Transfer fee, contract length, first reactions, shirt number: Manchester City sign Vitor Reis from Palmeiras | OneFootball

Manchester City have officially announced the signing of Palmeiras’ Brazilian youth international centre-back, Vitor Reis.

The 19-year-old becomes the Premier League champions’ latest arrival and the second of the ongoing market after fellow defensive talent Abdukodir Khusanov joined the club from RC Lens in a €40 million switch on Monday evening.

Manchester City’s announcement also formally ends Palmeiras’ hopes of retaining one of their brightest talents for the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, or striking a loan deal with City for Reis for the remainder of the season.

The immediate arrival of the versatile teenager further emphasises Manchester City’s belief that the club requires attention on its squad, as part of a widespread rebuild that is expected to continue into the summer window, too.

The rise and development of Vitor Reis first began at the R10 Academy in Paraíba – run by former Manchester City and Brazilian international Robinho – before joining Palmeiras’ academy in 2016 aged just 10.

Having established himself as a key player for Palmeiras’ youth teams, captaining many of the sides, Vitor Reis notably played for the club in the final of the 2022 edition of the Copa do Brasil Sub-17.

But the biggest breakthrough in his career will no doubt be the steps taken at a young age into Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side, with significant hopes over the player’s potential and key support from incoming Director of Football Hugo Viana getting a deal over the line.

After Pep Guardiola’s side confirmed their second addition of the January transfer window, here is everything you need to know about the arrival of Vitor Reis to Premier League champions Manchester City!

What are the terms of Vitor Reis’ transfer from Palmeiras to Manchester City?

Vitor Reis will be making the switch from Palmeiras to Manchester City in a deal understood to be worth £29.5 million with no add-ons, while the defender himself has put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half year deal taking him through to the summer of 2029 at the club.

What has Vitor Reis said upon signing for Manchester City?

Speaking to Manchester City’s official club website, Vitor Reis said, “I’m excited to join Manchester City, one of the biggest clubs in the world. Everyone has seen the amazing achievements in recent seasons, and I want to make my mark as we seek more trophies.

“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.”

What has Txiki Begiristain said about the signing of Vitor Reis?

Speaking to the club’s official website upon official confirmation of the signing of the Brazilian defender, Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said, “Vitor Reis is one of the most promising young defenders in the world and we’re delighted to been able to bring him here.

“In his short time in senior football in Brazil, he has shown he has the ability to go very far in the game and we know that working with Pep and our coaches will help to get the best out of him. He is excellent on the ball and outstanding in the air – he has all the attributes needed to be one of the best.

“Vitor is very young, but his quality is so high that we believe he can help us now and for a long time into the future.”

What shirt number has Vitor Reis selected at Manchester City?

As confirmed by Vitor Reis and Manchester City, the Brazilian central defender has selected to become the Premier League champions’ next number 22.

That means that the 19-year-old succeeds the likes of left-back duo Benjamin Mendy and Gael Clichy in the number 22 shirt for Manchester City.

Are there any clauses included in Vitor Reis’ Manchester City contract?

Reports from Brazil have suggested that as part of the agreement bringing Vitor Reis to the Etihad Stadium, should Manchester City sell Vitor Reis in future for more than €60 million, Palmeiras will automatically receive a further payment of €5 million.

When could Vitor Reis make his Manchester City debut?

As per UEFA rules, Vitor Reis will not be able to be added into Manchester City’s squad list for the league phase of the ongoing Champions League campaign, preventing him from a debut against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.

However, there will be an opportunity for matchday involvement immediately afterwards, as Chelsea visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening for a hugely important clash in the Premier League when it comes to the race for a top-four place this season.

Are there any more signings to come after Vitor Reis?

Manchester City have finalised one other agreement to come after the arrival of the Brazil youth international, with an official announcement of Omar Marmoush’s signing from Eintracht Frankfurt expected this week.

City could yet explore a move for a new defensive midfielder this window too, having largely failed to find a solution to Rodri’s extended absence through injury, and Juventus’ Douglas Luiz is among the names being considered for a short-term loan move.