From Robinho’s Humorous Transfer Saga to Vitor Reis: Manchester City’s Potential New Brazilian Star
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Robinho
Robinho, a former Manchester City player, was famously unaware of his transfer to the club until the last minute. However, he has been aware of their latest transfer target for a much longer time. This led Robinho to joke about his own transfer experience.
Robinho said “I knew I was going to play in England but I didn’t know which team.”
Mark Hughes, the manager at the time of Robinho’s signing, also shared a humorous anecdote about their first meeting.
Hughes said “My new star forward didn’t recognise me upon signing.”
Robinho had a successful first season at Manchester City, but eventually fell out of favor. The latest Brazilian player who may be destined for the club is Vitor Reis, a young talent from Palmeiras who has been identified by Pep Guardiola as a future star. Reis began his football career at the R10 Academy, a program established by Robinho. His career has been on a rapid upward trajectory since then, with Palmeiras signing him at the age of 10. He signed a professional contract with the club in 2022, the same year he led the under-17 team to a triple trophy win as captain. He also captained the national team at the same age level. His first team debut came in 2024, where he made a strong impression on coach Abel Ferreira.
Ferreira said “We gave Vitor a chance, a pleasant surprise. Everyone should see how much desire this kid has. Congratulations, because despite his age he is a man of character.”
Reis has continued to perform well for Palmeiras and is considered a future international player for Brazil. His maturity, pace, agility, and understanding of the game, despite being only 18, have earned him a contract extension until December 2028.
Reis said “I think that helped with this maturity and rapid growth. With each step on the field, I also had a certain leadership, but everything was very natural. I’m a very calm and family-oriented guy, I like to be with them when I’m off and with my friends.”
Despite his commitment to Palmeiras, it is unlikely that the club will be able to keep him from the attention of Europe’s top clubs, with Manchester City leading the race for his signature. If he does join City, he would be a player for the future, but what a future he could have.
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