How Ruben Dias privately feels about signing new deal at Man City after contract talks have been on hold

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It goes without saying that Ruben Dias is one of Manchester City’s most important players.

Since signing for Manchester City in 2020, the Portuguese international has arguably been their most consistent defender as well as their most vocal leader on the pitch.

But Ruben Dias just has two years left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium now.

The prospect of losing Dias would be seismic blow for Pep Guardiola as none of City’s other centre-back possess the former Benfica colossus’ invaluable blend of defensive expertise inside the box, lionhearted leadership and experience.

The likes of John Stones and Nathan Ake are proven at the highest level but are far too injury-prone, Manuel Akanji has had a disappointing season, Josko Gvardiol mostly plays as a left-back while the new additions of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are still very young.

Bernardo Silva emphasised Dias’ importance to Manchester City by claiming that he is a “leader” and a defender who has “everything” in his locker.

Ruben Dias open to signing new Manchester City contract

Even Pep Guardiola compared Dias to Vincent Kompany due to how selfless and professional he is, much like the Bayern Munich boss was when he donned a sky blue shirt.

It is clear to see that the four-time Premier League winner is held in high regard at Manchester City.

The good news for City fans is that The Athletic can reveal that Dias is open to extending his contract beyond 2027.

Initially, contract talks between Manchester City and the 27-year-old were on hold as the club were focused on conducting two orders of business during the month of January in particular.

• Renewing Erling Haaland’s contract until 2034.
• Making signings in the winter transfer window.

But even so, Dias’ feeling about prolonging his love affair with Manchester City have not changed.

Which Man City players apart from Dias are out of contract soon?

Apart from the Amadora-born centre-half, several City players are out of contract soon.

Names like Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Scott Carson, Stefan Ortega, James McAtee, Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Jack Grealish, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Rodri and Phil Foden come to mind.

Out of the aforementioned names, Manchester City are open to extending De Bruyne’s contract for another year. Similarly, Rodri has a contract offer from Manchester City where they intend to make him one of the highest-earners at the club alongside De Bruyne and Haaland.

Phil Foden is the present and the future of the club and he merits a brand-new deal as well.

Ilkay Gundogan is keen to join Galatasaray but the clause to extend his contract for an additional year is close to being triggered with his future still being uncertain.

However, other big names such as Ederson could leave Manchester City. As a result, perhaps Stefan Ortega might be set for a new contract unless City decide to sign a new goalkeeper if the Brazilian ends up leaving.

As for Bernardo, whether he deserves to stay is down to Pep Guardiola but the former AS Monaco midfielder’s form has certainly declined. The same applies to Akanji, who has just two years left on his deal. When it comes to Stones and Ake, their unavailability could mean Manchester City might decided to part ways with them while it is difficult to see the likes of Mateo Kovacic and James McAtee feature much next season as the club plan a squad rebuild.

Similarly, Kyle Walker, who is already on loan at AC Milan might be allowed to leave in the summer and perhaps rightfully so as he is 34 and declining.