Palmerias teenager Vitor Reis, who is being heavily linked with Real Madrid, says that he is ignoring the speculation surrounding his future.
Palmeiras teenager Vitor Reis has said that he is ignoring the speculation surrounding his future, with the centre-back “completely” focused on his current club.
Reis, 18, is regarded as one of the best young talents in Brazilian football, and it is understood that Real Madrid are one of a number of clubs interested in securing his signature.
However, the defender has said that he is only currently interested in making his mark for Palmeiras, with the youngster bidding to win silverware with his Brazilian club.
“Today my thoughts are completely on Palmeiras, on making my mark at the club. I try to think day by day, I am still very young and have only just begun my professional career. I want to win titles with Palmeiras and establish myself,” he told AS.
When pressed on his aims for the future, Reis decided against mentioning any clubs that he could represent and instead spoke about his desire to turn out for Brazil at senior level.
© Imago
Real Madrid are believed to lead the race for Reis
“I think every player dreams of playing for the Brazilian national team and it’s no different for me. I know I’m still young, but I’ve already had several opportunities in the youth categories and naturally I hope to have them in the first team,” he said.
“But I know that will depend on what I do at Palmeiras today, so I need to give my all here, win titles and then move on to other personal goals.”
Reis also spoke about his desire to improve all aspects of his game, as he bids to become one of the leading defenders in world football.
“I think we should always work to improve in all aspects. With time and experience, it is natural that we can evolve. I have a style of play that helps with the ball coming out, good height for heading and also the question of leadership that has been with me since I was young in the lower categories,” he added.
“I think the mental aspect also helps a lot and it is something that has evolved in recent months.”
© Imago
When could Reis leave Palmeiras?
Real Madrid are believed to have concerns over David Alaba‘s long-term fitness, with the Austria international out since last December with a serious knee injury, and there is still no clear return date in mind.
Jesus Vallejo is not in the club’s plans moving forward, while Nacho left last summer on a free transfer, so there is a clear need for a new centre-back at Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are expected to bring in a new player in that area of the field next year, and it will be fascinating to see whether Reis makes the move to Bernabeu in 2025.
The teenager has now made 14 first-team appearances for Palmeiras, scoring twice, while he has been capped at Under-16s and Under-17s level by Brazil.
Liverpool and Arsenal are believed to lead the Premier League interest in Reis, while Barcelona are also thought to be ready to battle Real Madrid for his signature.