Leeds fans split on John Stones as free-agent window heats up
Leeds United supporters are split on whether John Stones should be Daniel Farke's next free-agent signing after Pascal Struijk's sale to Brighton. BBC Sport fans back the 32-year-old's Premier League experience but warn about age and injuries; bookmakers have shortened Leeds' odds to 20/1 as transfer buzz grows.
BBC Sport asked Whites supporters which out-of-contract players Leeds should pursue — and which linked names they hope never arrive. The debate lands as Leeds Live reports the club may return to the free-agent market after Harry Wilson's summer masterstroke, with Struijk's £18million move to Brighton forcing Daniel Farke to rebuild his back line.
Key Takeaways
- Supporters back John Stones for Premier League experience but question whether a 32-year-old fits Leeds' long-term plans.
- Gideon Mensah, Xavier Schlager and Julian Brandt are among the free agents fans want the club to explore.
- Shea Charles, Lloyd Kelly and a linked Japan goalkeeper are names Leeds fans explicitly want to avoid.
- Bookmakers cut Leeds' Stones odds to 20/1, though Bayern Munich remain favourites at 7/4.
- Leeds conceded 56 Premier League goals last season — only the bottom four sides leaked more.
Why are Leeds fans debating John Stones?
Pascal Struijk started 33 league games last season before Leeds sold him for an initial £18million to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules. That leaves a hole Daniel Farke must fill without burning transfer budget that chairman Paraag Marathe wants reserved for "moonshots."
Stones fits the profile on paper. The Barnsley academy graduate left Manchester City as a free agent after his contract expired, made 18 appearances in 2025-26 despite injuries, and played the full 120 minutes in England's 2-1 World Cup win over Norway. England boss Thomas Tuchel kept faith in him despite just five league starts last term.
Supporters quoted by BBC Sport see the upside clearly. Stephen would take Stones as a Struijk replacement even though he is not left-footed. Andrew called him a beneficial recruit who brings top-flight experience to the backline.
What concerns do supporters have about the move?
Not every fan is convinced. Another Noah comment on BBC Sport noted Stones is 32, not exactly in his prime, and would be a very important player for Leeds — but probably would not start for Champions League sides. Leeds Live frames the same tension: Struijk was a cornerstone, and replacing him with an injury-prone veteran is a gamble.
Yahoo Sports, citing Football Insider, reports the risk in starker terms. Leeds could pay high wages for a defender who barely featured when fit last season. Farke's side conceded 56 goals in 2025-26; only the bottom four Premier League clubs were leakier. Stones may still be a top defender when available, but availability is the question.
Which free agents and targets do fans want to avoid?
Beyond Stones, the BBC fan panel offered a shopping list and a do-not-call list. Johan backed Ghana left-back Gideon Mensah after his performance against England. Andrew flagged Austria midfielder Xavier Schlager from World Cup scouting. Several fans urged Leeds to finish business already in motion rather than chase new names.
The avoid list is just as loud. Noah told BBC Sport not to sign Shea Charles, who scored one goal last season for a club with little demands — even as Leeds Live notes Farke's side still has interest in the Southampton midfielder. Stephen ruled out Lloyd Kelly after a disaster spell at Juventus. Robert warned against signing a linked Japan goalkeeper, arguing he is roughly Karl Darlow's level and better than Lucas Perri, but not good enough for Leeds' ambitions.
Can Leeds actually land John Stones?
Transfer noise is building, but competition is fierce. Football Insider reports Bayern Munich lead the market at 7/4, with Vincent Kompany — Stones' former Manchester City teammate — potentially eyeing a reunion. Inter Milan sit at 2/1, Juventus at 7/2, and Everton at 6/1.
Leeds' shortened 20/1 odds reflect buzz more than certainty. Stones has not decided his next club and will choose after the World Cup. For supporters tracking every twist in this summer's transfer theatre, more oddball football stories sit in our Bizarre World section.