’s William Saliba is a perfect example, with the Frenchman spending three seasons on loan away from the Emirates before breaking into the Gunners’ starting squad and becoming a key player.
Reis must focus on long-term development
Still only 20, Reis has time on his side, and must make sure he looks to the future in his decision making ahead of next season.
He will gain the most from another season of playing 90 minutes week in, week out, and continuing to gain experience against world-class attackers.
It may feel like the braver decision to try and fight for a place in the City squad, but his long-term success depends on exposure and playing time, making another loan move the most sensible option.
