Manchester City are reportedly in discussions with England centre-back John Stones about an extension to his existing contract.
According to Football Transfers, Manchester City are now in talks with John Stones regarding a contract extension that could see the England international stay at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2027.
The Cityzens are alleged to have made a gentleman’s agreement with Stones when he signed his most recent renewal in 2021 that they would initiate talks with him about another extension during the current 2023–24 season.
True to their word, the club have proposed that Stones could join the bracket of their highest earners if he agrees to their terms to update his deal by another 12 months, i.e., until 2027.
After Kevin De Bruyne, Stones is the second longest-serving member of the Manchester City squad and has been at the club since 2016, when they signed him from Everton for a hefty £47.5 million.
While he has fallen out of favour under Guardiola in the past, notably nearing an exit in 2020, Stones has become integral to Manchester City’s style of play over the last couple of seasons thanks to his composure on the ball and versatility.
A centre-back by trade, the former Barnsley and Everton centre-back has been morphed into one of Europe’s most composed operators in the middle of the park by Guardiola during Manchester City’s imperious march to the historic treble last season, sitting alongside Rodri at the base of City’s fluid midfield whilst also having operated at right-back at times for the City boss.
That dynamic role comes after the England international established himself as a regular starter at City when the former Everton centre-back formed a formidable partnership alongside Ruben Dias as a central defensive pairing.
Now, Manchester City are expected to acknowledge Stones’ importance to the squad as well as reward him for his progress under Guardiola, who is eager to ensure the defender’s long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
This contract extension would make sure that the 29-year-old will continue to spend his prime footballing years at Manchester City.
Football Transfers goes on to add that there is also an ambition inside the club to tie manager Guardiola down to a new long-term deal as well, with his existing agreement expiring at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Catalan boss’ long-term future beyond his current deal remains somewhat up in the air, with the club’s hierarchy still awaiting the five-time Premier League winners’ decision before proposing him a new contract to keep leading Manchester City to even more trophies.
