New era, new armband
Enzo Maresca is expected to hand the Manchester City captaincy to Ruben Dias this summer, with the Portuguese defender emerging as the leading candidate to replace the departed Bernardo Silva.
City's leadership group underwent a rare change last season when Pep Guardiola personally selected the captain rather than putting it to a squad vote. Following the exits of Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne and most recently Silva, the armband is once again up for grabs.
According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Maresca plans to name Dias as his new captain. The centre-back has worn the armband on several occasions since arriving from Benfica and was effectively Guardiola's unofficial vice-captain last season behind Silva.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, O'Rourke said:
“There’s probably a big likelihood he will be captain now Bernardo Silva has moved. He’s obviously been captain before, so it’ll be interesting to see if he gets the armband under Maresca, or somebody else?”
Dias remains a key part of Maresca's plans, particularly with John Stones having left the club. The new manager is keen to maintain continuity in defence and wants to keep hold of the 29-year-old.
That hasn't stopped Real Madrid from circling. Speculation around a move to the Spanish capital has intensified following Jose Mourinho's appointment at the Bernabeu. Mourinho, who took over from Benfica, is rebuilding his backline and has placed his compatriot on a shortlist of central defensive targets.
Reports suggest Dias may be open to a new challenge following Silva's move to Madrid and the end of Guardiola's era. But City hold contractual leverage — Dias remains under a long-term deal at the Etihad through to June 2029 — and have no desire to lose their defensive anchor ahead of Maresca's first season.
O'Rourke added:
“Man City's priority is to keep hold of Dias, but that's probably not going to stop Real Madrid trying to sign him. If they get any indication that he could be prized away from the Etihad, I'm sure they will try and bring him to the Spanish capital.”
For now, the armband looks destined for Dias. Whether he gets to wear it for long remains the question.