Manchester City reach breakthrough with Ruben Dias in contract talks | OneFootball

Ruben Dias is set to commit his long-term future to the Etihad Stadium after reaching an agreement in principle with Manchester City over a new contract.

Dias, who arrived from Benfica in the summer of 2020, has become one of the most dependable and influential figures in Pep Guardiola’s squad, both on and off the pitch over the course of his stay at Manchester City thus far.

The Portuguese centre-back was instrumental in the club’s 2020/21 Premier League triumph during his debut campaign and has since collected multiple honours, including the UEFA Champions League and successive domestic titles.

Widely regarded as a vocal leader in the dressing room, Ruben Dias’ commitment is viewed as a vital pillar of the next phase in Manchester City’s evolution, while the breakthrough contract development arrives at a time when the club is somewhat facing uncertainty in other areas of their defensive department.

Manuel Akanji is of interest to clubs including Galatasaray, while John Stones’ injury record has cast doubt on his long-term involvement. The club’s recent January investment in Brazilian teenager Vitor Reis also indicates a strategic emphasis on succession planning, and securing Dias’ services now offers City greater stability and clarity.

Manchester City’s decision to reward Dias with a new long-term deal also reflects the broader strategy being employed by the Etihad Stadium hierarchy this summer – retaining core leaders while refreshing the wider squad.

Fresh deals for the likes of Rico Lewis and Rodri are also expected to be negotiated in due course, adding to an earlier breakthrough with Nico O’Reilly, as City seek to secure continuity in key positions amid a growing number of high-profile exits and ongoing interest in players.

According to the information of The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester City have now reached an agreement in principle with Ruben Dias over a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2027.

Although the terms of the new agreement have not yet been disclosed, it is likely that Dias’ wages will reflect his senior status within the squad and his consistent performances since joining.

With a reputation for elite professionalism and tactical intelligence, the 28-year-old is viewed by Pep Guardiola as an indispensable presence on the pitch and a guiding figure for younger players.

Looking ahead, the agreement with Dias could also shape City’s transfer business, with the player now reaffirmed as a long-term leader, and the club may reassess the necessity of further senior defensive recruits any time soon. Additionally, Dias’ contract breakthrough may influence other pending negotiations within the squad, encouraging teammates to follow suit.

With a full pre-season under way and preparations building towards a Premier League opener away to Wolves later this month, Manchester City will hope that locking down Ruben Dias provides the stability and leadership required to mount another serious challenge across all competitions in 2025/26.