During the summer transfer window, Manchester City looked around Europe for a new central defender, finally taking Ruben Dias from Benfica.
That move has worked out brilliantly for Pep Guardiola’s side, with Dias quickly slotting in and impressing during his first season in English football. Moving from his success at the Lisbon club, Dias has formed a good partnership with John Stones, and it looks like they’re going to be the pair Guardiola sticks with going forward.
The Portugal international wasn’t the first choice, with Manchester City spending several months trying to agree a deal for Kalidou Koulibaly. Talks with Napoli were difficult, and held entirely via agents, and in the end it became clear City grew frustrated and walked away to try other options.
Next on the list was Sevilla’s Jules Koundé, with a €55m offer being sent from the Etihad to the La Liga club. That wasn’t enough to convince sporting director Monchi, and it’s now insisted Sevilla did the right thing.
AS say the player’s good form ‘only confirms the success’ of rejecting the Manchester City offer, and it’s now thought the 22-year-old has shown he is worth the €90m stated in his buyout clause.
City won’t be too bothered given Dias’ success, and it looks like everyone was a winner.
