Manchester City centre-back John Stones has taken to Instagram to post images of himself back in training ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 26-year-old has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham this summer, but the defender seems determined to remain at the Etihad, simply stating that he is “back at it” as he builds up his fitness.
Some fans were supportive of Stones, but others simply feel that the centre-half would be better off leaving the club, considering he is quite a way down the pecking order:
Time to prove your worthy boy….this season is do or die for this lad
— Brian Muchenagumbo (@Beemuchena) September 13, 2020
Lol who’s to say he not our first choice?
— onemilli (@onemilli1) September 13, 2020
Good God just go
— ngulaartwangula (@gulaartwangula) September 13, 2020
For a sell you need buyers
— eddy (@eddy59170864) September 13, 2020
He is too weak and could not prove himself last season!!!
— Amigo (@Amigo93123600) September 13, 2020
I think john stones is a good choice for luton town
— GIORGOS PAPADOPOULOS (@deminio88) September 13, 2020
Bulk up or go home stones
— ♧ (@Mus7xb) September 13, 2020
We are actually gonna go into next season with the same deadwood ffs
— Evxlved (@Clarke_Dolphin) September 13, 2020
City have yet to sign a player who can strengthen the right-sided centre-back position and, for the time being at least, Stones will be competing with Nicolas Otamendi and Eric Garcia.
However, both of his rivals for a starting berth have been heavily linked with moves away from the Manchester club so the England international could be hoping for a reprieve. If Kalidou Koulibaly does sign on the dotted line, though, it would be difficult to see where he would get game time.
