Man City sign Dias from Benfica - Signed 6 of the 12 most expensive defenders

Manchester City have added another expensive defender. The Citizens confirmed that they have signed Rúben Dias from Benfica; the defender has signed a contract that will run until 2026. Benfica confirmed the deal in the region of €68 million on Monday, including bonuses, the transfer volume can grow to €71.6 million. In return, Nicolás Otamendi will be transferred for €15 million from City to Benfica. The Argentine signed a contract that will run until 2023. 

After his move to England, the 23-year-old Dias is not just the most expensive defender of this transfer window but also the fifth most expensive in history. The Citizens have been the biggest spenders in this department for years. In 2016 they became the first club to spent more than €50 million for a defender (€55.6m for John Stones) and are now responsible for almost half of the 12 most expensive transfers in history (check out the most expensive defenders in history). 

The Premier League runner-ups have now spent €157 million this summer—the most expensive signing up to this point? Center-back Nathan Aké from AFC Bournemouth. Worldwide only league competitors Chelsea have spent more money on the transfer market this summer. 

Benfica receive Otamendi in return - Spending reaches €100 million

For the Liga NOS side, Dias is now the second most expensive departure in history behind João Félix, who left the club in a deal worth €126 million. Otamendi is calculated as a separate deal and will cost the club €15 million. Benfica have spent €95 million this summer, which means they rank fifth among the biggest spending clubs in the world.