Manchester Metropolis could also be able to half methods with long-serving defender John Stones if the fitting provide comes on this summer season. Regardless of his technical brilliance and key contributions over time, Stones’ harm document has turn into a major concern for Pep Guardiola’s aspect.
The 31-year-old has endured a sequence of health setbacks, with foot, hamstring, and thigh accidents limiting him to simply six Premier League begins final season. His most up-to-date look got here again in February throughout Metropolis’s Champions League loss to Actual Madrid, after which he was sidelined with a thigh difficulty.
Although Stones has proven willpower by returning to coaching and publicly dismissing exit rumours, the fact behind the scenes is extra advanced. Getting into the ultimate 12 months of his contract and incomes over £250,000 per week, his availability points are elevating eyebrows on the Etihad.
In keeping with Manchester Metropolis skilled Steven McInerney, the membership would “transfer on in a heartbeat” if an affordable bid is available in. Metropolis reportedly must unlock area, particularly amongst their bloated central defensive ranks, which now embrace Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and rising expertise Abdukodir Khusanov.
The homegrown standing of Stones is among the few elements working in his favour, notably as Metropolis look to take care of their squad quota. Nonetheless, Guardiola has repeatedly said he can’t afford to depend on injury-prone gamers, particularly when managing a title-contending squad in a number of competitions.
Whereas Stones stays a fan favorite and one of the vital technically gifted centre-backs the membership has had, his future is below critical assessment. The priority is not only about depth, however monetary logic—preserving a participant on £10m+ annual wages who isn’t match now not appears possible.
Metropolis may additionally be trying to trim two defenders from the present group. McInerney recommended Ake or Stones may very well be candidates, citing each gamers’ health information. Akanji is perhaps the extra logical departure, however Guardiola values his reliability and adaptableness.
There’s additionally uncertainty over whether or not any membership would take a raffle on Stones. His harm historical past, mixed with excessive wage calls for, might scare off potential suitors. Former membership Everton have proven some curiosity, but it surely’s unclear if that may result in formal negotiations.
In the end, Guardiola faces a tricky balancing act—staying loyal to a participant who has delivered on the massive stage, together with a standout show within the 2023 Champions League remaining, or making a enterprise determination to protect squad effectivity. Both manner, Stones’ time at Metropolis may very well be nearing an finish.
