Manchester City bid farewell to John Stones at the end of the 2025/26 season – and while the club may not have signed a new centre-back, there may already be a successor to the Englishman.
John Stones brought the curtain down on an illustrious 10-year spell at Manchester City, following Bernardo Silva and Pep Guardiola out the door.
It has been a hard situation for some City fans to accept.
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After taking a few years to really get to grips, Stones became a world-class defender for City and rather revolutionised how modern centre-backs can play.
His injury record ultimately led to City letting him go, but it would be amazing if the club had someone in his ilk now that he’s gone.
And actually, in Vitor Reis, they might just have that individual.
Vitor Reis could be John Stones’ replacement for Manchester City
Reis was part of City’s January 2024 splurge, which included the likes of Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush.
The Brazilian arrived from Palmeiras for just shy of £30 million.
He would make only a handful of appearances before joining Girona on loan for the 2025/26 season.
Last term was a chance for Reis to get regular football under his belt, and experience playing football in another top five European league.
It was not a good season for Girona, who ended up being relegated.
But Reis, after a tricky start, did end up becoming a player whom manager Michel relied upon, making 38 appearances for the club – 36 of which came in La Liga.
One of the most striking aspects of Reis’ time at Girona was his ball-playing.
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As per Total Football Analysis, ‘one of the most notable aspects of Vitor Reis’ profile is his ability to participate in build-up from the back’.
And interestingly, they continue: “The Brazilian defender demonstrates remarkable composure under pressure.
“He does not rely solely on safe passes to the nearest player, but tries to break the lines of pressure through vertical passes towards the midfielders or through diagonal passes towards the advanced full-back.”
He was also praised for his speedy decision-making.
They conclude by saying, ‘Vitor Reis perfectly embodies the modern defender: a player capable of defending in tight spaces, participating in build-up play, and adapting to the rhythm of European football’
Reis recorded a pass accuracy of 93% last term in La Liga, showing that he is extremely tidy in possession, which is something that has been a staple of Manchester City defenders over the last 10 years.
Pep Guardiola may no longer be on the scene, but new manager Enzo Maresca will surely want his side to play with the same dominance in possession.
Stones, in particular, was integral to building from the back and breaking lines to start attacks.
Pre-season matches are about to start for City and Reis is with the squad.
This is now a very important few weeks for him.
With City having lost Stones and Nathan Ake, there could well be an opportunity waiting for him, but it’s on him to take it.
Should he do that, there’s every chance he could be the successor to Stones.
