The John Stones conundrum doesn’t appear to have an obvious solution | OneFootball

When fully fit John Stones is arguably in Manchester City’s best lineup. The problem is that over the past two seasons, Stones has been unable to stay fit. He only played 20 games last season as injury wrecked Stones’ season. During the 23/24 season Stones was limited to 28 appearances. Entering the 25/26 season the conundrum that is John Stones doesn’t have an easy answer. Do Manchester City keep him or do they cut their losses and let him leave the club? That answer isn’t immediately apparent.

John Stones wants to stay at Manchester City for next season.

John Stones has already expressed his desire to remain at Manchester City for next season. His contract doesn’t expire until the end of the 25/26 season, so if he doesn’t want to leave City this summer, he is under no pressure to. Given that Stones has already made his intentions clear it would seem that he will be a part of Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season.

If, and it is a big if, John Stones can stay fit, there is a role for him in Manchester City’s defence. At his best, Stones is arguably the best ball-playing centre-back in the Premier League. He also plays a vital role for Pep Guardiola’s side with his ability to drift into midfield from centre-back. Given his age, he may not be in City’s first-choice defence. But he could be a valuable member of Pep Guardiola’s squad next season. The catch is he has to stay fit. That’s the issue.

Manchester City could cut their losses with Stones but the choice will be down to him.

With the constant fitness issues that have plagued Stones over the past two seasons there is merit in Manchester City cutting their losses with the England international. Stones body has been unreliable and he would seemingly be unavailable to be counted on. There is also Abdukodir Khusanov to factor into the equation. The young defender needs minutes to further his development as a player. Stones staying could limit his opportunities to play next season.

But in the end, the choice of where John Stones plays next season is up to him. With a year left on his contract he doesn’t have to leave Manchester City this summer. He has already made his intentions clear for next season. Stones wants to remain as a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad so if that remains the case at the close of the transfer window he’ll have to stay fit so he can contribute for his team.