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Rising Star Vitor Reis: Premier League Interest Grows

Brazilian centre backs who are brilliant are never cheap eh. Top European clubs are closely watching a new prospect from Palmeiras, Brazil—Vitor Reis. The highly-rated centre-back has caught the attention of several Premier League teams like us, as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid. While no official bids have surfaced, it’s clear that Reis is becoming a hot commodity, with many expecting him to make a move to Europe in the coming years. Let’s dive into why this young Brazilian has so many clubs scrambling for his signature.

What’s Been Said

Arsenal and Real Madrid are among the clubs showing serious interest in Vitor Reis. According to The Athletic, “Arsenal and Real Madrid are among a host of European clubs who have shown an interest in signing Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis.” Both clubs have made inquiries with Palmeiras and the player’s representatives regarding his availability, but no formal bids have been submitted. Reis recently renewed his contract until December 2028, with a hefty release clause of €100 million. The plan for Palmeiras is to hold onto the teenager until after the 2025 Club World Cup, suggesting that while interest is high, no immediate move is on the horizon. Other clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Barcelona have also expressed interest in the 18-year-old. Sounds like a big old queue.

Photo: IMAGO

Looking at the Key Stats

Vitor Reis stands out not only for his physical presence at 1.86m but also for his ability to read the game. Despite his young age, he has already made over 1,000 minutes of senior appearances across all competitions for Palmeiras. Additionally, Reis has captained Brazil’s youth teams at every level, demonstrating leadership well beyond his years.

He is known for his defensive intelligence rather than his brute force, as shown in his statistics. In the last 365 days, Reis ranks in the 92nd percentile for aerial duels won, averaging 3.57 per game. His impressive 88th percentile in tackles further underscores his excellent defensive work. His passing game is another strength, with a pass completion rate of 89.5%, making him a reliable option in possession. What makes this even more impressive is that he’s managed all this while playing under the pressure of high expectations at Palmeiras, a club that frequently produces top-tier talent. That is though based on 1008 minutes and per 90 against similar players, so there’s limitations.

What Are the Experts Saying?

Brazilian football expert Marcos Watts had high praise for Reis, stating, “Despite not being a very physical player, he’s very good in the air and has shown great awareness for an 18-year-old. He’s also very good on the ball for setting up the play from the back.” Watts further commended Reis’ ability to read the game and make important decisions, something that is rare in players of his age. His footballing intelligence and composure on the ball are likely why clubs like Arsenal and Real Madrid are keen to secure his services. Although not the most physical of defenders, Reis makes up for it with sharp positional play and excellent anticipation.

Likelihood and Fee

With a release clause set at €100 million and a contract locked in until 2028, Palmeiras are in no rush to sell Reis. Recent big-money moves like those of Estevão and Endrick mean the Brazilian club is financially comfortable and can afford to wait for the right deal. Given his long-term contract and €100 million termination clause, any transfer would likely be a record-breaking one for a player of his age.

Transfermarkt currently values Reis at €21 million, but with the level of interest from top European clubs, this number could rise quickly. While an immediate transfer seems unlikely, with Palmeiras’ preference to hold onto him until at least 2025, Vitor Reis is undoubtedly a player that will remain on the radar of elite European clubs. For now, it seems a move is not imminent, but the groundwork is certainly being laid for the future.

The issue will be for us, if we made a move, the level we made a move at and what the ceiling is. The likes of Hughes and Edwards will never get into a bidding war and there’s other clubs who’ve proven they’ll pay more for South American talent. The club will know all about this kid, there’s zero doubt of that. But the chances of him ending up at Anfield are slim. You feel he’ll get a big move though, one way or another.