Liverpool’s defensive line is facing a potential overhaul in the coming months, and former Reds midfielder Gary McAllister has thrown an intriguing name into the mix: Manchester City’s John Stones. With key players like Ibrahima Konate potentially departing as a free agent and captain Virgil van Dijk approaching 35, Arne Slot’s side is in dire need of reinforcements at center-back. McAllister believes Stones, whose contract at City expires in the summer, could be the perfect solution to bolster Liverpool’s backline.
The suggestion comes at a time when Liverpool’s defensive options are stretched thin. Joe Gomez has been plagued by injuries, and young prospect Giovanni Leoni is sidelined with an ACL recovery. Even now, ahead of their Champions League clash with Qarabag, Slot confirmed that only Van Dijk is fully available, with Wataru Endo likely stepping in as a makeshift partner. “I can confirm that [Gomez] is not available,” Slot stated in a press conference. “I expect him back in a relatively short time.” Konate, meanwhile, has been absent following the tragic death of his father, with Slot adding, “Of course I spoke to him. If you know why he is not here, of course we both know that he is having a hard time. I’m hoping and expecting him back soon, but also not for tomorrow evening’s game.”
Stones, who will turn 32 by the summer, has seen limited action this season at Manchester City, logging just 350 minutes in the Premier League due to a thigh injury. Despite this, McAllister praises the England international’s pedigree and potential fit at Anfield. Speaking to OLBG, the ex-Liverpool star said, “Listen, Stones has had an almighty career. He’s been outstanding. It depends on what mentality John’s got, whether he wants to go maybe drop a level and play more games or stay at the level but know that he’s not going to play the matches that he might want to play.”
McAllister envisions Stones thriving in Liverpool’s possession-based style under Slot. “He might just be used when needed and if he did go to Liverpool, they’re not going to be defending a lot and they’re going to have a lot of the ball so he can just come in and cover,” he explained. “That’s the sort of level of player Liverpool will definitely be looking at, I’m sure.”
While signing a veteran with injury concerns might raise eyebrows, Stones’ experience could prove invaluable, especially as he eyes a role in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico under new manager Thomas Tuchel. For Liverpool, this could be a shrewd, low-risk move to address immediate and future needs at the heart of their defense.
As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Slot heeds McAllister’s advice and makes a bold raid on rivals Manchester City. If it happens, it could indeed shake things up at Anfield.