In an interview to Football Insider, former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has urged Manchester City defender John Stones to make a summer switch to Newcastle United ahead of next season. The former Sunderland striker suggested that the Englishman should look to find a fresh start away from the Etihad Stadium, and claimed that the big transfer fee he arrived for is what held the defender down during his early days at the Manchester club.
Kevin Phillips urged John Stones to move to Newcastle United by saying, “I think John Stones should get out of Manchester City. It has not quite worked out for John. He came for big money as a young lad and there was a lot of pressure. I like him, he is a good player and a fresh start somewhere else would do him the world of good. If he could jump on that train at Newcastle – who knows where it could be heading. He has won stuff at Manchester City but it might be that time for him to leave. I am not sure that Pep Guardiola trusts him so it might be best for all parties.”
What Is John Stones’ Legacy At Manchester City?
The Englishman arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Everton back in the summer of 2016, as Pep Guardiola looked to add some mettle to his defensive line. The Barnsley academy graduate was putting up sensational displays for the Toffees at the time, and it didn’t come as a huge surprise when a team as big as Manchester City paid a fairly hefty price to acquire his highly sought-after signature. Although the initial signs were good, he never really managed to make a place for himself in the Spaniard’s first-team setup.
While it could be argued that his first full season at the club was a successful one, there’s no denying that he just never looked like that same player who won over so many hearts while donning the Everton shirt. Despite making 27 Premier League appearances that season, the defender’s influence in the side began to recede over the next few seasons gradually.
The Englishman played just 14 times this term as well, and that was largely forced by the unexpected injury to Aymeric Laporte in the opening weeks on the campaign. Stones is yet to open his league scoring account for the reigning English champions as well.
What Is Newcastle United’s Current Defensive Situation?
The Magpies have what is arguably among the strongest defensive rosters in all of the Premier League, and this was on full display until the current season was brought to a halt a few months ago. The Newcastle centre-halves have collectively scored more goals than players from any other position, and this was even with the occasional injury concern mixed in.
Even when skipper Jamaal Lascelles was out for an extended period, the alternate options did the job whenever required. Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune are all high quality options that they already have available.
Kevin Phillips Urged John Stones To Move To Newcastle United: Smart Move For The Magpies?
The Toon are on the verge of a massive financial takeover, after which they could turn into one of the richest sides in the Premier League. The kind of names that have been linked with a switch to St. James’ Park, if presented a few months ago, would’ve only looked like practical jokes. Big things are certainly going to be on the agenda at Tyneside next season, provided the takeover does go through in the end. In such a case, signing a mistake-probe defender like John Stones might not tickle the fancies of the decision-makers at Newcastle United.
