Real Madrid’s Dias pursuit rebuffed as City stand firm on Portugal defender

Manchester City have formally rejected Real Madrid’s enquiry over a possible transfer for Ruben Dias this summer. The English club confirmed the Portuguese defender remains integral to their plans under Enzo Maresca.

Ruben Dias joined Manchester City from Benfica in September 2020 for £65 million on a six-year contract. His deal was extended in August 2025 with a new four-year agreement keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until June 2029. Dias has been a key figure under Pep Guardiola and is now central to Maresca’s squad-building strategy.

Real Madrid, managed by Jose Mourinho, have pursued defensive reinforcements despite signing Ibrahima Konate last month. Los Blancos view Dias as a priority target to bolster their backline. Barcelona and Chelsea have also contacted Manchester City regarding Dias’ availability, receiving identical responses.

According to a report, Dias is described as ‘one of the foundations of the club’s new era’ under Maresca. Arsenal were also monitoring the situation but City have maintained their stance across all enquiries. The defender remains unavailable for transfer despite interest from multiple top clubs.

Dias and Portugal will face Spain at the Dallas Stadium on July 6 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. Manchester City are meanwhile active in the transfer market, having agreed a club-record £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Enzo Maresca’s first match in charge will be a pre-season fixture against Inter Milan in South Korea on August 1. His competitive debut comes in the FA Community Shield against Arsenal at Wembley on August 16, followed by the Premier League opener against Bournemouth at the Etihad on August 23.