Overview

• Manchester City are closing in on a new contract for centre-back Ruben Dias that would add roughly 12 months to his current deal expiring in 2027.
• Dias has made 222 appearances since his 2020 arrival from Benfica, scored four goals and played a key role in winning nine major trophies including four Premier League titles and a Champions League.
• City’s six-man centre-back group includes John Stones, Manu Akanji, Nathan Ake, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, whose potential departure this summer has stirred speculation.
• Pep Guardiola’s squad received extra rest after the FIFA Club World Cup and will open pre-season with a friendly against Palermo before facing Wolves in their Premier League kickoff on August 16.
• The proposed deal underscores Manchester City’s strategy of maintaining tactical continuity and managing squad costs under ongoing Premier League financial scrutiny.