- Stones exit confirmed
- Defender leaves after decade
- Surprise club linked
John Stones’ Manchester City career is now officially approaching its conclusion after the club confirmed the defender will depart this summer following ten years of service at the Etihad Stadium.
John Stones has been one of the defining defenders of Pep Guardiola’s City since arriving from Everton in 2016.
After enjoying much success, Stones was renewed for five more years in 2021. However, injuries plagued his career, and the defender hasn’t made a single Premier League appearance since December last year.
Nevertheless, the Englishman did feature against Southampton in the FA Cup semi-finals, captaining the side in a 2-1 victory.
He was the most active City defender on the pitch, making 10 contributions. We might see more of Stones again, but these will be his last games in a Sky Blues shirt.
Man City confirm John Stones departure
Man City have confirmed John Stones’ departure on X, marking the end of a decade-long career at the Etihad.
The defender’s contract expires on 30 June 2026. Following injury-borne seasons, the Sky Blues have decided not to renew him further.
A return to Everton is possible for Stones, but there has also been interest from abroad, which might tempt the Englishman.
Stones addresses Man City fans
John Stones also posted a video on Instagram announcing his decision to leave the club. He exclaimed how much this club and its fans mean to him on the social media platform.
Stones also talked about the journey he’s had with the club and the changes he’s faced in life after moving from Everton.
“The Man City fans, yeah, they mean everything to me. I hope that they can… I hope that I’ve made them proud. I hope that they can relate to me as a person, and as a player, with how I’ve played, how I’ve represented the club, and will do for the rest of my life,” Stones said.
Reminiscing about his journey, he added: “It’s been a rollercoaster in many ways. I came as a kid and now leaving as a man, becoming a father, a husband, and on the pitch a very fulfilled player, I suppose and living all my dreams out, and lifting all the things that I came here to achieve.”
“Man City will always be my home, and I’m thankful, honestly, from the bottom of my heart. This is my team forever, it always will be, and I can’t speak… I haven’t got the words to kind of say what I feel and how much I love everything about it.”
Coventry City to make a move for Stones
Following the end of his trophy-laden City career, Stones has a decision to make regarding his next destination.
However, it seems like the range of options just keeps widening for the defender. According to SportsBoom, Coventry City are among the clubs that are monitoring Stones.
The recently promoted side have Frank Lampard at their helm, who was teammates with Stones during his playing days.
The 31-year-old can be a great addition to Lampard’s side, who’ll be seeking to maintain their top division status next season.
Stones can add much-needed Premier League experience to Coventry City and can help the side to avoid relegation.
