Manchester City youngster Max Alleyne has named John Stones as his first-team role model while acknowledging the England international could leave the Etihad Stadium in 2026 when his current contract expires.
The 20-year-old defender, currently on loan at Watford for the 2025/26 campaign, is among Manchester City’s most promising academy graduates. His rise through the City Football Academy has mirrored the pathway of several others who have broken into Pep Guardiola’s first-team setup in recent years, such as Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb, and Nico O’Reilly.
Alleyne joined City from Southampton in 2021 and has continued to impress with his composure and versatility in defence. Speaking while on international duty with the England U21s, he described Stones as the ideal mentor whose style closely resembles his own.
“I think John Stones specifically suits my game quite well, but I think Marc Guehi is a great centre-back and (Ezri) Konsa as well,” Alleyne said. “Anyone in my position would be great to learn from and speak to.”
Stones, who has been one of Guardiola’s most trusted players during City’s recent golden era, faces an uncertain future. The 31-year-old has entered the final year of his contract amid lingering injury concerns and shifting priorities within the Etihad hierarchy under new director of football Hugo Viana.
Viana’s leadership has already brought significant change, with Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, and Ederson departing as part of a major squad rebuild. The club’s current stance suggests that players over 30 will need to consistently perform and maintain peak fitness to secure renewals — a policy that puts Stones under growing pressure this season.
City’s defensive department was severely tested last year due to multiple injuries to Ruben Dias, Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake. But with the arrival of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, alongside Alleyne’s emergence, Guardiola’s backline is evolving toward a younger, more durable core.
While Stones continues to be admired by Guardiola for his tactical intelligence and composure, the 2026 summer could mark the end of an era for one of City’s most decorated defenders if no agreement is reached on a new deal.
For Alleyne, though, Stones remains the blueprint. His leadership, positional awareness, and technical ability have shaped the next generation of defenders coming through the City academy — a legacy that may live on long after the England star’s departure.
FAQ
- Who is Max Alleyne?
Max Alleyne is a 20-year-old defender from Manchester City’s academy, currently on loan at Watford for the 2025/26 season to gain senior-level experience.
- Why did Alleyne name John Stones as his role model?
Alleyne admires Stones’ ability to blend technical skill with tactical intelligence, seeing him as a player whose style of play aligns closely with his own.
- Is John Stones leaving Manchester City?
Stones’ contract expires in 2026, and with the club’s new approach to players over 30, his future remains uncertain unless he can stay fit and consistent.
- What changes has Hugo Viana made at City?
Since becoming director of football, Viana has overseen a major restructuring, parting ways with long-serving stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson while prioritizing youth and fitness longevity.
- Could Alleyne play for Manchester City’s first team soon?
Yes. City view Alleyne as a potential long-term successor in defence, and his development at Watford could accelerate his integration into Guardiola’s senior squad.
Conclusion
Max Alleyne’s admiration for John Stones highlights both the influence of City’s senior figures and the club’s forward-thinking strategy. As the young defender gains valuable experience at Watford, Manchester City’s leadership faces crucial decisions over Stones’ future. Whether the England international stays or departs in 2026, his legacy appears secure — with Alleyne among those ready to carry the torch into City’s next era of defensive excellence.
