“It will be very difficult to keep hold of Ruben Dias”

Ruben Dias' future at Benfica has been the source of much discussion over the last few months.

That's predominantly because of his decision not to sign a contract extension with the club in the summer, citing the fact that, while he's happy to remain at Benfica, he is unkeen to agree to a new deal if it comes with an increased release clause.

Dias’ current contract contains a release clause of €66million, a fee Dias believes is attainable, thought Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has made no secret of the fact that he's looking to increase the termination clause to at least €88M.

That is something former Benfica player Paulo Madeira has commended, though he recognizes that the chances of Ruben Dias staying at the club for much longer are slim.

“It will be very difficult for Benfica to retain Ruben Dias. He is ready prepared to play for a club like PSG, Manchester United or Real Madrid.”

One club that have been closely linked to Ruben Dias in recent times is English champions Manchester City, who are currently struggling in their current title defence, with injuries hitting both Laporte and John Stones.

With Fernandinho currently having to serve as a centreback, a move for Ruben Dias in January makes a lot of sense should Manchester City be willing to pay the termination fee.

Should Benfica fail to remain in European competition after Christmas, such a January move is easy to envisage, despite Luis Filipe Vieira's vocal desire to see Dias stay at the club for many years and go on to captain the side.

Vieira is also looking to extend the contracts of Alex Grimaldo, Jota and Ferro, Grimaldo and Ferro two first team players, while Jota is fully expected to go on to be a big player for Benfica in the coming year.

Paulo Madeira. Photo author: Dmitry Parshin. License link.