Benfica defender Ruben Dias looks to have all-but confirmed his imminent departure from the club after scoring in Saturday night’s triumph over Moreinense.
The 23-year-old had been linked with Tottenham earlier this summer but is, according to reports, on the brink of a move to Manchester City in a deal which could see Nicolas Otamendi head in the opposite direction.
Dias opened the scoring in a 2-0 win and was clearly emotional in his post-match interview after what could well be his final game for the club he joined as a boy in 2008.
"I am very happy,” he said. “It was a very important game for me and to be able to score a goal, it was very special for me.
"It is a special moment and I think everyone already knows why."
Pep Guardiola has already added to his defensive options this summer with the signing of Nathan Ake from relegated Bournemouth.
The Dutchman started City’s opening Premier League game – the 3-1 win over Wolves on Monday night – alongside John Stones, though Aymeric Laporte will be first choice when he returns to full fitness, having been delayed in preseason by a positive coronavirus test.
The futures of both Stones and Spanish youngster Eric Garcia remain uncertain, while Fernandinho, who filled in as a makeshift centre-back at times last season, has been handed the captaincy and excelled when restored to his favoured midfield role at Molineux.
