Leeds United should consider John Stones as perfect Ben White replacement – TBR View

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Leeds United will be playing Premier League football next season and the mission for the club now is to get prepared for the top-flight. 

There are clear areas where Leeds will need to improve for next season. Another striker is needed to alleviate pressure off Patrick Bamford. Another midfielder could also help, as has been highlighted with Patrick Struijk’s, admittedly impressive, recent involvement. 

But the main area for concern is at centre-back. Ben White’s loan deal is up and Brighton appear to have no interest in sending him back to Elland Road, such has been his incredible Championship form. The recent injury to Gaetano Berardi, who was due for a contract renewal, just highlighted how much Leeds are light at the back. 

So should Leeds join the race for an England international in vital need of a career intervention?

The player in question is John Stones. 

Not dissimilar in style to White, Stones is a ball-playing centre-back whose career has taken a hit in recent times. 

He has slipped out of the Manchester City picture and earlier this month Pep Guardiola confirmed the 26-year-old might be on his way out of The Etihad. 

Whilst Stones is a beacon for criticism, his ability is clear to see. Stones has 39 caps for England and City paid Everton a reported (Sky Sports) £47.5m for his services in 2016. 

Initially, Stones improved and was a key member of England’s team at the 2018 World Cup. In 2017, he received big praise from Pep Guardiola. “There is no doubt about his quality,” Guardiola was quoted as telling talkSPORT after Stones starred in a 4-0 Champions League triumph over Feyenoord. “John knows what is the gap and where he has to improve, defending the duels, but he’s so young and he is able to achieve.

“When he does, he will become an exceptional central defender.”

Unfortunately, injuries and errors crept back into Stones’ game and he no longer has the trust of Guardiola. 

With City now closing in on Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake, there is clearly no immediate first-team future for Stones at City. 

Leeds United have good links with City, as evident by Jack Harrison’s recent renewal of a loan deal that will take him into his third year at Elland Road. 

On top of that, Leeds boss Bielsa has the respect of Guardiola, who might see this as a last chance to develop a genuine City player out of Stones under the Argentine’s fierce particularity. 

Stones is also a Yorkshire boy at heart, albeit from the south rather than the west, and would surely relish the chance to go back to his roots and try to resurrect his once fledgling career. 

Leeds could not afford a permanent deal for Stones, but a loan for a season as a replacement for White could be perfect for all parties.