END OF AN ERA: JOHN STONES SET FOR MANCHESTER CITY EXIT
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
John Stones is expected to depart Manchester City this summer upon the expiration of his contract, according to a new report.
The 31-year-old has endured a difficult season in terms of fitness and playing time, as he nears the end of his tenth year at the Etihad Stadium after joining Manchester City under Pep Guardiola from Everton in 2016.
John Stones has been regarded as one of Guardiola’s standout signings, playing a key role in the club’s Premier League-winning campaigns of 2017–18, 2020–21, and 2022–23.
However, recurring fitness issues over the past two seasons have limited his impact, and the Barnsley-born defender is not expected to receive a contract extension beyond June, with director of football Hugo Viana overseeing squad decisions.
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According to The Athletic’s Sam Lee, Stones is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the current season when his contract expires. The timing of the official announcement is still to be decided, though it could come before the club’s clash with Aston Villa to allow for a proper farewell.
Meanwhile, club captain Bernardo Silva has already confirmed he will depart at the end of his deal in June, with planned send-offs expected during final home fixtures against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
City are preparing for a significant squad overhaul in the upcoming transfer window, having already strengthened in January with the arrivals of Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo.
Further exits could include loanees Manuel Akanji and Jack Grealish, while several fringe players are also expected to have their futures resolved ahead of the 2026–27 season.
James Trafford is likely to leave permanently in search of regular playing time, Omar Marmoush has attracted interest from Barcelona, and Savinho may consider his options after links to Tottenham Hotspur last summer.
Uncertainty also surrounds Nathan Aké, who could leave despite still being under contract.
Elsewhere, Mateo Kovačić has one year remaining on his deal as he looks to regain fitness after an injury-hit season. The club are keen to secure new contracts for Rodri and Phil Foden, having recently extended the deal of third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli by one year.
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