With one experienced defender gone, Manchester City cannot afford to lose another
It came as no great surprise that Nathan Ake and John Stones departed Manchester City this summer. Ake has completed a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce. John Stones’ contract wasn’t renewed and he has departed the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. While their departures were expected, they do leave a void in terms of leadership and experience in Manchester City’s defence. Ruben Dias has also been linked with a summer move away from Manchester City. However, with Ake and Stones both gone, City simply cannot afford to lose their defensive leader.
The presence of Ruben Dias will be vital for Manchester City next season.
Nathan Ake and John Stones were the only bit-part players for Manchester City last season. Ake was ever reliable for his team, although he was used as a squad player during the 2025-26 season by Pep Guardiola. Injuries wrecked the 2025-26 campaign for John Stones, which led to him being released. While the pair were predominantly on the periphery of the City squad last season, their experience and leadership were important to Pep Guardiola’s new-look side.
Now that Stones and Ake are both gone, Ruben Dias with his leadership, presence, and experience will play a huge role in Enzo Maresca’s squad. Yes, Dias will face competition for a place in the City starting eleven. Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, and Vitor Reis will all be eager to start. However, Ruben Dias has the intangibles that Manchester City need. When fully fit, Dias remains an elite centre-back. He is also Manchester City’s most experienced defender and his leadership will be huge for his team next season.
Also, with Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake having already left Manchester City, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders will not want to create a leadership void if Ruben Dias did depart. That cannot happen as it may be a blow that will take City too much time to overcome.
It seems that Manchester City’s intention is to keep Ruben Dias.
Real Madrid were credited with an interest in signing Ruben Dias from Manchester City this summer. However, it now seems like Manchester City’s intention is to keep their defensive leader. Graeme Bailey has reported for TeamTalk that City have rejected enquiries from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea for Ruben Dias. Manchester City’s stance is that the Portuguese international is not for sale. Furthermore, Bailey reports that Dias is viewed as one of the foundations of Enzo Maresca’s squad and no offers for him will be entertained.
Manchester City have lost three experienced players this summer in Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake. These departures were expected, however, losing another experienced player like Ruben Dias cannot afford to happen. Dias will be crucial in Manchester City’s new era with Enzo Maresca as manager and it seems like City’s intention is to fend off any suitors for their defensive leader. That is the best move for Manchester City as they will be reliant on Ruben Dias showing the way both on and off the pitch.
