The 2025/26 campaign looks set to be a big one in the career of John Stones.
The centre-back has entered the final year of his current contract, and as things stand, the 31-year-old will not be offered a new deal due to his recent fitness issues.
Stones has made it clear that he is not going to leave Man City this summer, with the Englishman also hinting that he plans to end his career at the Manchester club, where he has experienced so much success since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2016.
In order to do that, the defender will need a new contract, and Troy Deeney has suggested the motivation the Man City legend will have to play well enough throughout the upcoming season to earn a new deal.
John Stones ahead of Manchester City v Al Ain.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
John Stones will be motivated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Harry Maguire has stated that John Stones is the best centre-back he has ever played alongside with England, and the duo will be hoping to be on the plane to North America next summer, but have a lot to prove to get into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
Stones was not part of the last England camp during the summer due to fitness issues, which is something the 31-year-old needs to get on top of throughout the 25/26 campaign.
More Man City News
Deeney believes the centre-back will, as the pundit thinks the World Cup will serve as a source of motivation for Stones throughout the new season.
“I think you’re going to see John Stones again at the World Cup next year. John Stones will play more regularly, and I think Dias will play more regularly,” Deeney said on The Football Exchange.
“It’s so annoying for fans to hear. But when you know it’s a World Cup, people are going to just do that little bit more to be fit and to be healthy and engaging.”
Stones did not feature for Man City during any match at the FIFA Club World Cup; therefore, it is unclear what Pep Guardiola has planned for the England star over the coming months.
It will be imperative that the defender works his way into the Man City coach’s plans, as playing well will have an impact on both his club and international career.
Troy Deeney has doubts over James Trafford
In addition to Stones’ situation, Deeney has also shared his thoughts on the scenario in which Man City currently find themselves with their goalkeepers, as it looks like Ederson is set to leave the Manchester club, with Gianluigi Donnarumma coming in to replace the Brazilian.
“I think when you start looking now at what Ederson was doing at Man City, you think about it. Whenever Ederson hits that long ball over the top and they score, it’s ‘Oh my god, what a wonderful assist’, right?
“But he’s made more mistakes. He’s been injured more than ever over the last two seasons. There’s talk that he wants to leave as well now. Wants a new challenge. I think Pep’s thinking there’s not a great deal of goalies out there. There are not really good goalkeepers.
“So I think go get a short-term fix. Can he get Donnarumma to come in with James Trafford, who is a young goalkeeper who is exceptional with his feet?
“I’m not too sure about him from a general goalkeeping point of view, commanding his area, shot-stopping. I’m not sure, but with his feet, he is exceptional.”