Vincent Kompany has already made his feelings clear on John Stones as Bayern Munich eye deal

Bayern Munich could hold a key advantage in the race for John Stones as the defender's future remains uncertain at Man City.

The 31-year-old is, arguably, one of the best centre-halves to ever play for the Citizens, but in the 2025-26 campaign, he has just 14 appearances to his name across all competitions.

With nearly 300 appearances for the club since joining from Everton in 2016, he has become a much-loved figure amongst the fanbase, despite all of his injury problems.

Stones, however, will see his current contract run out at the end of the current season, with very few signs of Man City offering him new terms, unless they are massively reduced.

• Read more: Man City fans believe they have already discovered John Stones' successor.

Vincent Kompany would love to work with John Stones again

Stones' injury history certainly needs to be studied before any club makes a move for him in the summer, but given their experiences together, Vincent Kompany has seen first-hand what he is capable of.

That, of course, is when the England international is fully fit and capable of playing an entire 90 minutes, which he appears to have done more for his nation than his club in recent seasons.

Despite his issues off the pitch, the Bayern manager has always been incredibly complimentary of the 31-year-old, predicting him to become "one of the world's best defenders" back in 2017.

In 2019 [Sports Illustrated], he described Stones as the "full package" as the centre-half went from strength to strength at the Etihad Stadium, and his talent has not subsided at all over the years.

• Read more: Bayern Munich could be about to lose Harry Kane this summer.

What has Pep Guardiola said about the Man City defender?

There has been very little movement on the England international's future, and many are expecting this to be his final season after Guardiola brought Marc Guehi to the Etihad during the winter window.

Speaking last month, Guardiola said: I think what happened in the last two seasons will be defined in a decision at the end of the season. Right now, I don’t know. I would like to know it, the answer, but I don’t know."

That does absolutely nothing to instill confidence in those at the Etihad, who are waiting patiently to hear about Stones' future after a decade in Manchester.

It will be a painful day when he finally ends his time with the Citizens, but it will be bitter sweet if he reunites with Kompany in the Bundesliga as a result.