As anyone who follows football, even casually, will know player power is everything these days.
No matter how much a club wants to hold on to their prime assets, and no matter how long the contract of the player, if the star himself wants to leave, he can usually force his way out of the club.
And so Chelsea fans will be pleased to hear that, according the highly respected media outlet, The Guardian, John Stones is open to a move to West London this summer. They write:
Chelsea may be forced to set transfer record to buy Everton’s John Stones
• José Mourinho may have to pay record £30m for Stones
• Stones believed to be keen on move if a fee can be agreed
Stones – Future Chelsea captain?
We were certain that the player would be happy to remain at Goodison for the forseeble future. At just 21 he’s got years left in the tank and a big move at this stage of his career could set him back years.
We have seen time and time again players who make a big career move to early and consequently stagnate or even go backwards. With John Terry and Gary Cahill ahead of him in the pecking order Stones may find himself benched for much of next season which could harm his development.
But that said, we think he’s already a better player than Cahill and, at 34, Terry won’t last too much longer.
A move still hinges on whether Chelsea will come up with the sort of money that Everton will accept. Roberto Martinez does not want to lose the player so, to this end, they can bend Chelsea over a barrel and spank them within £1 of insolvency. A player of this quality and youth could well end up commanding a fee close to £40m.
We still think that the fee may prove too much for Chelsea at this point. But the player may yet agitate for a move, which could change the dynamic of the situation.
Let’s see Stones in action. Chelsea fans: worth the money?
John Stones
Jul 28, 2015 at 10:18 am
Chelsea rent boys? nah you’re alright.