Manchester City eye Pumas UNAM star after successful Talent ID visit to Mexico

The Ecuadorian star featured in 140 matches, registering 15 goals and nine assists for Vancouver Whitecaps, winning three Canadian Championships – and was instrumental in their run to the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup final.

After turning heads at the Canadian club, Vite made the move to LIGA MX side Pumas UNAM in July last year and established a regular spot in the playing squad.

The 24-year-old has started in 26 out of the 34 appearances he has made for the Mexican club across competitions, during which he netted four goals.

The left-footed midfielder’s consistency and contribution on the pitch for Pumas UNAM as a playmaker with impressive pace and skills align with Manchester City’s usual preference for signees in that role.

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City Football Group keen to sign Vite ahead of World Cup

City Football Group are interested in completing the signing of Vite ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which is set to kick off on June 11, and will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as reported by Ecuatorianos en el Exterio and relayed by Sport Witness.

City’s reported urgency in making this signing appears to be financially strategic, as the international tournament could possibly increase the midfielder’s valuation, and an early move would be profitable.

The proposed fee for Vite has been reported to be around €14 million (£12 million), and if the deal materializes, it would mark to be a record transfer for Pumas UNAM.

Along with Manchester City and Pumas UNAM, City Football Group also own MLS club, New York City FC, La Liga side Girona, and French club Troyes, among others.

While advanced negotiations about this potential deal are yet to take place with developments expected in the coming weeks, it remains unknown if the Etihad Stadium would be Vite’s first destination or if the player would initially sign for City Football Group’s other clubs.

Over the years, Manchester City have followed a similar plan for several of their signings, including that of Savinho from Troyes in July 2024, following the Brazilian’s one-season loan stint at Girona.