Girona FC has officially confirmed the acquisition of 19-year-old Brazilian centre-back Vitor de Oliveira Nunes dos Reis, known as Vitor Reis, from Manchester City on a season-long loan deal. The announcement, made on August 8, 2025, marks the latest chapter in a young but eventful career.
Born on January 12, 2006, in São José dos Campos, Brazil, Reis emerged as a standout talent from a tender age. He joined Palmeiras’ academy at just ten years old and quickly began making waves.
A highlight came in the 2022 season, where he captained the youth side to a historic treble—winning the Campeonato Paulista Sub-17, Copa do Brasil Sub-17, and Brasileiro Sub-17. It was during a Copa do Brasil final that he suffered a concussion after a collision, yet he reassured supporters through social media that he was recovering well.
In 2023, The Guardian named him among the best players worldwide born in 2006, placing him alongside contemporaries like Endrick and Luis Guilherme.
Entering the professional scene with Palmeiras in mid-2024, he made a memorable debut on June 26 and scored his first senior goal days later in a Derby Paulista victory against Corinthians. Over the course of the year, he featured in 22 senior appearances, scoring twice.
Manchester City sealed his transfer in January 2025 with a deal worth approximately £29.6 million (around €35 million), offering a four-and-a-half-year contract.
Upon arrival, City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, lauded Reis as “one of the most promising young defenders in the world,” praising his aerial dominance and composure on the ball. Reis himself expressed admiration for working under Pep Guardiola and the prospect of playing alongside fellow Brazilians like Ederson and Savinho.
However, competition for places at a star-studded Manchester City squad limited his playing time. He registered just four appearances across all competitions, including brief stints in the FA Cup, Premier League, and Club World Cup, prompting speculation and a formal request for regular minutes elsewhere.
Girona—part of the City Football Group—was viewed as an ideal destination given its proven track record in developing young talents such as Yan Couto and Savinho. Reports indicate that the loan agreement includes a recall clause, enabling Manchester City to bring Reis back if needed during the season.
Girona expects Reis to integrate into Míchel Sánchez’s defense—potentially partnering with Krejci—and further found hope in his arrival amid a series of loans meant to bolster squad quality amid financial prudence.
Local journalist Nil Solà emphasized the significance of his arrival, explaining that despite interest from Roma, City had its sights set on Girona or retaining him at City, illustrating the high confidence in the chosen path.