Story byVitor Reis plots ‘sit down’ talks with representatives over Manchester City futureCity XtraMon, January 19, 2026 at 2:45 PM UTC·3 min readManchester City could face a big decision over the future of Vitor Reis during the upcoming summer transfer window, and the player himself is of the same view. The Brazilian has been central to City’s long-term planning since his £29.6 million move from Palmeiras one year ago, with the club carefully managing his pathway through first-team exposure and now a season-long loan at City Football Group side Girona. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementReports have repeatedly stressed that Reis is seen internally as a future pillar of Pep Guardiola’s defensive unit and a confirmed member of the club’s 2026/27 squad, regardless of what happens with senior figures and changes in the rearguard between now and then. Despite that confidence, City’s immediate defensive issues have created a complex backdrop as injuries and fitness concerns have forced Pep Guardiola into urgent solutions, including through the recall of Max Alleyne from Watford and the big-money signing of Marc Guehi. As such, competition in central defence is only increasing as City continue to build towards a new defensive cycle, and one in which Vitor Reis is still expected to play a role, but not necessarily on an accelerated timeline. Speaking during a new interview with Trivela, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Reis has issued a content reflection on not being recalled by his parent club amid their ongoing fitness problems in defence. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I believe he [Pep Guardiola] is happy with the players he has, and I am also very happy in Girona,” Reis admitted, at a time when the club ultimately turned to Max Alleyne at Watford to bring back from his season-long loan in the Championship. Looking to the future, as City finalise a deal for Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in addition to Alleyne’s welcome into the first-team squad, Reis explained, “At the end of the season, if it is not the case to return to City, I’ll sit down with my agents and my family and again do what I did before – try to find the best place for me at that moment.”And that conversation could yet discuss a continued stay at Girona, on whom Reis said, “The choice to go to Girona was very much because of this idea of learning how Manchester City play.“They are different coaches [Michel and Pep Guardiola], because they are different people, but they have a similar idea. That also affected my choice. This will help me in the future, when I return to City.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThese comments appear to reinforce the idea that Reis is fully aligned with Manchester City’s long-term vision but is also realistic about the need for consistent first-team football at a crucial stage of his development. With Manchester City reviewing his progress frequently at Girona, his situation is being monitored in close detail and perhaps a continued stay in La Liga – either at Girona or another suitable club – remains a strong possibility if those at the Etihad Stadium believe that immediate first-team opportunities would be limited next season. Equally, pre-season involvement under Pep Guardiola could offer Vitor Reis a chance to demonstrate that he is ready to accelerate his integration plan, or the fluctuating scenarios concerning existing first-team options such as Nathan Ake, John Stones, and perhaps Max Alleyne – should the English talent return on loan next season.