According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are interested in John Stones. The Manchester City centre-back is facing an uncertain future at the club despite recently signing a contract extension in August. Stones has struggled with game-time this season and is in line for a potential January loan move to Newcastle United in an attempt to continue his progress ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
John Stones’ Disappointing Season So Far
John Stones was one of the best defenders in England last season when he built a formidable defensive combination alongside Ruben Dias to help Manchester City win the Premier League title as well as reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League.
Stones’ performances saw him earn a contract extension in August. But things have since gone downhill for the former Everton centre-back, who has struggled to break into the starting lineup in the new season.
The Englishman is yet to even feature in a single game for the club in any competition, starting on the bench on five of Man City’s seven Premier League games so far. It appears coach Pep Guardiola has preferred Aymeric Laporte this season as he brings more quality in the build-up and.
However, a more worrying prospect for Stones is that even Nathan Ake has enjoyed more game-time this season. As such, it is hardly surprising to see the centre-back being linked with a shock January exit from Etihad.
The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency: Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/) and Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)
Should Man City Sanction Stones’ Departure?
Manchester City have had a decent start to the campaign and are in contention to defend their Premier League title this season. Their main central defensive combination in Dias and Laporte have done reasonably well, with Ake serving as the back-up.
The potential exit of John Stones, therefore, might not be that big of a blow for the Citizens. They do, after all, have a strong depth in their squad, though the summer exit of Eric Garcia does leave them a bit shallow, in the defensive unit.
But it is fair to point out that the Sky Blues have entered the market for a new centre-back. It doesn’t bode well for Stones at all, especially with the 2022 FIFA World Cup just around the corner and players like Tyrone Mings and Fikayo Tomori making their case to be included in the England squad.
A move to Newcastle United could thus make a world of sense for the player, as well as the club. A loan deal could especially help the Englishman continue his progression while giving Man City the opportunity to call him back into their setup at the end of the season.
