MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City signed a second defender in two days by confirming on Tuesday the acquisition of Vitor Reis, a 19-year-old Brazilian.
Reis arrives from Palmeiras after a payment of 35 million euros (36 million dollars).
Abdukodir Khusanov, Uzbek defender for Lens in France, signed with City on Monday for four and a half years. The length of Reis’s contract was not provided.
“When there was a knock on the door and it was Manchester City, I knew there was nowhere else to go,” Reis was quoted as saying by the club. “I think it will be the biggest challenge of my life, but any player who wants to play elite football has to come here.”
“Everyone has seen the incredible achievements of the last few seasons. “I want to leave my mark as we look for more titles,” he added.
The champions of the last four Premier League seasons have been very active in the January transfer market after an alarming poor run of form before Christmas. City is fifth in the standings, 12 points behind leader Liverpool. Those led by Pep Guardiola are also suffering to qualify for the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Another player in their sights is Omar Marmoush, Egyptian striker for Eintracht Frankfurt. According to press reports, the operation could cost 75 million euros (77 million dollars).
Reis played in the 2023 U17 World Cup with Brazil and played 22 games in the Palmeiras first team.
“Vitor Reis is one of the most promising young defenders in the world and we are delighted to have been able to bring him here,” said City director of football Txiki Begiristain. “He is excellent with the ball and outstanding in the air. “He has all the necessary qualities to be one of the best.”
The signings of Reis and Khusanov, also a centre-back, come after injuries to several City defenders, including Ruben Dias, John Stones and Nathan Ake.
The most important injury has been the one suffered by Spanish midfielder Rodri Hernández. The Ballon d’Or winner will miss the rest of the season after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee.
Guardiola recently admitted that his squad was not deep enough to cope with the schedule.
Traditionally, City have preferred to close big signings for the summer months, but Guardiola has chosen to bring in reinforcements now.
City will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, with both teams in danger of being eliminated.