During the 2025/2026 season, Pep Guardiola will be hoping that aside from big-hitters like Erling Haaland and Rodri, other Manchester City players step up to the plate during the following campaign.
Phil Foden is ready to redeem himself after enduring his quietest campaign since becoming a first-team regular and based on his outings at the FIFA Club World Cup, it is plausible that the Englishman has a season to remember.
Ederson admitted he had a disappointing season but based on his performances against Juventus and Al-Hilal, the Brazilian must get his act together or risk being let go on a free transfer next year.
New signings like Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Marcus Bettinelli will all be determined to make their mark at the Etihad Stadium.
Vitor Reis could be Man City’s breakout star next season
However, Vitor Reis is a player who has gone under the radar since signing for Manchester City in January but looks like a top player in the making.
Manchester City intend to keep Reis next season rather than sending him out on loan and in his starts against Wydad AC, Plymouth Argyle and Leyton Orient, the 19-year-old has looked like the real deal — reading the game astutely, being excellent in the air, a vocal leader and comfortable in possession.
Vitor Reis in action for Manchester City v Wydad at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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With Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji struggling for form, the centre-back position looks like one of City’s few weak links.
Josko Gvardiol and Abdukodir Khusanov have shown signs of promise but if Dias and Akanji fail to bounce back next season, Pep Guardiola could have a major problem on his hands.
However, a centre-back like Reis could save City’s fortunes and he fits into Guardiola’s system to a tee as well, as the youngster possesses the athleticism to defend in wide areas — which is key as the Catalan has pushed his full-backs high and wide since the backend of last season.
Pep Guardiola smiling after Manchester City v Chelsea in the FA Cup
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Dias, albeit being a top-class defender has never been particularly proficient at stopping attacks in acres of space and as for Akanji, his game has massively declined as a whole.
Arsenal were keen on signing Reis as well before his move to Manchester City, which shows how gifted he is and if given more of a chance to prove his mettle, the Brazilian could become his side’s breakout star.
Ederson’s bold prediction about Vitor Reis
Manchester City rate Reis highly, which explains why they decided to bring him during the winter transfer window in the first place.
Ederson is a huge fan of Reis as well, tipping his countryman to become one of the best centre-backs in the world one day due to his natural talent and willingness to learn behind the scenes.
“Vitor has a very great talent, with a very promising future. We talk every day, we are always together, me, him, Savinho and Matheus Nunes. He is very promising. It’s hard to put a 19-year-old defender directly in the Premier League, especially in City. But he has already had some games and performed very well. I see him as a great future of City’s defence.”
“He is a player who listens a lot, who seeks to evolve, both in training, in the gym and in the English classes he is taking. If he continues with this mentality, this desire to evolve, he will certainly be one of the best defenders in the world in the future.”