In a surprising twist for Manchester City fans, the club is reportedly poised to accept offers for their long-serving defender John Stones this summer, with manager Pep Guardiola giving the green light for the move. The 30-year-old England international, who has been a cornerstone of City’s defense since his £47.5 million transfer from Everton in 2016, faces an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium due to persistent injury concerns and a shift in the club’s long-term plans.
Stones, once hailed as the “Barnsley Beckenbauer” for his composure on the ball and versatility, has been a key figure in City’s trophy-laden era under Guardiola. His ability to play out from the back and even step into midfield roles revolutionized the centre-back position, earning him praise as one of the Premier League’s elite defenders. However, this season has been a challenging one for the 83-cap England star. Limited to just 13 starts across all competitions and sidelined for 30 games due to various injuries, including a hamstring issue and a foot problem, Stones has struggled to maintain the consistency that once made him indispensable.
The decision to consider offers for Stones comes as no surprise to those close to the club. A well-connected former scout with ties to Manchester United and Blackburn, who has followed City’s transfer strategy, revealed that Guardiola no longer views Stones as part of his vision for the future. “Stones was, and is when he’s fit, a very very good player – but how often is he fit at the moment?” the scout remarked. “From Guardiola’s point of view, how can you plan for the future and have him as a part of those plans if you never know whether he’ll be available?” This sentiment underscores the frustration at City, where Stones’ injury record has become a significant hurdle. The scout added, “If he’s fit, he’s more than good enough to be at Man City, but he isn’t fit often enough. It’s been a major, major issue for them and now might be the time to cut ties.”
City’s proactive approach in the transfer market further signals their readiness to move on. The January signing of 21-year-old Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov was fast-tracked to bolster the backline, and the club is already scouting potential replacements for Stones. Interest in AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez and Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso highlights City’s intent to strengthen their defensive options, with new sporting director Hugo Viana expected to oversee a significant squad rebuild in the summer.
The news has sparked interest from several clubs, with Premier League sides like Everton, West Ham, Brighton, and even Juventus reportedly monitoring the situation. Saudi Pro League teams have also emerged as potential destinations, offering lucrative deals that could tempt Stones. For Everton, a return to Goodison Park—where Stones made his name before his big-money move to City—would be a poetic homecoming, especially as they look to replace departing defender Michael Keane. “Everton fans would love this!” one supporter enthused on social media, reflecting the excitement around the possibility.
Guardiola’s willingness to let Stones go marks a shift from his earlier stance. In 2018, the manager passionately defended his defender, declaring, “I don’t know how people believe we’re going to sell John Stones. He is a young player, an international English player. He’s a huge part of the reason why we won the title.” Yet, with Stones’ contract set to expire in 2026 and his availability increasingly unreliable, City appear ready to cash in rather than risk losing him for free.
Despite the injury setbacks, Stones’ quality remains undeniable. His late goals this season, including a dramatic header against Wolves, earned praise from Guardiola, who called the finish “magnificent.” Teammate Jack Grealish echoed the sentiment, commenting “Johnny, Johnny Bones!” on social media. However, with Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias now forming City’s preferred defensive pairing, and young talents like Khusanov waiting in the wings, Stones’ role has diminished.
As Manchester City prepare for a pivotal summer, with potential exits for other stars like Ederson and Bernardo Silva also rumored, Stones’ departure could mark the end of an era. His contributions to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League triumph will not be forgotten, but the club’s relentless pursuit of success leaves little room for sentimentality. For Stones, a fresh start elsewhere could offer the chance to rediscover his form and fitness, while City look to build a new defensive foundation for the challenges ahead.
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