Manchester City to Loan Vitor Reis to Girona as Spanish Side Expresses Confidence in Deal
Manchester City is close to finalizing a loan deal that would see Brazilian defender Vitor Reis join Girona for the 2025/26 season, as the Premier League champions seek a development pathway for the 19-year-old talent.
According to Spanish journalist Nil Solà, Girona holds priority in negotiations and is optimistic about completing the deal. Reis, who made the move from Palmeiras in January 2025 for €35 million, is eager to gain playing time and experience in La Liga after a season with limited opportunities under Pep Guardiola.
Young Talent Struggled for Minutes in Debut Season
Despite the significant investment, the Brazilian centre-back featured in just four matches during his first six months at the Etihad Stadium. Club insiders reportedly remain confident in his long-term potential, citing his composure, passing range, and tactical intelligence.
Guardiola, who personally endorsed the signing, had initially planned to integrate Reis gradually. However, given the intense competition in City’s defensive unit, a loan move is now seen as the ideal solution for his development.
Girona: A Proven Launchpad for City Group Talents
Girona, which operates under the City Football Group umbrella, has earned a reputation for successfully nurturing young talent. Recent examples include Savinho, Yan Couto, and Artem Dovbyk, all of whom blossomed into key players during their time at the Spanish club.
The Catalan side believes Reis would seamlessly fit into their tactical setup, benefiting from a system that values technical defenders comfortable in possession. The partnership also aligns with City Football Group’s broader strategy of talent circulation and market development.
A Strategic Move for All Parties
Vitor Reis is under contract with Manchester City until June 2029, and club executives view the Girona loan as a key phase in his progression toward becoming a first-team regular. For Girona, the deal represents a cost-effective way to strengthen their defense while reinforcing ties with the Premier League giants.
Should the deal be finalized in the coming days, Reis would join Girona’s preseason preparations and could debut early in the La Liga campaign.
