John Stones has agreed to a permanent transfer to Inter, the club confirmed on Monday. The defender will sign a two-year contract with the Serie A side, earning €4 million per season. No transfer fee was disclosed in the announcement, suggesting Stones may be moving on a free transfer.
The move to Inter represents a new chapter for Stones, who has spent the majority of his career in the Premier League. He joined Manchester City in 2016 from Everton for a reported £47.5 million, becoming a key part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, though often deployed in unconventional roles. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Stones won five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and a Champions League trophy.
Guardiola has previously spoken highly of Stones, praising his courage and adaptability. In 2017, Guardiola was quoted as saying he “loved players like him,” highlighting Stones’ willingness to take risks and his technical ability. However, Stones’ playing time at City has fluctuated in recent seasons, with injuries and the emergence of other centre-backs limiting his opportunities.
Inter will be hoping Stones can bring experience and versatility to their backline. The Nerazzurri finished second in Serie A last season and are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of another title challenge. They have been relatively quiet in the transfer window so far, focusing on securing players who can immediately improve the first team. Stones’ arrival addresses a need for a reliable central defender, and his ability to play in midfield could also be valuable to coach Simone Inzaghi.
The transfer could provide Stones with the opportunity to become a regular starter again and showcase his talents in a new league. At 29 years old, he still has several years of top-level football ahead of him. His arrival at Inter is expected to bolster their defensive options and contribute to their ambitions in both Serie A and European competitions.
