Manchester City’s promising young talent, Vitor Reis, is on the verge of a significant move, with reports indicating an “agreed deal in principle” for a loan to La Liga side Girona. This highly anticipated transfer, confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, links Reis to a club within the sprawling City Football Group, which notably has ties to Pep Guardiola’s brother, Pere, suggesting a strategic developmental pathway for the Brazilian defender.
Signed by Manchester City for a substantial fee in January, Reis’s departure after only six months at the Etihad Stadium raises questions about his immediate integration into the first team. Hugo Viana, City’s newly appointed Director of Football, reportedly played a pivotal role in securing Reis’s initial transfer, working on the club’s behalf even before officially assuming his duties, highlighting the club’s long-term vision for the young talent.
Despite the initial investment and the club’s apparent belief in his potential, the past few months have been challenging for the 19-year-old. Reis has seen minimal competitive action for the reigning Premier League champions, with his limited starts coming against teams significantly below City’s caliber, such as Leyton Orient, Plymouth Argyle, and Wydad Casablanca. At one point, he even featured for Manchester City’s Premier League 2 side, underscoring his lack of senior team minutes.
The trajectory of Manchester City players sent out on loan under Pep Guardiola’s tenure has historically been a mixed bag, often leaning towards difficulty in reintegration. James McAtee, for instance, spent two seasons at Sheffield United but has since struggled to regain Guardiola’s full confidence, appearing likely to depart before the current transfer window closes, despite his clear talent.
The only notable exception to this trend has been Oleksandr Zinchenko, whose successful return to the first team following a loan spell involved a degree of fortuitous circumstances. Initially an attacking midfielder, Zinchenko was repurposed as a left-back due to injuries to key defenders, a move that proved surprisingly effective for both player and club.
However, Reis’s prospective move to Girona presents a subtly different scenario compared to previous loan spells at clubs like Sheffield United or PSV Eindhoven. Given Girona’s affiliation with the City Football Group and its close connections to the Guardiola family, there is an expectation that Reis’s development can be more precisely managed and monitored. This familial and structural link could also facilitate an easier recall process for City should the loan not progress as planned.
Ultimately, the decision to send Reis to Girona on loan appears to be a calculated risk. The young defender faces intense competition for a regular place in Manchester City’s star-studded squad, a challenge that even a player described by Guardiola as “clever” and “intelligent” would find formidable. Therefore, gaining consistent competitive experience at Girona, within a familiar club ecosystem, is likely considered a vital step in his long-term progression and eventual return to the Citizens.
