Outside the World Cup… Barcelona’s stance on the City defender is decided

Manchester City are set to bring back a number of their players following last season’s loan spells as the club look ahead to the specifics of the next phase under new technical management (Enzo Maresca), with a clear focus on assessing the elements that can add to the squad rather than embarking on an extensive rebuilding process.

Among the names to watch out for at City is Brazilian defender Vitor Reis, who is set to return to the Etihad Stadium after a full season at Spanish club Girona, where he managed to make a clear mark despite the team’s difficult season.

Reyes, who is 20, played the 2025-26 season with Manchester City’s sister club Girona in the City Football Group and has established himself as one of the team’s most popular players after gaining crucial experience in the Spanish league on his first European trial.

Despite Girona’s relegation in the last round of the season, the Brazilian defender’s performance was one of the few positives in the squad, prompting Manchester City to include him in their plans for the new season rather than looking for another loan.

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Rees is expected to join City’s squad for a pre-season tour in Hong Kong at the end of July, where he will work with a group of non-World Cup players until a final decision is made on his role in the squad.

On the other hand, reports in Spain have linked Reis with Barcelona’s interest following his performances with Girona, but BBC: He confirmed. “This news was met with skepticism in the corridors of Manchester City, as it was considered to be pure speculation that did not reflect the existence of an official move at the moment. Therefore, the plan as it stands now is for the player to be an available option next season (in front of coach Maresca).

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Despite making just 22 first-team appearances for Brazilian side Palmeiras, City moved quickly to sign Reece for £29.6m in January 2025, the same month they signed Abdulkader Khosanov, and although the Uzbek international was established as a first-team regular, Reece made just four appearances before being loaned out to gain more experience.