BREAKING NEWS: Man City star Dias signs new six-year deal

Ruben Dias has signed a new six-year contract with Manchester City, the club announced on Monday.

The centre-back enjoyed a fantastic first year in English football and has been rewarded with a new deal that will keep him with the Premier League champions until 2027.

Dias joined from Benfica for a reported £65million (€89m) in September 2020, with his previous deal having run though 2025-26.

An extra year has been added on by Pep Guardiola’s men as the Portugal defender continues to partner either Aymeric Laporte or John Stones, though Nathan Ake has also been used by Pep Guardiola at the start of 2021-22.

Last term, Dias made 50 appearances as City lifted their fifth Premier League title, with the 24-year-old going on to be named Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.

On signing his new contract, Dias told City’s official club website: “I have enjoyed every single minute of my time at City since joining last year.

“Playing for City has surpassed all my expectations and it’s an absolute pleasure to be part of such an incredible squad.

“I would also like to thank Pep and the coaching staff for the way they have helped me to develop as a player and keep pushing me to improve.

“To be part of the squad that achieved so much last season was incredible and made us all hungry to achieve even more.

“Now I just want to try and play my part in helping us be successful this season and beyond.”

We are delighted to announce that @rubendias has signed a new six-year contract! 

Having joined from Benfica last September, Dias’ new deal will keep him at the Club through until the summer of 2027.

#ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 30, 2021

City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain, added: “Ruben’s new deal is great news for our club.

“Although he only joined us less than a year ago, in that time Ruben has already proved to be such a vital part of our squad. And it tells you everything about his quality and importance to the club that we wanted to recognise his impact with this new contract.

“He is everything you would want in a central defender and so much more and he will be a big part of our drive to bring even more success to the club over the next few years.”

While the defending champions have tied another key asset down, they have endured a frustrating end to the transfer window, which closes on Tuesday.

Despite Jack Grealish’s record-breaking arrival from Aston Villa, Guardiola has failed to secure Harry Kane or Cristiano Ronaldo as his search for a central striker goes on.

Kane announced last week that he would be staying at Tottenham, while Ronaldo signed for City’s rivals Manchester United in a remarkable twist on Friday.

City’s lack of a striker has not hurt them in their last two games, however, with Guardiola’s side romping to 5-0 victories over Norwich City and Arsenal respectively.