Report: Manchester City in Rúben Dias talks
Manchester City’s whirlwind summer continues, with Rúben Dias the latest name linked to the club.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have a new target in central defense: 23-year old Benfica defender Rúben Dias. Other reports have been inconsistent, with some stating that a £55 million plus Nicolás Otamendi deal will be closed shortly.
The one constant across multiple rumors seems to be City’s interest in sending Otamendi the other way in any deal rather than simply selling him outright. He was heavily involved in the Jules Koundé talks, which appeared to be progressing toward an eventual move following yesterday’s European Super Cup before today’s rumor came out.
Inconsistent transfer rumors surrounding Manchester City’s defender are nothing new, but if the Dias link is real, I believe City have made a good decision. Many have been excited about Koundé, and while I believe he is a very talented and promising young player, his physical profile and lack of experience are not what City need if they are to contend right now. Coupled with a price tag that could go as high as £65 million, I believe Dias is a far better option.
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Dias is much more experienced, but is also an option that can be a part of City’s backline for the next decade at just 23. Moreover, at 6’2, while he is not a Kalidou Koulibaly-type presence at the back, it is a much more reasonable compromise than bringing in another sub-6’0 defender after signing Nathan Aké earlier in the window.
I would still slightly favor Milan Škriniar, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham at the same price as Dias, but I believe both sit alongside Dayot Upamecano as the best available alternatives to Kalidou Koulibaly. With the transfer window closing quickly and injuries piling up for City, a quick deal to put an end to the saga would be a relief for all parties involved.