Juventus consider move for Manchester City's John Stones
Juventus are exploring the possibility of signing Manchester City defender John Stones this summer, according to reports from Italy. The England international, whose contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2025, is reportedly attracted by the prospect of a new challenge in Serie A, with Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti having identified the need for an experienced, high-level defender. Representatives for the player were recently in Turin, specifically at Juventus's Continassa headquarters, to gauge the club's interest and begin preliminary discussions.
The 30-year-old Stones has enjoyed a trophy-laden decade with Manchester City, winning six Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola and could secure a seventh this season. Despite this success, the allure of a final career chapter in Italy is said to appeal to him, even with interest from a couple of unnamed English clubs. For Juventus, a player of Stones's winning pedigree and technical quality is viewed as an ideal profile to strengthen a defence that aims to challenge for the Scudetto next season.
Initial talks have reportedly established that Stones's camp would be seeking a two-year contract with an option for a third. The significant hurdle, however, lies in the financial details and, more critically, the player's recent injury history. Stones has been plagued by muscular problems over the last 18 months, including a calf issue, which have severely limited his playing time. This season, he has managed just seven Premier League appearances, accumulating only 353 minutes on the pitch. Juventus's hierarchy is understood to be keen to thoroughly assess his physical condition before advancing any negotiations.
Should Stones provide sufficient guarantees regarding his fitness, his candidacy would become serious for Juventus. However, the Turin club faces potential competition from within Italy, with reports suggesting both AC Milan and Inter Milan have also received information regarding the defender's availability. Stones's potential arrival would also impact Juventus's existing defensive plans, with Daniele Rugani expected to return from his loan at Fiorentina in July, as the Viola are now unlikely to meet the conditions to make his move permanent.
The move represents a calculated risk for Juventus, balancing the undeniable talent and big-game experience Stones possesses against the clear concerns over his durability. For Stones, it would mark a dramatic shift after a defining period in England, offering a chance to test himself in a new league while continuing to compete for major honours.
