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Star defender in advanced talks with Manchester City over a new contract

By Rohan Sengupta

Manchester City's English defender John Stones celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on January 17, 2021. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's English defender John Stones celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on January 17, 2021. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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According to a report from the Sun, Manchester City are set to reward John Stones with a bumper five-year contract worth up to £39million.

John Stones, 26, has enjoyed a renaissance in form this season, re-establishing himself as an important figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad after falling down the pecking order in recent campaigns. The center-back has been really solid at the heart of Manchester City’s defense, clocking 30 appearances across all competitions. With five goals scored this term, he has also demonstrated his threat from set-pieces.

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Following his consistent displays at the back for Manchester City this term, the Barnsley-born defender was also recalled to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup Qualifiers in March.

With his current deal expiring in the summer of 2022, the Cityzens are keen to tie John Stones down to new £150,000-a-week terms, which will include a number of incentives and bonuses for trophies, appearances, and clean sheets, the report adds.

This comes after Kevin de Bruyne committed his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium by penning a two-year extension to his current contract earlier this month, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2025.

The idea to secure De Bruyne’s future at the club before opening talks over a new contract with Stones shows Pep Guardiola and City’s intent to keep hold of their star assets.

Coming back to Stones, the 26-year-old, who was one of Guardiola’s first signings when arriving from Everton for a lot of money back in 2016, has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season.

At one point, Stones’ career at Manchester City seemed to be over following various injury problems and fitness concerns along with a lack of form before the 2020/21 season.

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The big-money summer signing of Ruben Dias from Benfica only made Stones’ exit from the Etihad Stadium imminent, but full credit to the Barnsley-born star for fighting his way back into Guardiola’s plans and delivering the goods.

The England international has formed a formidable partnership with Dias at the back, leading Manchester City to an incredible 28-game unbeaten run that spurred Guardiola’s side from 11th place in late November to 10 points clear off cross-town rivals Manchester United at the summit currently.

All in all, an impending new five-year deal shows Guardiola’s renewed faith in Stones, who is expected to be named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 in the summer.

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