After a bad season with Everton and after a bad experience with the English National Team in France, where he was benched the whole time as manager Hodgson preferred starting Smalling-Cahill duo, it looks like John Stones wants to make a new big step in his career.
Reports at the beginning of the transfer window were indicating a possible transfer to Manchester United, with Mourinho being interested in acquiring Stones’ services since his days at Chelsea, but it looks like the promising English defender is heading to the ‘blue part of Manchester’.
Stones, who is still holidaying after the Euro cup and is not back with the squad at Goodison Park for pre-season preparations, will be Guardiola’s main man in City’s defense according to a report by ESPN. The constant injury problems that has plaqued Kompany and Mangala not catching up with the Premier League rhythm are some big reasons why Guardiola could want to bring in defensive reinforcement.
Everton are said to be demanding in excess of £50 million for the highly rated English centre back and it appears Guardiola wants him regardless of how much ridiculous money Everton are demanding for.
It is reported that Stones himself wants the move to Etihad, Guardiola wants the defender too and as of now, it just depends on when City decides to firm up their interest with a bid. If Stones joins City, he will be Guardiola’s second transfer since his takeover. The first one Nolito from Celta Vigo, a promising Spanish attacking midfielder.
But is Stones really worth £50 million? I personally do not think so. Everton are demanding that much money for him simply because he is an English man, nothing more. He is certainly a good defender, that could end up as a world class centre back if he continues to develop well, but certainly not a player in the class of Mats Hummels, and even Hummels wasn’t sold for £50 million.
