Man City confirm £29.5m Vitor Reis signing as transfer thinking explained

Manchester City have completed the £29.5million signing of teenage Brazilian defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras

The 19-year-old has joined on a four and a half year deal and becomes the club's second signing of the January transfer window, following the arrival ofdefender Abdukodir Khusanov. The imminent arrival offorward Omar Marmoush will take City's additions to three this month with the prospect of more to follow.

Pep Guardiola has spoken of the need for City to strengthen their options in the centre of defence and Reis makes the move after earning rave reviews for his performances in Brazil and with his best years ahead of him.

Speaking after his move to City was confirmed, Reis said: “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. City also have a lot of experience of working with Brazilian footballers and joining the likes of Ederson and Savinho in the squad will be a big help to me.”

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain added: “Vitor Reis is one of the most promising young defenders in the world and we’re delighted to been able to bring him here.

“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. He is excellent on the ball and outstanding in the air – he has all the attributes needed to be one of the best.

“Vitor is very young, but his quality is so high that we believe he can help us now