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Publication date: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 9:46 AM
Manchester City have completed the £ 62m signing of center-back Ruben Dias on a six-year contract from Benfica.
Benfica confirmed on Sunday night that they had reached a deal to sell Dias to City for € 68 million, with Nicolas Otamendi going in the opposite direction for € 15 million (£ 13.6 million).
Y City have announced that Dias, 23, a 19-time international with Portugal, has put a long-term contract on paper after passing a medical examination in Lisbon, and that his partner Otamendi is ending his five-year stay at the Etihad Stadium.
“Having the opportunity to join a club like Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me and one that I couldn’t turn down,” said Dias.
Its success speaks for itself. They have been the dominant team in England for the past few years. They play attacking football that I think suits my own game.
“It is really exciting to be part of such a talented team and to play for a world-class coach like Pep Guardiola, who has a proven track record in developing young players like me.
“I think I can improve here, at a club whose ambitions coincide with mine. I will give everything to be successful and win titles ”.
Dias becomes City’s second defensive signing of the summer after bringing in Nathan Ake from Bournemouth.
Your new number 3️⃣
Are you excited to see it in action? 😆 pic.twitter.com/N2W6f0Iaxr
– Manchester City (@ManCity) September 29, 2020
The club expects the two arrivals to remedy obvious defensive deficiencies last season. Leicester’s 5-2 home win on Saturday once again highlighted their weaknesses at the back.
“Rubén is a player we have looked up to for some time and we have been impressed with how he has progressed at Benfica,” said the city’s football director Txiki Begiristain.
“He has become a true leader and as a defender he has all the attributes we are looking for. He’s strong in the air, good in one-on-one situations and technically very good. We are confident that you can thrive in our system.
“He is young but has gained valuable experience at a great European club at Benfica. We are very happy to have been able to sign him. He is another talented addition to the team and someone who will only get better working with Pep.
Otamendi ends his five-year stay in the city
The 32-year-old Otamendi won several major awards during his time at the Etihad Stadium, including two Premier League titles, and made more than 200 appearances in all competitions in five seasons.
Five memorable years … you will always be our General, @ Notamendi30 💙
🔷 #City man | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/VDbNoddRBd
– Manchester City (@ManCity) September 29, 2020
The arrival of Dias just days after a heavy defeat is an opportunity for Guardiola, who appears keen to turn to his youngsters for their fourth round of the Carabao Cup in Burnley on Wednesday night.
Liam Delap, who scored against Bournemouth in the previous round last week, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tommy Doyle, Cole Palmer and Felix Nmecha could all have chances, but Adrian Bernabe (knee) is out.
American Zack Steffen is again ready to play in goal, while Aymeric Laporte and Oleksandr Zinchenko, both unused substitutes at the weekend, could have some playing time to help improve their fitness.
John Stones is doubtful, while unavailable senior players include the injured Sergio Agüero, Gabriel Jesus, Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva. Ilkay Gundogan is in isolation after contracting coronavirus.
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