Manchester City signed a second defender in two days, this time 19-year-old Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for 35 million euros ($36 million) on Tuesday. Abdukodir Khusanov, a 20-year-old Uzbekistan international, signed a 4 1/2-year contract Monday after his transfer from Lens. The length of Reis’ contract wasn’t given. “I’m excited to join Manchester City,” Reis said. “I want to make my mark as we seek more trophies.”
City manager Pep Guardiola talked about the players Tuesday on the eve of his team’s Champions League game at Paris Saint-Germain. “Really young young players. Different type, Khusanov (is) physically extraordinary. Hopefully he can learn English soon,” Guardiola said. “Vitor is a young talent in Brazil, I’m very pleased.”
The moves for Reis and Khusanov, also a centre back, come after injuries to City defenders including Ruben Dias, John Stones and Nathan Ake. An ACL injury for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has also undermined City’s challenge in the Premier League and Europe, with Guardiola admitting recently his squad was too small to cope.
