Guardiola departure changes nothing – Manchester City still set to reintegrate defender

Manchester City’s decision on Vitor Reis appears to have been made. Importantly for the defender, Pep Guardiola’s departure has not changed it.

The Brazilian spent this season proving himself at Girona. This came after Manchester City approved a loan move designed to accelerate his development.

There had been some uncertainty over what would happen next. Guardiola had been a key figure in both the club’s decision to sign Vitor Reis from Palmeiras. In addition, he shaped the subsequent plan to send him to Spain for regular football.

According to Globo Esporte, however, any doubts can now be put to rest. The outlet reports Manchester City will reintegrate the 20-year-old into their first-team squad for the 2026-27 season after his summer break. Also, the coaching change has had no impact on that strategy.

Guardiola may be gone, but the plan remains

As we previously covered, Guardiola played a direct role in Vitor Reis’ development.

The defender has previously spoken about his admiration for the Catalan coach and revealed how much he learned during his brief spell in Manchester before moving to Girona. Earlier this year, he also made it clear where he sees his future.

“My intention, my desire, is to return to Manchester City, to play and have space,” he said.

The latest information suggests that wish will be granted.

Manchester City’s confidence in the defender has been strengthened by a season in which he has established himself as one of Girona’s most important players.

The loan was never designed as a stepping stone away from the Etihad. Instead, it was intended to provide the minutes he could not realistically receive in a squad packed with senior internationals. And the move has worked.

Girona spell delivered exactly what City wanted

Vitor Reis became a regular starter in La Liga and developed into a pillar of Girona’s defence.

He finished the campaign as the Brazilian with the most minutes played in Spain’s top flight. Across the season, he made 36 appearances and started 35 matches. He averaged 9,69 defensive actions per match, putting him among the best performers in the league.

Just as importantly, he impressed in some of Girona’s biggest matches. Spanish reports specifically point to his performances against both Real Madrid and Barcelona. These were standout moments during the campaign.

Girona’s place within the City Football Group also allowed Manchester City to closely monitor his progress. Globo Esporte report that performance reports were regularly shared throughout the season. Therefore, the Premier League club maintained a detailed picture of his development.

What happens next

Vitor Reis was not included in Brazil’s final World Cup squad, but he did make Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary 55-man list after receiving his first senior call-up earlier this year.

That international recognition came alongside a breakthrough season at club level. As a result, Manchester City now appear ready to take the next step.

For months, the question was whether a managerial change could alter the defender’s pathway. The latest reports indicate the answer is no.

Guardiola’s exit may have removed one of Vitor Reis’ biggest supporters inside the club, but it has not changed Manchester City’s belief that he is ready to become part of their first-team plans next season.