Vitor Reis clarifies Manchester City ambitions amid Etihad Stadium return talk

Vitor Reis: “My desire is to return”

Now, speaking exclusively with Globo Esporte, Vitor Reis has made plain his ambition to return to Manchester City and secure himself a playing role within Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad.

“My intention, my desire, is to return to Manchester City, to play and have space,” Reis said, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness.

“But, as I always say, I will focus on the day-to-day, on this end of the season, so that when the moment for that conversation comes, we can sit down calmly, with a clear mind.”

Reflecting on the decision to move to Girona on a temporary arrangement last summer, Reis admitted, “When I found out they were thinking about loaning me, I was a bit shocked, because it wasn’t something that crossed my mind.

“But after I understood it better and spoke to several people, I realised it would be good for me, especially for minutes, for playing more games. At my age, I need to play. So I think it was a very important decision, 100% correct, to come here.

“Here at Girona I am very happy. The people are incredible, and I believe it was a very good choice.”

“City was also a very beautiful story in my life,” the Brazil international continued. “When I arrived there, it was kind of a reality check, just like it was with the national team.

“You arrive and see the players around you. I remember seeing my name next to guys like Rodri, Bernardo Silva… and that made me very happy… It is a club that always tries to get the maximum out of players, and that helped me a lot.

“I learned many things with Pep, who is a surreal guy in terms of mentality and understanding of the game.”

A new defensive era looming for 2026/27?

Vitor Reis’ loan is set to conclude in June 2026, coinciding with a summer of potential transition at the Etihad Stadium, as veteran names like Bernardo Silva are due to exit and defensive depth tested by recent injuries Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.

The return of a player who has already integrated into the City Group’s tactical system is a strategic win, and Reis’ recent senior experience with Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti suggests he is no longer just a prospect but a ready-made contender for Premier League minutes.

The coming weeks will determine how much leverage Reis carries into end-of-season talks, and while he remains focused on Girona’s final La Liga fixtures, the shadow of the 2026 World Cup looms large.

A return to Manchester City and a role under Pep Guardiola could be the final step in securing his place in Brazil’s starting XI for the foreseeable future, and perhaps highlight the clear path beyond a decade of excellence outlined by John Stones.