John Stones

[RichardDunneOwnGoal]

So you think we should be in for Williams?

No, not at all. I'm inclined to think we shouldn't be in for either to be honest.

I'd be tempted to give the £50m to Juve for Bonucci, maybe more if need be. Clear upgrade for us at the back, several times the player Stones is, even if he's not English and won't represent a longterm addition.

Then we could start introducing the likes of Tosin, depending on how they do.

The Laporte move falling through was a huge blow though, if we'd secured him I would've been more than happy for us to knock this one on the head.

If Stones then went on to have a stand out year under Koeman, then we could come back in a year.

 

[Rammy Blue]

No, not at all. I'm inclined to think we shouldn't be in for either to be honest.

I'd be tempted to give the £50m to Juve for Bonucci, maybe more if need be. Clear upgrade for us at the back, several times the player Stones is, even if he's not English and won't represent a longterm addition.

Then we could start introducing the likes of Tosin, depending on how the do.

The Laporte move falling through was a huge blow though, if we'd secured him I would've been more than happy for us to knock this one on the head.

If Stones then went on to have a stand out year under Koeman we could come back in a year.

Fair enough, however I'll wager you are eating your words once Stones is signed and settled. I think he is top drawer and will marshall our defence for the next few years.

 

[Dax777]

In the same way Pogba is not a fit for us , but will suit the rather old fashioned way United play, Stones is an absolute fit for the way we play. Vidic, Adams types need not apply.

After years of whinning aboutus never getting ball playing defenders, it seems City has finally arrived at my long in the tooth position. Love it :)

 

[Phil1]

They're not actually chalk and cheese though mate, Williams is currently comfortably the better defender and he's strong on the ball too. He's not as strong in possession as Stones, and he won't dribble out the back the way Stones does, but he's not weak in possession.

Just irritated me seeing that link, knowing that, in the short term at least, should both moves go through they'll be guaranteed an upgrade on Stones and we'll be paying for him and they'll still have tens of millions to spare as well.

I see the rationale in signing Stones, don't get me wrong, I just have real doubts about the move.

You're right to have concerns but you shouldn't get hung up on the Williams thing. He's a player who has had a good if not spectacular career and will probably do ok at Everton.
We're not after "ok" though, we're willing to pay the big bucks for the extra special players who just need the right guidance to fulfil their potential. I feel this why we're seeing the kind of signings we have this Summer. There's a clear plan at City and we finally have the right man to implement it.

 

[manimanc]

Agree I think Stones is a fantastic player but I don't blame people for being sceptical and not wanting to give the scousers a good fee for him the other thing is how many centre half's have we bought in the last few years for big money and for one reason or another it hasn't worked out well let's hope stones can be the one to buck the trend

I'd say we've had decent centre halves but not played to their strengths tactics wise. Pep will play people to their strengths at least.

 

[RichardDunneOwnGoal]

Fair enough, however I'll wager you are eating your words once Stones is signed and settled. I think he is top drawer and will marshall our defence for the next few years.

If the move goes through I'll absolutely be hoping to eat my words. I'll be hoping to fuck I'd be eating my words, because that'd mean my concerns were unwarranted and he went on to be a great success, which is undoubtedly what we'd all want from such a signing.

Just expressing some doubt in the meantime.

 

[waspish]

He'd never sell us Smalling.

I was joking probably you are because Smalling is fucking garbage he makes a mistake every game he plays.

 

[HelloCity]

There's a reason Pep Guardiola and Manchester City want John Stones and Williams plays for Swansea City.

 

[robbieh]

After years of whinning aboutus never getting ball playing defenders, it seems City has finally arrived at my long in the tooth position. Love it :)

To be fair Dax ball playing CBs have been a bit thin on the ground in England. But quite why we have bought foreigners equally uncomfortable with the ball is a mystery.

 

[Marvin]

In the same way Pogba is not a fit for us , but will suit the rather old fashioned way United play, Stones is an absolute fit for the way we play. Vidic, Adams types need not apply.

Adams did well under Wenger. No one thought he would, but he did.