TheCable

Manchester City have announced the signing of Ruben Dias, a central defender, from Benfica, a Portuguese Liga club, on a six-year contract.

According to Sky Sports, the deal for the Portuguese international is worth an initial £62m, with a further £3m subject to add-ons.

Dias, who joined the club on Tuesday, becomes City’s third summer signing following the arrivals of Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres.

“To have the opportunity to join a club like Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down,” the 23-year-old told the club’s 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.”

On his part, Txiki Begiristain, the club’s director of football, said the club had followed Dias for a long while before the transfer.

“Ruben is a player we have admired for some time and we have been impressed with how he has progressed at Benfica,” the former Barcelona director said.

“He has developed into a real leader and as a defender, he has all the attributes we are looking for. He is strong in the air, good in one v one situations and technically, he is very good, so we are confident he can thrive in our system.

“He is young, but has experience playing for a top European club in Benfica and we’re really pleased we’ve been able to sign him.

“He is another talented addition to the squad and someone who is only going to get better working under Pep.”

Dias is a product of Benfica’s youth system. He made over 100 appearances in three seasons for the club.