Manchester City's January signing looks set to leave prematurely, having submitted a surprising departure request
In a move aimed at accelerating the development of Vitor Reis, Manchester City's young Brazilian centre-back, the English football giants have agreed to a loan deal with La Liga club Girona for the upcoming 2025-2026 season [1][2][3][4][5].
Reis, who joined Manchester City earlier this year for approximately £35 million, has expressed a desire to gain more playing time and further his growth through regular first-team exposure [1][2][3][4][5]. The loan to Girona, a fellow member of the City Football Group, will provide him with the opportunity to play competitive top-flight football in Spain, which is expected to boost his development as a promising defensive talent within Manchester City's long-term plans.
The strategic decision to loan out Reis to Girona is expected to significantly impact his career, offering valuable match experience and potentially positioning him for a future role in Manchester City's squad [1][2][4][5]. The loan arrangement between the two clubs is facilitated by their shared affiliation with the City Football Group.
Last season, Manchester City experienced a disappointing campaign, failing to win any major trophies and losing nine games in the Premier League [6]. The Pep Guardiola era at the club has been marked by high standards, and last season's performance fell below those expectations [6]. Guardiola has expressed a preference for a smaller squad, which means there may not be reams of new competition coming through the door [7].
Meanwhile, Nico Gonzalez, another January signing, is considering his options due to the return of Rodri and the summer signing of Tijjani Reijnders [8]. So far, Reis has only made four first-team appearances for Manchester City, including just a single minute in the Premier League [9]. Omar Marmoush is the only one of the quartet to have made a significant impact on the first team [10].
The expanded Champions League promises a packed schedule for Manchester City, and the club may find it beneficial to allow Reis to gain valuable experience at Girona before potentially returning to compete for a place in the first team [11]. The loan move also allows Manchester City to maintain a close relationship with Girona, a fellow member of the City Football Group.
Reports suggest that Portuguese side Porto and German side Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by Erik ten Hag, are interested in signing Reis on loan for the upcoming season [2]. However, it is not yet clear if Reis will leave Manchester City permanently or if he will return to the club after his loan spell at Girona.
Andre Hernan, a Brazilian journalist, has been reporting on Vitor Reis's loan move request [5]. In the view of the website, Reis' eagerness for more minutes is understandable, but he may gain plenty of experience staying at Manchester City and fighting for a place in the first team [5].
[1] https://www.mancity.com/news/vitor-reis-joins-manchester-city-from-fluminense [2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61255405 [3] https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/man-city-linked-with-vitor-reis-loan-move-as-bayer-leverkusen-eye-move/blt2c5c3b85e8d92f4b [4] https://www.espn.com/football/manchester-city-women/story/4612749/manchester-city-sign-vitor-reis-from-fluminense [5] https://www.espn.com.br/futebol/noticia/_/id/4875981/vitor-reis-quer-emprestar-a-girona-e-vai-sair-do-manchester-city [6] https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-transfer-news-gundogan-22756103 [7] https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-transfer-news-ferren-22755050 [8] https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-transfer-news-nico-22756064 [9] https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-transfer-news-ferren-22755050 [10] https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-transfer-news-ferren-22755050 [11] https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-city-transfer-news-ferren-22755050
In the forthcoming 2025-2026 season, Vitor Reis's loan to Girona will enable him to participate in European-leagues' football, specifically in La Liga. This anticipates his development as a footballer, as he aims to secure a role in Manchester City's Premier League squad in the future.
