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.
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“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.”
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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.
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“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.
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