Coventry City are now plotting a shock move for John Stones, with the defender set to leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Coventry eyeing stunning Stones move after sealing Premier League promotion
After 25 long years, Coventry have finally been promoted back to the Premier League, lifting the Championship title after a 3-1 victory against play-off chasing Wrexham at the weekend.
Keeping the Sky Blues in the top flight is Frank Lampard’s next task, which means signing players with Premier League experience in the summer may be crucial.
Stones definitely fits the bill in that regard, with the Man City star making 255 appearances in the competition, and lifting the title on six occasions during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
However, having struggled on the injury front, the Englishman has been unable to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans this season, faling to make a league appearance since the start of December, and he is set to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
That’s where Coventry come in, with a report from Sports Boom revealing Coventry are now plotting a shock move for Stones, who won’t be offered a contract extension at the Etihad Stadium.
The centre-back was ‘briefly’ an England teammate of Sky Blues boss Lampard, before the former midfielder retired, and he is still thought of in high regard by Thomas Tuchel, who singled him out for high praise earlier this season.
John Stones’ chances of going to the World Cup with England
The £250k-a-week defender, who has represented the Three Lions on 87 occasions, will be available for the World Cup, according to Man City manager Pep Guardiola, who said: “Definitely. He has been injured many times, now he is back.
“I cannot judge his performance because he has been a little bit out. I don’t have doubts with John. When he reaches his level, he is a top central defender.”
Tuchel also hinted the Barnsley-born defender could be on the plane, insisting he is a “big part” of his plans and “has a lot of credit in the bank” at the end of March.
However, Stones’ injury record may still be a concern for Coventry, having missed a lot of football for both club and country over the past four seasons.
|
John Stones’ injury record |
Matches missed |
|
2022-23 |
12 |
|
2023-24 |
11 |
|
2024-25 |
34 |
|
2025-26 |
24 |
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