Palmeiras were reluctant to part with the defender, as they hoped to have him available for this year’s Club World Cup. However, Reis will join City immediately.
“Vitor Reis is one of the most promising young defenders in the world and we’re delighted to been able to bring him here,” City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said in a club statement.
“In his short time in senior football in Brazil, he has shown he has the ability to go very far in the game and we know that working with Pep and our coaches will help to get the best out of him.”
Vitor Reis, Brazil under-17 international has made 18 league appearances for Palmeiras and is considered a key component of City manager Pep Guardiola’s vision to reshape the squad.
Reis will line up alongside fellow promising youngster Abdukodir Khusanov, 20, who signed on Monday from Lens as part of the team’s transition to a new generation.
Reis called the move the biggest challenge of his career but said when the knock on the door came and it was Manchester City, there “wasn’t anywhere else to go”.
“Everyone has seen the amazing achievements in recent seasons, and I want to make my mark as we seek more trophies,” Reis said. “Working with Pep Guardiola is something every young player wants to do, and I know he can help me to develop into the best player I can be.”
Reis said he spoke with fellow Brazilian Savinho before agreeing to the move.
“City also have a lot of experience of working with Brazilian footballers and joining the likes of (goalkeeper) Ederson and Savinho in the squad will be a big help to me,” he added.
Reis, a versatile defender comfortable at centre back and right-back, developed through Palmeiras’ academy, making his senior debut last June. His talents reportedly attracted interest from numerous elite European clubs, including Real Madrid.
