Man City set to Block John Stones Transfer Amidst Dressing Room Claim – He going nowhere’
John Stones Pep Guardiola Man City
Everton’s pursuit of John Stones is said to be a non-starter with the England defender still a key player for Manchester City.
Stones has become a senior figure in Man City‘s dressing room over the years, has played nine seasons at the Etihad Stadium, and was one of Pep Guardiola‘s first signings upon his 2016 arrival in Manchester.
Kevin De Bruyne’s recently-confirmed departure this summer will leave Stones as the longest-serving player left in Guardiola’s squad, and City will be hesitant to see him follow the Belgian out the exit door.
Football Insider revealed on 8 May that Everton have considered Stones as a replacement for the out-of-contract Michael Keane, but Paul Robinson isn’t confident that such a move will happen this summer.
The former England keeper told Football Insider that Guardiola will be keen to retain Stones’ quality and experience as City prepare for their summer overhaul, with the 30-year-old still a top-class defender.
Injuries have limited Stones to just 20 appearances in all competitions this season
‘John Stones going nowhere’ as Man City rebuild begins
Former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Guardiola will be open to offers for Stones this summer, but it makes far more sense to keep hold of the centre-back.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Speaking on the latest edition of
, Robinson argued that as City prepare to field a new-look team next season, Stones’ presence will allow Guardiola to maintain some continuity.
“I don’t think Manchester City let him go – I think he’s key to Man City’s rebuild as in one of the experienced heads in the dressing room”, Robinson told Football Insider.
“To have somebody with John Stones’ experience, and he’s not that old, Stones; people are saying he’s moving on as part of Manchester City’s rebuild – he’s not that old!
“You’re going to need players like John Stones. If Stones moves on, how are you going to replace him? It’s a big void that he’d leave with the youngsters coming in, the signings that they brought in January.
“I think as much as Everton and other clubs would love to take him, I don’t see that as a deal that Manchester City will sanction at any point in the near future.”
Abdukodir Khusanov Man City
Abdukodir Khusanov is seen as a long-term successor to Stones in City’s defence
Man City set to accelerate summer transfer plans
With Stones’ current deal at the Etihad set to expire in 2026, Robinson argued that City could offer the defender a contract extension as Guardiola prepares to completely re-shape his squad this summer.
Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov have already been brought through the doors in Manchester, and further defensive-minded reinforcements are planned with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton linked.
Football Insider also revealed on 2 May that Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso is top of Guardiola’s shortlist ahead of a planned revitalisation of the full-back roles, but as was the case when City did similar back in 2017, Stones will still be at the heart of their defence.
Related Posts
Source
Leave a Reply