Manchester City sign second centre-back in quick succession as defensive rebuild continues
Manchester City sign second centre-back in quick succession as defensive rebuild continues
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Brazilian teenager Vitor Reis joins Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov in signing for the club as Pep Guardiola retools his squad. Manchester City have signed a second centre-back in as many days after bringing in Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for £30m. The 19-year-old Brazilian joins Abdukodir Khusanov, who arrived from Lens for £34m, as part of a new-look defence that Pep Guardiola is building.
![[Pep Guardiola has bolstered his defensive options]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/18/12/46/GettyImages-2193927698.jpeg)
Reis, who has signed a four-and-a-half contract, said it was “a dream come true” to join City, while director of football Txiki Begiristain described the Brazil Under-17 international as “one of the most promising young defenders in the world”.
The teenager spoke to his fellow Brazilian Savinho before agreeing to join City and hopes to learn from new teammate Ruben Dias. Reis said: “This is a dream come true. Since I was a young kid I’ve always dreamt with an opportunity just like this one. I’m excited to join Manchester City, one of the biggest clubs in the world. Everyone has seen the amazing achievements in recent seasons and I want to make my mark as we seek more trophies.
“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.”. Guardiola has now spent £64m on two inexperienced centre-backs this week with the Uzbekistan international Khusanov the older of the pair at just 20. They are a generation younger than the experienced trio of John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake.
