With John Stones and Nathan Ake having both departed Manchester City, it is clear who Enzo Maresca’s top centre-backs will be. Ruben Dias, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, and Josko Gvardiol will anchor Manchester City’s defence in the coming season. Maresca is likely to add one more centre-back to the squad, considering the team’s heavy schedule and the fact that both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol faced significant injuries last season.

Three young centre-backs appear poised to step into this role. Vitor Reis, Max Alleyne, and Stephen Mfuni are all looking to make their mark during Manchester City’s preseason. It remains to be seen if one player will distinguish themselves or if Vitor Reis will secure the fifth-choice centre-back position for the upcoming season.

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Vitor Reis is the clear favourite to be the fifth-choice centre-back for Manchester City next season.

Several key Manchester City players will be unavailable as they return from World Cup duties, creating a chance for budding talents to impress new manager Enzo Maresca. Among them are defenders Vitor Reis, Max Alleyne, and Stephen Mfuni, all vying for the fifth-choice centre-back position.

Vitor Reis emerges as the top candidate for the role in the 2026-27 season. The young Brazilian defender performed remarkably during his loan with Girona last season. Competing in La Liga helped Reis develop his overall skills as a player. He is noted for his excellent defensive capabilities, particularly his game reading and timing in challenges. Additionally, his skill in advancing the ball—through both passing and dribbling—fits well with Maresca’s tactical approach. It would indeed be surprising if Vitor Reis is not included in Manchester City’s squad next season.

However, Max Alleyne and Stephen Mfuni can also put their case forward this summer.

Max Alleyne and Stephen Mfuni have opportunities to challenge for the fifth-choice centre-back spot during preseason. Alleyne returned to Manchester City from Watford last January and made an immediate impact at the back. His standout performance came during Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park. Although Alleyne’s last two starts resulted in defeats to Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt, he possesses the talent and potential to evolve into a formidable Manchester City defender.

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On the other hand, Stephen Mfuni has been recognized as a potential starter for Manchester City. The 18-year-old centre-back displays impressive skill both with and without the ball, a testament to his development in the City academy. Mfuni had a commendable loan with Watford in the latter half of last season, playing at both centre-back and left-back in the eight appearances he made for Watford. Despite a serious ankle injury cutting his previous season short, Mfuni now has a chance to shine in front of Enzo Maresca this summer, alongside Max Alleyne and Vitor Reis.

Final thoughts.

The expectation is that Vitor Reis will take on the fifth-choice centre-back role for Manchester City next season, as he seems prepared for the challenge. However, Max Alleyne and Stephen Mfuni also have the chance to make an impression on Maresca this summer. If either player, or both, can deliver standout performances, the competition for the fifth-choice spot could become more complex than anticipated. It’s possible that one of Vitor Reis, Max Alleyne, or Stephen Mfuni might distinguish themselves and secure a crucial position for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders next season.