‘Not an upgrade, no thanks’ – Man City fans react to John Stones – Mason Holgate cash-plus-player deal latest

Fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relays reports that Manchester City are plotting a new raid on Everton for Mason Holgate and may offer John Stones in part-exchange

City are expected to be in the market for a new central defender in the summer after failing to replace Vincent Kompany this season.

Holgate emerged as a reported transfer target for Pep Guardiola’s men after his improved form in central defence since the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park.

Guardiola’s defence has proved his side’s weak link at many stages of the season, with injuries to the likes of Aymeric Laporte being compounded by the poor form of defenders such as John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi

According to Football Insider, Manchester City are keen on Everton defender Mason Holgate (23) – and may offer John Stones as part of a cash-plus-player deal.

The report added that City accept it will be even harder to prise Holgate from Goodison Park now he is tied down until 2025.

Holgate’s ability to play in different roles is another appealing facet to his potential. Beyond playing at centre-back and in midfield, the 23-year-old spent the bulk of his campaign with West Brom last season at right-back.

In reaction to the report shared on Twitter by City Xtra and City chief, Manchester City fans have expressed their thoughts and opinions

Not an upgrade, no thanks

— Callum (@callmatthews) June 27, 2020

Upgrade for the player, downgrade for the team ..

— Mazi Nnamdi (@real_clemzy) June 27, 2020

Stones is better than him, no thanks

— Birty (@_Birty) June 27, 2020

“We need two defenders this window. If it’s koulibaly and holgate, that would be solid. He’s less error prone that stones which is a plus.”, claimed one fan.

while another asked, “Mason Holgate?? Are we getting relegated to the championship after CAS trial??”

Another tweet said:”Laporte, Koulibaly, Dinho, Ota, Stones, Garcia and THB are all better CBs than Holgate so why would we want him? We need quality over quantity (koulibaly), have him and Laporte as main CBs, Nico as backup, Dinho as utility and THB and Garcia coming through. Straight sell Stones”

 Although I don’t agree with the deal, Mason Holgate would be a great squad signing. He’s very versatile, comfortable on the ball and English, he could be very useful as long as he’s not first choice.