Man City plan to agree deal with ‘excellent’ player who is ‘worth his weight in gold’
Pep Guardiola has overseen a major overhaul of his squad over the last 12 months as he aims to refresh the starting XI for another title charge.
Last season, Guardiola‘s side went trophyless for the first time since the 2016-17 season after their FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, and finished 13 points behind Liverpool.
As a result, former City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Man City were gearing up for an overhaul with major sales on the horizon.
Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Kyle Walker were among the senior stars allowed to leave, while around £360million has been spent since the January window opened.
However, Guardiola remains keen to keep some of his experienced players at the Etihad and is now making efforts to keep hold of John Stones.
Man City plan to agree new John Stones contract
Man City have opened contract talks with Stones, with his current deal set to expire in 2026, as they have no plans to let him leave the club as things stand.
The England international is valued as a key player both on and off the pitch, with his influence in the dressing room seen as a valuable asset by Guardiola.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Stones is “worth his weight in gold” to Guardiola’s side.
“Man City look like they want to keep Stones at the club,” he told Football Insider.
“From what I’m told, whether it’s as part of the England squad or the Man City squad, he’s very highly thought of by everybody he deals with.
“He’s a good lad, everybody says that he’s good to have in the dressing room and he’s a good influence on his teammates.
“That’s a very important asset to have in any squad, and something I’m sure Guardiola values highly, those types of players are worth their weight in gold.
“Especially with the changes going on at Man City right now, with a load of young players coming in, you need these senior players and voices to help with that.
“So it comes as no surprise to me they want him to sign a new contract, even though he’s had these injury issues which of course are going to be a concern.
“His presence at the club is enough to warrant a new deal, and if he can stay fit, he’ll be more than worth it because he’s still an excellent footballer.”
Stones has missed 33 club games through injury since the start of the 2024-25 season, leading to new concerns, but City are hopeful he is now back to full fitness.
Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden: Man City step up contract plans
Alongside Stones, a number of key players at Man City have been flagged as long-term concerns with regard to their contract issues.
Man City have been urged to extend Phil Foden’s terms, with his current deal set to expire in 2027 following a return to his best form at the Etihad.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 15 September that Man City want to extend Bernardo Silva’s contract, which is due to expire at the end of the season.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 17 September that Guardiola could let Silva leave as part of his ongoing plans to overhaul his squad at the Etihad.
This comes after former Benfica boss Bruno Lage confessed Silva would “be a Benfica player soon“ and revealed “there is a contract waiting for him” with the move already lined up.
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