Manchester City have confirmed that defender John Stones will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. The announcement, made via the club's official website on Tuesday, brings to a close a ten-year association that yielded a remarkable haul of major honours for the England international.
The club stated that Stones "will leave Manchester City in the summer, bringing an end to a memorable and hugely successful ten-year stay." The 32-year-old joined City from Everton in the summer of 2016 for a fee reported at the time to be £47.5 million, making him the world's most expensive defender. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Stones made 293 appearances and was a cornerstone of the most successful era in the club's history.
Stones departs having won 19 trophies with City, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. His evolution under manager Pep Guardiola was particularly notable, as he adapted from a traditional centre-back role to become a key component in midfield during the latter stages of his tenure. This tactical flexibility made him indispensable during City's historic treble-winning campaign and cemented his status as a modern club legend.
The news follows closely on the heels of the confirmed departure of Bernardo Silva, signalling a period of transition for the reigning Premier League champions. According to the club's statement, tributes are planned for "this formidable servant of Manchester City Football Club" before the season concludes. Stones's exit marks the end of a significant chapter for a player who arrived as a promising talent and developed into one of the world's most accomplished defenders.
For Stones, the move represents an opportunity for a new challenge at a stage when he remains a capable performer at the highest level. His experience and trophy-laden CV will make him an attractive option for clubs across Europe, with his status as a free agent likely to generate significant interest. For Manchester City, his departure, alongside Silva's, necessitates strategic planning in the upcoming transfer window to refresh a squad that has dominated English football for the better part of a decade.
The defender's legacy at City is assured, having been integral to the club's rise under Guardiola. His next destination remains unconfirmed, but his impending availability on a free transfer is set to be one of the most notable stories of the summer window.
