Manchester City drops Vitor Reis from Champions League squad amid expensive signings

In February 2025, Manchester City faced a challenging decision regarding their new signings as they prepared for the UEFA Champions League knockout phase. The club had invested heavily in the January transfer window, acquiring four new players at a cost exceeding £170 million. However, UEFA regulation only permits clubs to register three new players for the knockout phase, forcing City into the difficult position of having to exclude one of their recent recruits. The players in question were defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, forward Omar Marmoush, and midfielder Nico Gonzalez. City had to submit their squad list by 11 PM on February 6, 2025, in anticipation of their play-off match against Real Madrid. Egyptian international Omar Marmoush, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59 million, made a solid impression in his initial matches, suggesting he would be among those registered. Midfielder Nico Gonzalez, worth £49 million and recently acquired from Porto, was another likely choice, particularly given the injury crisis concerning fellow midfielder Rodri. Meanwhile, Khusanov and Reis, both young defenders, were signed with an eye on future development but were also thrust into the spotlight due to injuries in the current squad. Ultimately, Manchester City chose to omit Vitor Reis, their £29 million signing from Palmeiras, assuring that he would not participate in any of their upcoming European matches. The decision was influenced by Khusanov's recent performances and the team's immediate need for experienced players amid their injury woes. This exclusion meant Reis would not have the opportunity to showcase his abilities on such a prestigious stage, which some analysts argue may hamper his development at this crucial stage in his career. City opted to register the more experienced Marmoush, Gonzalez, and Khusanov, hoping to balance their ambitions for the European competition with the challenge of integrating new talent into a squad also reeling from injuries. As City gears up for their clash against Real Madrid, the pressure mounts to make an immediate impact in the Champions League. The decision to omit Reis, along with the broader context of their multi-million transfer decisions, reflects the intense strategy involved in elite European football. The players who were selected will now carry the weight of expectations as they prepare to aim for success in one of the world’s most prestigious club competitions.