Chelsea have been urged to sign John Stones this summer, with the defender on the market after his Manchester City exit was confirmed. The 31-year-old has been at the Etihad since 2016 and was among Pep Guardiola's first signings. He has been a crucial cog in City's trophy-laden era but will seek a fresh challenge once the season ends, having fallen down the pecking order.
Stones' Impressive Career
Stones has made 294 appearances for City, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League. His quality and winning experience would be a huge plus for any side. Former Chelsea and England manager Glenn Hoddle insists the Blues should be looking to make a move.
Speaking on TNT Sports' The Breakdown, Hoddle said: "They need a couple of really experienced players that want to be there, but they're good apples, they're not bad apples. John Stones is going to move. He's a certainty… I'd be going left, right and centre to get him. He's a good character, a good player still."
Chelsea's Troubled Season
The west Londoners have endured a horror campaign, axing two managers, as their young squad fails to push on. Adding Stones would complement their youthfulness. Chelsea are yet to appoint a successor to Liam Rosenior, who was sacked after only three months despite being handed a six-year deal. The Blues' owners, fronted by Todd Boehly, have ploughed through managers since buying the club in 2022.
Hoddle added: "I think there is a disillusionment within the players at the people above, at the top. Yes, Chelsea have changed so many managers over the years, they go through managers left, right and centre, but they bring in trophies all the time. Even last year they brought in two trophies. If I was at Chelsea now I'd call for a meeting with everyone. The owners, the players and the management and the staff ought to talk and thrash this out because there's only one way it's going to go and that's on a downward spiral."
Stones has given no indication on his next move, but Chelsea fans will hope their club acts on Hoddle's advice to secure a proven winner on a free transfer.
