Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Premier League champions are gearing up to discuss a new contract with their defensive stalwart, Rúben Dias. The Portuguese centre-back, widely regarded as one of the best defenders in world football, is poised to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium, with talks expected to advance in the coming weeks.
A Key Man Under Guardiola
Since arriving from Benfica for a reported £65 million, Rúben Dias has transformed Manchester City’s backline, bringing leadership, composure, and an unrelenting drive to win. His impact was immediate, helping City secure the Premier League title in his debut season (2020-21) while earning the FWA Footballer of the Year award—an accolade rarely bestowed upon a defender.
Dias’ commanding presence, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game have made him indispensable to Pep Guardiola’s system.
Why Now?
The timing of these contract talks is noteworthy. Earlier reports indicated that negotiations with Dias, alongside midfield maestro Rodri, were temporarily shelved in January as Manchester City focused on other transfer business.
However, with the summer transfer window now in full swing, the club is moving swiftly to secure the futures of their key players. Romano’s update, corroborated by journalist Jack Gaughan, confirms that City are now prioritizing Dias’ contract, signalling their intent to maintain stability at the heart of their defence.
