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Manchester City are set to part ways with defender John Stones when his contract runs out at the end of the season, making him the second long-serving player to exit the club this summer after the confirmed departure of Bernardo Silva.
Stones joined City from Everton shortly after Pep Guardiola took charge in 2016, meaning he will have spent a full decade at the club. City forked out £50 million ($67.4 million at current rates) to acquire the Englishman, making him the priciest defender in Premier League history at the time.
Stones has been instrumental in City's trophy haul, collecting six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League—a memorable goal-line clearance against Liverpool in January 2019 effectively swung that season's title race in City's direction.
Following the announcement on Instagram, City supporter and broadcaster Natalie Pike described Stones as "one of the greatest Premier League defenders of all time."
However, injuries have been a persistent issue throughout his career, with the defender averaging fewer than 20 Premier League appearances per season. Since City's treble-winning campaign in 2022–23, the 31-year-old has featured in a declining number of matches each year—a thigh injury has kept him out for a significant portion of this season, and he has largely been a squad player even when fit.
Abdukodir Khusanov has established himself as a reliable starter after a rocky start following his January 2025 arrival, while Joško Gvardiol had successfully shifted from left back to center back before suffering a leg fracture from which he is nearing a return. With Rúben Dias remaining Guardiola's top pick when healthy and Marc Guéhi now also at the club, Stones finds himself potentially fifth in the pecking order.
How Man City Will Replace John Stones
By securing Guéhi in January—choosing to pay a transfer fee for his immediate arrival rather than waiting for him to become available on a free this summer—Manchester City acted decisively and may already consider Stones's position covered.
Even if Nathan Aké departs as anticipated, City should have no shortage of center-back options heading into next season—provided Dias and Gvardiol remain fit. At present, Khusanov and Guéhi are developing into a promising partnership.
City's recruitment focus lies higher up the field, with midfield a key area of concern following Silva's exit, coming a year after the club chose not to renew Kevin De Bruyne's contract. Reports this week suggest Chelsea's Enzo Fernández is emerging as a potential target amid growing turmoil at Stamford Bridge.
Nine Clubs John Stones Could Join
Stones turns 32 at the end of May, so retirement is far from imminent in terms of age. Yet his injury history suggests he may be better served by moving away from the Premier League, where the physical demands are relentless.
Long regarded as a technically gifted center back, leagues in Spain, Italy or France would be natural fits. Germany's Bundesliga, though known for its intensity, is generally less grueling than the Premier League and could also be a viable destination.
Bayern Munich have frequently targeted players from English football in recent years, including Stones's former England colleague Harry Kane, and the defender could prove a valuable addition should another club pursue Kim Min-jae.
Being available on a free transfer will immediately attract Barcelona's interest, particularly given his ball-playing ability and a decade spent under Guardiola's system, while even Real Madrid might consider a budget-friendly defensive reinforcement given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding David Alaba.
In Serie A, Juventus or AC Milan may see an opportunity to bring in a seasoned winner after being overshadowed by Inter this season. Lyon, Marseille or Monaco represent potential Ligue 1 options, though Paris Saint-Germain appear well covered defensively and would likely have little interest in Stones.
Should Stones be keen on remaining in England, Everton would be the sentimental choice. It was at Goodison Park that his career truly flourished, and the Toffees are on the rise once more now that David Moyes—the manager who brought Stones to the club as an 18-year-old in 2013—has returned to the helm.