- Stones departure now likely
- Defender has spent decade at City
- Next move could surprise fans
John Stones now appears likely to leave Manchester City as the defender approaches the end of his long Etihad spell.
After signing his last extension in 2021, John Stones’ minutes under Pep Guardiola have seen a steady decline due to injury problems.
The performances that led to the defender’s renewal in 2021 were something that the Sky Blues expected to continue during his extended years at the club.
Fast forward to 2026, the centre-back is close to his contract expiry and hasn’t made a single Premier League appearance since December 2025.
City aren’t keen on renewing his contract either, and the announcement of his exit hasn’t been made yet. However, it is highly likely that Stones will be a free agent this summer and will be searching for a new club for the upcoming campaign.
Sources report interest from multiple clubs, especially in England, but it looks like Stones might make a surprising decision.
John Stones to look beyond England after Man City exit
According to Football Insider, John Stones might make a move abroad after 15 years of senior team football in England.
There is interest from clubs in Spain, Germany and Italy. Nevertheless, a break from combative English football might be good for the defender.
Transfer Correspondent, Pete O’Rourke, told the Transfer Insider Podcast that moving abroad might be something on the player’s to-do list.
“There’s a lot of interest from Germany, Italy and Spain in Stones. I think that’s maybe an avenue that he would be keen to explore at this stage of his career”, O’Rourke said.
He added, “His CV is second to none. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of clubs from overseas who’ll be willing to give John Stones a chance on a free transfer.”
Stones’ injury history is a problem
While non-English clubs might forgive Stones’ injury problems, O’Rourke believes that is not the case for their English counterparts.
Despite interest from English outfits, the transfer correspondent believes that his fall from grace is problematic.
“Stones is a top player, there is no getting away from that, he’s just had real bad luck with injuries in the last couple of seasons,” O’Rourke pointed out.
“I think maybe that would put off some Premier League clubs who might be interested as well. He’s been restricted to just 15 appearances this season.”
Foreign move could help John Stones reset
John Stones has won everything possible in English football with the Citizens. After spending almost a decade with Man City, it is time for the England international to move on.
A move away from the Isles can help him find his footing in the game again. Considering the physical strain he has faced in the Premier League, it might be for the best.
Germany, Spain and Italy offer a different style of play and physicality compared to the English top-flight. However, the Bundesliga can be the most tempting option due to the country’s reputation in the sports medicine industry.
