Transfer Centre

Manchester City target Ruben Dias hints at Benfica exit

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 26 September 2020

Benfica defender Ruben Dias seems to confirm his imminent departure from the Portuguese giants amid speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.

Portuguese defender Ruben Dias has dropped a major hint that he is set to leave Benfica amid speculation surrounding a move to Manchester City.

Despite welcoming Nathan Ake to the club from Bournemouth, City have been linked with a number of centre-backs in the past few weeks, namely Kalidou Koulibaly, Jules Kounde and Jose Gimenez.

With Pep Guardiola supposedly intent on securing another defensive option before the transfer window closes, recent reports have suggested that the Citizens have been in talks with Benfica over a proposed £50m deal for Dias.

Now, the 23-year-old has seemingly confirmed that he will be departing the club he has spent the last 12 years at after netting in a 2-0 Liga NOS victory over Moreirense on Saturday.

"I am very happy. It was a very important game for me and to be able to consecrate the game with a goal, it was very special for me," Dias told reporters after the match.

"It is a special moment and I think everyone already knows why."

Dias rose through the youth ranks at Benfica and has since gone on to make 134 appearances for the Portuguese giants, scoring 11 goals in that time.

Reports have suggested that out-of-favour City defender Nicolas Otamendi could be heading in the other direction as part of a deal for Dias.