Forget John Stones, Man City must extend star's contract who Pep Guardiola said is 'the most talented' he's ever seen
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Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Sat 27 September 2025 7:45, UK
John Stones’ contract situation should not be top of the pile when Man City decide which players require new deals this season.
Stones’ current deal runs out next summer, having originally arrived from Everton almost a decade ago, and much has been said about whether it is a good idea to hand the defender a new contract.
The 31-year-old made just six Premier League starts last season, with injuries far too often keeping the player on the sidelines.
Nonetheless, Man City are preparing contract talks with Stones.
While he is a much-loved figure at the Etihad Stadium, there is just no way to justify keeping him around, unless the contract has special requirements in terms of money per game played, for example.
Credit: Imago
Pep Guardiola has very often had to depend on other centre-backs to fill the spot left by Stones over the last few seasons, with Manuel Akanji‘s bargain arrival coming at just the right time.
While the England international is currently fit and ready, City fans have been burned multiple times before by trusting that he is ready to return from injury before suffering yet another setback.
His injury record speaks for itself since his arrival in the summer of 2016.
Once again, while he is a much-loved figure amongst the fanbase, there are far better options to extend their contracts.
John Stones’ seasons at Man CityMatches missed for club and country via injury2024-25322023-24122022-23132020-2162019-20182018-19132017-1817Total109
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Although it has been a rough few months for him, Phil Foden is a Man City fan through and through, never being sidetracked by the thought of joining another club after coming through the academy ranks.
Foden was finally back to his best against Napoli, who also scored in the derby win over Man United, but with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2027, clubs will be lining up for his signature.
Guardiola once said, “I have said many times in press conferences, but maybe not said it in front of him, Phil is the most, most, most talented player I have ever seen in my career as a manager.” [BBC Sport].
While it has been a disappointing period for the 25-year-old, he still notched 15 goal contributions in all competitions last term, and now appears set for a consistent run in the team due to injuries.
Foden has been a constant figure in the squad since his breakthrough in 2017, and given how much of his career he has already given to Man City, it would be a huge shame to see him leave.
Clubs across the Premier League are aware of just how tricky contract negotiations can get if left too late, so if City are planning talks with Stones, that energy would best be served talking to Foden’s representatives.