Manchester City have signed Benfica’s central defender Ruben Dias on an initial million pound (68 million euro) play with Nicolas Otamendi in the opposite direction in a separate deal.
The 23-year-old Portuguese Dias has been a regular on the Primeira Liga Benfica squad since he arrived at the quarry before the 2017-18 campaign.
Dias has been connected with several famous clubs across Europe, Manchester United, but the rival City has reached an agreement with Benfica.
The Portuguese aspect showed the news on its official website on Sunday, a while before ruling that an agreement of 15 million euros (13. 67 million pounds) is in position for Otamendi, who will now have to go through a medical examination.
The City will pay another 3. 6 million euros (2. 1 million pounds) in add-ons for Dias if it activates performance-related clauses.
Dias led Benfica in Saturday’s victory over Moreirense and embraced his teammates and director Rui Costa as he left the field full-time.
“It’s a special moment [with Costa] and I think everyone already knows why,” Dias said after the game. “Obviously, other people also make their mark on you and the club.
“It’s certainly very special to me. I’m very happy. It’s very vital to dedicate this match with a goal, it’s very special to me. “
Dias’ arrival puts an end to local technician Pep Guardiola’s search for a right-back, 16 months after Vincent Kompany left Etihad Stadium by Anderlecht.
Otamendi, who played for Portuguese rivals Benfica, Porto between 2010 and 2014, spent five years with City and 31 matches in all competitions last season.
The 32-year-old has won two Premier League titles, 4 EFL Cup trophies, two Community Shields and the FA Cup while in Manchester, having arrived from Valencia in 2015.