OFFICIAL: Man City Has Completed The Signing Of Ruben Dias From Benfica, While Nicolas Otamendi Heads The Other Way.
Manchester City have completed the signing of defender Ruben Dias from Benfica for a reported fee of £62million, and £3million in potential add-ons.
The Portuguese International centre-back has signed a six-year contract, which keeps him at the Etihad stadium until the summer of 2026, and would wear the No.3 shirt.
He becomes City's third signing of the summer, following the arrival of Ferran Torres from Valencia, and Nathan Ake from Bournemouth.
The 23-year-old expressed his delight of joining Man City after the successful completion of his transfer on Tuesday;
“To have the opportunity to join a club like Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down," he told the clubs website.
“Their success speaks for itself. They have been the dominant team in England over the last few years, playing an attacking brand of football which I feel suits my own game.
“It is really exciting to be part of such a talented squad and to play for a world class manager like Pep Guardiola, who has a proven track record of developing young players like myself.
“I believe I can improve here, at a club whose ambitions match my own and I will give everything to be successful and win titles.”
Dias becomes the most expensive player in City's history, eclipsing the £62.8m paid to Atletico Madrid for Rodri last summer.
A product of the famed Benfica academy, ends his impressive three seasons for the Lisbon gaints, making more than 100 appearances for the club.
Last season, Dias made 49 appearances and scored three goals as he was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Season.
He recently captained and scored the opening goal for Benfica in their 2-0 home win over Moreirense in the Primeira Liga last Saturday.
Man City's Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, added: “Ruben is a player we have admired for some time and we have been impressed with how he has progressed at Benfica.
“He is another talented addition to the squad and someone who is only going to get better working under Pep.”
Dias has so far represented his country 19 times since his debut in March 2018, and was part of the team that won the Nations League last year
ＨＥＲＥ ＨＥ ＩＳ！ 😍
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 29, 2020
Welcome Ruben Dias to City!
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/e1PXlBadvR
Meanwhile CloudNine Sports had reported earlier, that the deal would involve defender Nicolas Otamendi moving the opposite direction for a £13.6million fee.
The Argentine international has already left Man City, completed his medicals, and signed a three-year permanent deal with Benfica today.
The 32-year-old is set to embark on a new challenge in Portugal, which would see him end his five years of fantastic service at City, following his arrival from Spanish club side Valencia in August 2015 under former manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Having established himself as one of Europe’s leading defenders, he played 39 games for the Citizens last season, winning his fourth League Cup and the ninth trophy since his arrival.
In total, Otamendi made 210 appearances, scoring 11 goals and he departs a two-time Premier League champion, with four League Cup medals, one FA Cup in 2019, and won the Community Shield on two occasions.
Five memorable years...you'll always be our General, @Notamendi30 💙
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 29, 2020
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/VDbNoddRBd
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