Real Madrid attempted to secure the future of their defence last summer, but were left empy-handed as Manchester United moved ahead of them to secure the signing of Leny Yoro. Their crosstown rivals now look like they will snap up another of Los Blancos’ standards.
It is an issue that has not gone away for Carlo Ancelotti, with Eder Militao suffering a second cruciate ligament injury, and Raul Asencio coming into the side. While Real Madrid were unlikely to make a move in January, Real Madrid had identified Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis as a potential option for the summer.
🚨🔵 Manchester City have agreed on personal terms with Vitor Reis and his agent, contract ready and green light from 18 yo centre back!
Negotiations underway to close the deal with Palmeiras around €40m, progress being made fast to avoid more clubs bidding.
Advancing fast 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/uQE4rZmkNh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 9, 2025
Reis is the preferred move for Chief Scout Juni Calafat, but The Athletic report that Manchester City now have an agreement on personal terms with the Brazilian. They are in talks with Palmeiras over a fee, with O Verdao asking for just over €30m. It is not yet clear whether the move would take place now or in the summer, with Palmeiras keen to have him for the Club World Cup in June.
To add insult to injury, City have also opened talks with another Real Madrid target in Abdukodir Khusanov of RC Lens, another young defender who is impressing. Los Blancos look as if they will move for a central defender in the summer, although it is not considered a priority. Reportedly, they have also turned down the chance to sign Virgil van Dijk due to his age.
