Stones will push Inter defenders to raise their level, says Bisseck

Inter centre-back Yann Bisseck believes new signing John Stones “will force the other defenders to raise their level.”

Stones joined the reigning Serie A champions this summer as a free agent, signing a two-year deal following his departure from Manchester City.

The 32-year-old made 295 appearances for City after joining from Everton in 2016, winning 17 major trophies during his time in Manchester.

Stones won six Premier League titles, the last of which came in 2023-24, while he also helped City clinch their maiden Champions League crown a season earlier.

Inter won both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia last season, but they were knocked out of the Champions League in the knockout-stage play-off round, by Bodo/Glimt.

Bisseck expects Stones to have a big impact on the team and welcomes the competition for a starting position in Cristian Chivu’s squad.

“It’s right that it’s this way. We’re Inter, not just any club,” Bisseck told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It’s normal for a squad like ours to be full of good players, and internal competition stops you relaxing.

“When a high-profile player walks into the dressing room, it’s always a positive.

“Stones will force the other defenders to raise their level, and as a result the team’s performance improves.

“I don’t see the problem. There are lots of matches, lots of competitions, there’ll be room for everyone. I’m not worried at all.”

Tra un frame e l’altro  pic.twitter.com/fLF3JbPXyz

— Inter  (@Inter) August 4, 2026

Inter’s defence also features the likes of Alessandro Bastoni, Manuel Akanji and Benjamin Pavard, while Bisseck committed his future to the club with a recent contract extension.

The 25-year-old signed a new five-year deal with Inter despite reported interest from Bayern Munich in his native Germany.

“The extension is good news, but it doesn’t change how I feel about playing for this team,” Bisseck added.

“I chose Inter because I liked the club and the city, and I never thought about changing shirts. I’ve never lacked the club’s trust.”