On a recent edition of ESPN FC’s ‘Transfer Rater,’ ex-Liverpool player Steve Nicol joined Kay Murray to discuss the latest transfer stories from the Premier League and one of the topics that came up during the show is the likelihood of John Stones leaving Manchester City.
Last week, Sky Sports published an article stating that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola ‘has cast doubt’ over Stones’ future at the club and this report included some quotes from Guardiola who said: “I am honest with [the players] and the moment I will feel – not with John but with any player – if we have to change, we are going to tell them.”
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The Catalan coach was also quoted as explaining that while he believes that Stones’ quality “is there,” the 26-year-old has “struggled with his injuries” during his time at Manchester City.
Nicol shared his thoughts on Stones’ future at the Etihad during his recent appearance on ESPN FC’s Transfer Rater, where he said: (2:23) “I think you just need to look at Man City’s teamsheet over the last 18 months. That’s the real cast of doubt that’s been going on at Manchester City with Pep and Stones.
“Every time he’s played him he’s given him a heart attack. He’s got a mistake in him all the time, the opposition know that and that buoys them up and so this is not a shock whatsoever. There’s no question John Stones will leave City, the question is – when will it be?
“Will it be at the end of his contract? [30th June 2022] Because he’ll be on good money and, I guess, the horrible word is – he’s damaged goods, really and I don’t think there’s many clubs willing to pay the sort of money he’s getting in wages, nevermind a transfer fee right now. So I would suggest this could be the end of a contract when these two break up, but they’re certainly going to be breaking up.”
Do you believe that John Stones' days are numbered at Manchester City?YES
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Since joining City in August 2016, Stones has suffered a variety of different injuries and according to Transfermarkt, the defender has missed 12 games due to injury this season alone.
16 City players have accumulated more Premier League minutes than Stones this season according to WhoScored, who also give Stones a disappointing average overall rating of 6.68 for the 2019/20 league season – a lower rating than a total of 18 other City players have achieved this term.
With that in mind, as well as Guardiola’s recent comments which cast doubt over the 26-year-old’s future at the Etihad, it may be understandable why Nicol believes that £32.4m-rated Stones’ days may be numbered at Manchester City.