John Stones in action against Atalanta in the Champions League )
According to the Daily Star, John Stones’ future at Manchester City has been thrown into further doubt amidst claims that Pep Guardiola wants to sign Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci.
John Stones, 25, joined Manchester City from Everton in a £48m deal in 2016 and was expected to go on and establish himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world. However, he has not really progressed at the Etihad Stadium. Injury problems and indifferent form have seen him fail to establish himself in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI.
So far this season, the England international has made 10 starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League, and has played only once in the Champions League. As things stand, leaving Manchester City this summer for a club where he could play regular first-team football would make sense.
Earlier this month, TEAMtalk (h/t The Sun) reported that Tottenham had registered their interest in Stones. Spurs have lacked stability in defence this season. There have been a lot of changes in defence, with Jose Mourinho opting three at the back at times since replacing Mauricio Pochettino at the helm. The constant changes in the backline have seen the north London outfit leak 40 goals in 29 games.
At 32, Jan Vertonghen brings experience, having been at the club for eight years. But, he is out of contract at the end of the season. The performances of Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez haven’t been up to the mark this season, while Juan Foyth has been completely out of the picture under Mourinho due to injuries.
To put things into perspective, Spurs are in desperate need of a defensive revamp over the summer and signing John Stones from Man City should be a good way to start the process.
Stones, who has just two years left on his contract with City, has struggled with form and fitness this season. He started the Carabao Cup final, but came under fire in the game at Wembley. The England international was responsible for Aston Villa’s goal in the tie after falling over in the build-up to Mbwana Samatta’s header.
Regardless of his problems over the last couple of seasons, the fact of the matter is that Stones is still 25 and can revive his career elsewhere. Thus, a move to Tottenham would be ideal as he will get a chance to work under one of the best tacticians in Mourinho and iron out the flaws in the game that has not allowed him to reach his true potential.
The Englishman is an experienced, proven Premier League defender having made 158 top-flight appearances till date and he would certainly add quality and depth to Tottenham’s options at the back.
Having said that, Spurs signing Stones seems to have all the makings of a smart piece of business for Mourinho & co.
