Provided that everything goes according to plan for Vitor Reis this preseason, the young centre-back should be set for a role at Manchester City this season. After arriving at City from Palmeiras in the January 2025 transfer window and spending six months around the first team, Reis spent last season on loan at Girona . Vitor Reis' time playing in La Liga was well spent. He now seems set to compete for first team football at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. In a recent interview, Vitor Reis spoke on the lessons he has learned to date as he prepares to make an impression during Manchester City's preseason.
In an interview with ESPN Brasil , Vitor Reis has spoken on the experience he has gained, first at Manchester City, and from playing regularly with Girona in La Liga during the 2025-26 season. Speaking on how much he learned during his brief spell at City, and who encourages him, Reis said: " City has a great squad and excellent players. I learned a lot during my first spell there, especially from Rúben Dias, who encourages me a lot, and Haaland himself, who is one of the top strikers in world football. "
Last season Vitor Reis was sent out on loan to Girona. The hope was that Reis would establish himself as first team regular at Girona. He did exactly that and was one of Girona's best performing players in a season that saw Girona relegated. The young Brazilian defender explained that playing in La Liga helped him grow as an overall player. He explained: " Playing in La Liga helped a lot because I managed to have a good run of games in a very strong and competitive league. Playing regularly makes a difference and I felt a huge improvement last season with Girona. Facing great players like Vini Jr , Yamal , Mbappé and Bellingham requires maximum concentration. "
Spending a season playing in Spain was exactly what Vitor Reis needed for his development. He was able to play regularly and grow as a defender. With how Girona played out from the back, Vitor Reis' composure in possession and ability to be a meaningful factor in Girona's build-up play stood out. This attribute will set Reis up for life at Manchester City. Also, Vitor Reis can break the lines with his passing and his decision-making is exceptional for a centre-back. Both are traits that should serve him extremely well playing in the Premier League.
Given that Girona played a high defensive line under Michel, this allowed Vitor Reis to show the traits that should serve him well at Manchester City. Vitor Reis anticipates the play very well, which allows him to pick out danger from opponents at an impressive rate. There is also an intelligence to how Vitor Reis defends. He uses his ability to read the play rather than lunging into challenges. This is another set of skills that should translate into an Enzo Maresca side.
All told, the lessons and experience of last season should allow Vitor Reis to be ready to compete for a role in the Manchester City squad for the 2026-27 season. This is almost impossible to ignore given how well he performed for Girona last season.
Vitor Reis has returned to Manchester City as a more experienced and more rounded defender. Although Girona were relegated last season, Reis' time in Spain has served him well. The challenges of playing in the Premier League are vastly different to those of playing in La Liga. However, by shining in Spain, it has allowed Vitor Reis to build a base as a player that should allow him to blossom at Manchester City.
