We continue our search to find a central defender and a possible replacement for Vincent Kompany. But one name mentioned in reports has divided the fanbase.
Benfica’s Ruben Dias is the man that has seemed to perplex segments of the Etihad faithful. For the life of me, I cannot understand why.
I’m not sure if the reason those criticising him are in some form of knee-jerk reaction over the fact that talks with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly in recent weeks have slowed down.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano broke the news on Friday that we were in talks over a deal to secure the services of the Aguias’ captain for around €55m (£50m), which would include Nicolas Otamendi going the other way to Portugal. He added that this was the same bid that was put in for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde but was rejected.
While there is a need for us to sign a centre-back this summer, there is also the necessity that we bring in a naturally aspirated leader into the squad. Dias is not a skipper at his club for no reason, so it is easy to understand clubs like us, Barcelona and even Tottenham are looking at acquiring his services.
Dias is a dominant figure at Benfica right now, starting all 33 games in Liga NOS last season for them, has featured at every level for Portugal and has picked up 19 caps for the senior side, as per TransferMarkt.
He recently received some high praise from the Brazilian legend Carlos Mozer, who told Sport TV that he sees shades of himself in the talented Iberian centre half, adding that he is a “fearless and tough” player who is “criticised for no reason”.
This is a relief to me that I am not the only player that thinks this. Dias would be a solid signing for us and has a sell-on value with him only being 23.
His dominant characteristics mean that he could indeed be a solid replacement for Vincent Kompany. Even though his name doesn’t bring as much excitement as Koulibaly does, he is capable of doing a job for us at the back.