John Stones caused a bit of a stir last summer when he reportedly handed in a transfer request at Everton and tried in vain to push through a move to Chelsea.
Whether or not he was unhappy that move didn't come off he has not let it affect his game and he has once again been solid for Everton so far this season. Chelsea still have an interest in the English centre back but now they have been joined by Manchester United and Real Madrid in the queue.
While Chelsea are still interested the manager who tried to sign him, Jose Mourinho, has since departed and Chelsea have slipped down the table. With the prospect of Everton finishing higher than Chelsea and Chelsea not being in Europe next season, the lure of going to Chelsea might have eased for Stones. John Terry is still there to learn from, but Terry is winding down his career and they might not get that much playing time together.
Real Madrid have been hit with a transfer ban so any plans they had for signing Stones are all but ended unless they buy him in the next two weeks. This is unlikely as Everton have shown they won't be messed with and Stones is staying for the season at the very least, Madrid could still sign Stones if he is prepared to wait for an appeal of the ban or wait until the ban is over. This again is unlikely as Everton would not want a player who is only there until he can jump ship.
This is why Stones should move to Manchester United next summer and follow in the footsteps of fellow ex England International Rio Ferdinand. Stones would be paired with Chris Smalling at Manchester United and there is also a strong possibility they will be paired together for England at this summer's Euro 2016. Playing week in week out with Smalling for club and country can only be beneficial for both players. Manchester United have always had strong centre backs as the core of their team. Players like Bruce, Pallister, Johnsen, Berg, Vidic and Ferdinand have won major honours at the heart of the United defence.
When John Stones sits down in the summer to ponder his future he should realise Manchester United are the best option for him. He will be playing with his England captain as well as many other English internationals. Manchester United is a club that nurtures young players and Stones at just 21, has a career full of prospects ahead of him. He should aim to win all the major honours and play at the very highest level possible. Manchester United can offer him that. Rio Ferdinand was also in his early twenty's when Manchester United came calling. I'm sure Ferdinand has no regrets looking back on his decision.
While it is a different United now than when Ferdinand joined, the fact remains it is Manchester United and a players dreams can be realised there if you're willing to put the work in.
Comments
Post a Comment