According to a recent report by The Daily Express, Manchester City are interested in acquiring the services of Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias, who has a buyout clause of around £80m after he penned a new contract back in November last year. The same source has also stated that the Citizens will face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in pursuit of the Portuguese defender at the end of this campaign.
Dias’ Impressive Season In The Portuguese Top-Flight
The 22-year-old has played every minute of Benfica’s season so far and has successfully established himself amongst the best defenders in the Liga NOS. He has featured in 33 matches for the Portuguese outfit this term, registering two goals and one assist across all competitions. Dias managed to score in back to back league matches against Portimonense and Rio Ave which goes to show how influential he can be at both ends of the pitch.
More importantly, the Amadora-born talent has averaged 1.2 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 3.0 clearances per game in the Portuguese first division (stats via whoscored). Dias is decisive with his tackles and has pulled off some vital clearances for his side in every game he has featured this season. Hence, it is no wonder that so many high-profile English clubs are lining up to secure his signature this summer.
The Liga NOS centre-half has also earned 17 senior caps for the Portuguese national team but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his homeland.
What Will The Portugal International Add To Guardiola’s Side?
Dias has all the attributes of a modern-day centre-back and excels at playing the ball out from the back. He can read the danger quickly to make some vital interceptions for his side and doesn’t mind going the extra mile and putting his body on the line for the benefit of his team.
Why Signing Dias Could Be A Wise Move For The Citizens
Pep Guardiola has a big rebuilding job in his hands with Sergio Aguero, Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho edging towards the final stages of their respective careers. Hence, recruiting a promising, young defender like Dias before the start of the new campaign will be a wise move for the Citizens and their long-term aspirations as a football club.
Dias’ qualities will be a perfect fit for Guardiola’s style of play at the Etihad Stadium. He has the potential to strike up a dominant partnership with Aymeric Laporte. Furthermore, the presence of Bernardo Silva, who is Dias’ international compatriot, could also help him make a smooth transition to English football which makes Man City an attractive destination for him at the end of this season.
