Barcelona Are Showing Interest In This Manchester City Defender: Decent Fit For Flick? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Barcelona are showing interest in Manchester City defender John Stones. It has been revealed that the Catalan club are eager to acquire the services of the English centre-back when his contract at the Etihad Stadium runs out at the end of this campaign.

Stones’ Important Role For Man City This Season

Stones has served as a useful squad player for Man City this season and has managed to put in a few solid performances on the defensive end of the field. The English talent has participated in ten matches for the Mancunian giants in this campaign across all competitions.

The 31-year-old has been a decent performer when defending inside his half as he has made five blocks, two interceptions and 13 clearances in the Premier League. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from the back, based on his pass success rate of 91.5% in the English top tier (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the Mancunian club will run out next summer, which could give Barcelona a chance to snap him up on a free transfer at the end of this season.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 09: John Stones of England in action during the International Friendly between England and Wales at Wembley Stadium on October 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Is Stones A Good Fit For Manchester City?

Stones is a solid tackler of the ball and can scan the danger well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and is even proficient at playing his way out from the back.

Standing at 1.88m, the English sensation can use his strong frame to win his fair share of 50-50 aerial duels. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in La Liga if Barcelona manage to bring him on board next year.

Stones would add more bite and steel to Barca boss Hansi Flick’s defence. He has got the experience and skill set to play an important role in the Catalan club’s squad over the next couple of seasons.

At 31, Stones might still have a few good years left in him to play at his best. Therefore, he would be a decent fit for Barcelona‘s needs in the short term. However, Flick needs to look at some of his other targets if he is planning to improve his squad for the long run.