‘Man City to get another seven years out of John Stones’
Man City will hope John Stones can play regularly into his mid-to-late 30s and there is no rush to find a replacement in January.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains well-connected within the game, explained that any incoming defenders would be brought in to play alongside Stones.
The 30-year-old still remains an important part of Pep Guardiola’s side, and his position has not come into question despite talks of a defensive overhaul.
However, he has suffered injury issues throughout his career and was recently ruled out with a foot injury following the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham.
Those injury issues have raised concerns at times, with further cover needed in his position.
City have now began assessing their options ahead of the January transfer window, with a new, younger option at centre-back on their list of targets.
Man City to sign new centre-back to play alongside John Stones
Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi is the latest name linked with a move to the Etihad thanks to his excellent performances on the South Coast.
Robinson, however, explained that Stones’ continued presence in the heart of their defence will provide stability, and it would be wrong to write him off at 30 years old given how far into their careers others in his position have played.
“If you’re writing John Stones off at 30 then there’s no hope,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s only 30 and he’s still got a lot of football ahead of him.
“Especially when you look at what other footballers are doing, playing into their mid-to-late 30s.
“Man City can get another five, six, even seven years out of John Stones, so I don’t think there’s a huge rush to bring in new players.
“Even when you look at the players they’ve already got at the club, they should be in no rush.
“Zabarnyi is the type of player you could see stepping into Pep’s side alongside John Stones, because he’s still got a lot to give.
“Is there an opportunity to bring in new players there? Yeah, there is, but not at Stones’ expense.
“You’re moving players in alongside him to learn and grow alongside him.”
In other news, Leeds have made an audacious bid to land a Man City sensation.
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