---
title: "John Stones could remain in the Premier League after Man City exit – but not at Everton"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/05/28/john-stones-could-remain-in-the-premier-league-after-man-city-exit-but-not-at-everton/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Samuel Johnson"
section: "Man City News"
published: "2026-05-28T11:45:00Z"
modified: "2026-05-28T11:45:00Z"
---

# John Stones could remain in the Premier League after Man City exit – but not at Everton

- John Stones is about to become a free agent
- He could choose to stay in the Premier League
- Another club have entered the race to sign him

**John Stones has been linked with a move to former club Everton, but there is another Premier League team who might try and agree terms with the defender.**

Man City have had Stones at their disposal for 10 brilliant years, but the time has come for a change of scenery.

The centre-back will leave on a free transfer, so it is down to decide who he joins once the summer transfer window opens.

[Stones has been linked with Bayern Munich](https://readmancity.com/2026/05/21/bayern-munich-signing-john-stones-from-man-city-makes-perfect-sense/), while a return to Everton has also been suggested as a possible switch.

## John Stones is linked with Aston Villa

According to [talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/football/4285963/john-stones-next-club-odds-man-city-germany-everton/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1779901436), Aston Villa have entered the race to sign Stones, and the England international, who turns 32 today, may well fancy a move there.

The Birmingham-based side finished in the top four of the Premier League table, and would have secured a spot in next season’s Champions League anyway.

This is because Villa defeated Freiburg last week to win the Europa League final, lifting their first trophy since 1982.

And Stones will likely have good feelings towards the club, considering their players joined a [guard of honour](https://readmancity.com/2026/05/25/wayne-rooney-left-fuming-by-guards-of-honour-in-man-citys-defeat-to-aston-villa/) for him when he was subbed off during his final Man City appearance.

## Bayern and Villa will fight for Stones

Bayern Munich are said to be in front of Everton in the race for Stones, and it is not hard to understand why.

Obviously Stones has history with the Toffees, but moving there would give him no opportunity to continue playing Champions League, or even Europa League football.

Whereas at Bayern, he would be able to regularly compete for titles. Better still, he would be reunited with his former club captain Vincent Kompany, as well as his national team skipper Harry Kane.

Aston Villa are also a good option, and would likely be Stones’ primary choice if he chooses to remain in England.

## Man City are ready for life without Stones

Luckily for the Citizens, their recent transfer activity has meant that bringing in a replacement for Stones is not really necessary.

Marc Guehi already joined their ranks midway through the season, and Abdukodir Khusanov joined last year.

Additionally, there may be plans to integrate Vitor Reis and Max Alleyne into the first-team squad next season.

So on the whole, City’s central defensive situation is looking quite stable, allowing Stones to feel absolutely no guilt about choosing to leave at this point in time.