Marc Guehi shares upbeat response to John Stones’ message
John Stones’ future at Manchester City is under scrutiny after two injury-hit seasons at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City have a long list of players they’re keen to get rid of this summer which is headlined by the likes of Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips, but Stones could be another big name left on the outer next season.
The 31-year-old managed just 20 appearances in all competitions last season amid a spate of injuries which limited his impact for Man City, and some fans are ready to see Stones moved on this summer.
Stones has been tipped to make a potential return to Everton this summer as part of City’s huge squad overhaul, but Pep Guardiola is yet to strengthen in central defence and may be reluctant to let him leave without a replacement.
Man City return to training as Stones prepares for fresh start
Guardiola’s bid to reduce the size of his squad this summer comes after Man City spent £115million on the signings of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, with their overhaul firmly underway.
Ait-Nouri’s arrival at left-back will allow Josko Gvardiol to make a full-time move into the middle and potentially reduce Stones’ chances of starting, but the England defender is keen to re-establish himself.
Stones posted on Instagram (28 July) after Man City returned to training following their Club World Cup-delayed off-season, and said “back to work!” as he bids to win back a starting place.
Several of Stones‘ Man City team-mates liked his post, as did Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as speculation lingers over his own long-term future this summer.
Tuchel desperate for Stones and Guehi to resolve their futures
Football Insider Verdict
Stones’ battle to re-establish himself at Man City also comes with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, but he’s yet to feature under new England boss Thomas Tuchel after being out of action since October.
Guehi and Ezri Konsa have become Tuchel’s go-to centre-backs in his four matches so far, and Stones will struggle to win back a place in the team despite his role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.
Liverpool are leading the way in the race to sign Guehi from Crystal Palace, and if both he and Stones excel in Champions League-level teams this season, expect Tuchel to give them the nod next summer.