According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are negotiating the final details with Benfica for the transfer of Rúben Dias. The deal, reportedly in its later stages, will include Nicolas Otamendi with the final fee being £55 million, according to Romano.
Dias, too, has reportedly accepted his potential contract should Manchester City and Benfica come to an agreement.
Benfica manager, Jorge Jesus also stated: “In Portugal, he has justified his value and Pep must not be stupid… Otamendi can be part of the deal, yes. Of course we like him.”
Manchester City Negotiating Final Details For Dias
A Trustworthy Partner for Aymeric Laporte
Following last season’s woeful title defence in which they finished 18 points behind champions Liverpool, it comes as no surprise to see Manchester City targetting a central defender. They were too weak and far too susceptible to conceding an avoidable goal.
Even since Laporte has returned from injury, Pep Guardiola’s side have looked vulnerable against the so-called weaker teams of the Premier League.
A top-quality centre-back was a must in this summer’s window. Ake arrived as a backup; Dias, if reports are to be believed, will arrive as the man to put an end to City’s defensive woes.
If Dias does put an end to the leaky nature of the Manchester City back four, Pep Guardiola could have another Premier League title in his sights, and potentially a winning Champions League run to silence the growing doubters.
Dias Not the First Choice But Potentially the Best Choice
Manchester City’s admiration for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has not been made in silence this summer. In fact, before the deal stalled due to their inability to match the Napoli asking price, City looked best positioned to complete a move for the defender.
But it wasn’t to be, and instead, they have since turned their attention towards the younger Rúben Dias; the man to potentially solve their leaky defence for years to come. The Benfica man may not have been Guardiola’s first choice, but he could prove to be the best one.
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