Have Manchester City Finally Found Their Center Back?

The summer 2020 transfer window will close on 5 October, and Manchester City still need to address some key issues.

The story is nothing new. Manchester City need a center back. The Sky Blues have failed to make any additional signings since the acquisition of Ferran Torres and Nathan Aké at the start of August. Aké is a solid option, as he can fill in for the injured Aymeric Laporte or slot in as left back if needed, but the Sky Blues still need their prized center back.

Negotiations for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, City’s preferred center back target, have stalled. City have also not made any progress on their backup targets. An agreement for Atlético de Madrid’s José Giménez, who is Manchester City’s backup option to Koulibaly, has also stalled as both sides have been unable to negotiate a transfer fee. A deal for Sevilla’s Jules Koundé has not materialized either.

But perhaps City have finally overcome their center back issue. According to Bleacher Report, they may sign Benfica’s Rúben Dias for €60-65m, where Nicolás Otamendi is also reportedly part of the deal. Should this be the case, this deal would benefit all the parties involved. Dias is a highly rated center back who could help City fill their defensive void, and Otamendi’s departure from Manchester has been rumored some time. Benfica would also acquire a center back, which would help them with Dias’ departure.

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Manchester City also realize they are running out of time, meaning the English outfit will be desperate to complete the transfer. It has taken time, but City may have finally found their center back.

Given the rate it has taken to find a new center back, it is likely that the club’s board will invest all of their time and resources into this transfer. Any additional acquisitions would be a bonus. Such would be the case for an additional left back or striker, particularly with Oleksandr Zinchenko’s and Gabriel Jesus’ recent injuries, but it seems unlikely that City will acquire any other additions. (Sergio Agüero is also sidelined due to injury.)

Have City finally overcome their center back issue?