John Stones is poised to exit Manchester City when his current contract runs out in June, bringing to a close a remarkable decade-long tenure with the club. The English centre‑back has amassed an impressive collection of honours since arriving from Everton in 2016, including a Champions League triumph, six Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups and a UEFA Super Cup. As the 31‑year‑old prepares for the end of his deal, there remains a slim chance he could add two more pieces of silverware – another league title and an FA Cup – to his résumé, should City succeed in their quest for a treble this season. Stones' departure will mirror that of fellow veteran Bernardo Silva, who was confirmed last week to be leaving the Etihad when his own contract expires on 30 June.
Silva, who joined City from Monaco in 2017 – a year after Stones' arrival – has also spent nine seasons at the club and will be among the most senior players to walk away at the end of the campaign. Pep Lijnders, the club’s assistant manager, surprised fans in April by announcing that Silva’s time in Manchester was drawing to a close, noting that "every good story comes to an end." The club later corroborated the statement, confirming that the Portuguese midfielder will be free to choose his next destination.
Both Barcelona and Juventus have publicly expressed interest in signing Silva on a free transfer, and they are not the only suitors. Rumours have also linked the playmaker with moves to the Saudi Professional League or a stint in Major League Soccer in the United States. Despite the growing list of potential destinations, Silva has not yet indicated a firm decision, leaving his future open to negotiation. While the exits of Stones and Silva dominate headlines, the situation surrounding midfielder Rodri remains uncertain.
Rodri’s contract runs until the summer of 2027, and Manchester City would clearly prefer to retain the Spanish international, aiming to negotiate an extension. Nevertheless, Sky Sports News reports that the club is aware of the midfielder’s growing profile and the interest he attracts from other top clubs. In late March, Rodri admitted in an interview with Spanish radio that he cannot simply dismiss offers from the world’s elite teams, especially after speculation linked him with a possible move to Real Madrid. He acknowledged the delicate nature of such a transfer, noting his previous spell with city rivals Atlético Madrid could make a direct switch to the Spanish giants controversial.
Speaking to Onda Cero, Rodri said, "There are other players who've taken that path," before adding, "Not directly, but over time. You can't turn down the best clubs in the world." Rodri also expressed a lingering affection for LaLiga, stating, "I would like to return to LaLiga, yes, of course. For me, LaLiga is where I started.
I still follow it, not as much as before, but I still follow it. But right now, I am very happy here in the Premier League." He noted that he has one year left on his current deal and that a discussion about his future will inevitably take place: "There will come a point when we'll have to sit down, talk, and discuss things." Beyond the players, the managerial picture at Manchester City is also in flux. Pep Guardiola’s future has been a topic of speculation, and with at least two long‑serving squad members set to leave, the club faces a period of transition that could reshape its identity. The potential loss of Stones, a defensive mainstay, and Silva, a creative engine, will force Guardiola to rethink his tactical options and possibly promote younger talent from the academy or enter the transfer market for replacements.
The broader context of the Premier League this summer suggests a wave of high‑profile departures across several top clubs, driven by expiring contracts and lucrative offers abroad. Manchester City’s ability to retain key figures while integrating new signings will be crucial if they aim to maintain their dominance both domestically and in Europe. Fans can stay updated on the latest transfer developments by following Sky Sports’ dedicated coverage, streaming Premier League matches, or downloading the Sky Sports app for on‑the‑go access.
As the summer window approaches, the football world will be watching closely to see how Manchester City navigates the impending exits of Stones and Silva, the negotiations surrounding Rodri, and the overall strategic direction under Guardiola. In summary, John Stones is expected to leave Manchester City as a free agent after a decade of success, potentially adding a couple more trophies before his exit.
Bernardo Silva is also set to depart, with top European clubs and Middle Eastern suitors expressing interest. Rodri’s future remains under discussion, and Guardiola’s tenure may also be at a crossroads. The upcoming months promise significant change for the Etihad, marking the end of an era for several of its most celebrated players.