Manchester City defender Ruben Dias is the latest player to be linked with a move to Real Madrid. As ever, the Blues are having to keep one eye on the Spanish giants as the summer transfer window intensifies.
Bernardo Silva's Move Adds Complexity
City could not dictate to Bernardo Silva where he should move next in his career. However, if they had a choice, they would have preferred him not to join Real Madrid. Ahead of their first of three Champions League meetings this season, Rodrygo insisted the games against City had become 'derbies'. While geographically this is not the case, it is hard to argue that City and Real have not become intrinsically linked in Europe.
Bernardo enjoyed one of his greatest moments in a City shirt against his new club, tearing through Madrid on the way to the Blues' historic treble in 2023. Seeing him in white shirts next season will sting, but that impact will be minute compared to losing Ruben Dias.
Dias's Future Under Scrutiny
Like many in the City squad this summer, Dias is considering his future post-Pep Guardiola. The centre-back was undroppable early in the campaign but a hamstring injury against Chelsea saw him struggle to regain his place. By season's end, Guardiola was showcasing the future with Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov holding down the centre-back roles.
At 29, City are looking towards the future and preparing for life without Dias. But the Blues are not ready to lose him yet. City are already losing leaders in the dressing room this summer, with Bernardo and John Stones departing. Rodri's future remains uncertain as he prioritises the World Cup, with continuous links to the Bernabeu.
City Remain Confident
Losing Dias would leave the Blues scrambling for leaders. He is under consideration for the captaincy, and his departure would create a void. However, City will not panic. Bernardo joining Real does not guarantee a mass exodus. Madrid are known for their transfer tactics, but City have their own lure.
Josko Gvardiol was linked but is set to sign a new long-term contract. City are confident, especially after Haaland and Gvardiol's commitments, of fending off Real's approach for Dias. They want to keep him and believe they can sell him their vision for his future.
