John Stones appears set to part ways with Manchester City once his contract runs out in June, bringing to a close a remarkable decade-long tenure at 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. At 31, he could still add a couple of further pieces of silverware – another league title and perhaps an FA Cup – before exiting the Etihad on a free transfer, as City push for a historic treble. Stones will be following another long‑serving star, Bernardo Silva, out of the stadium.
Silva’s departure was confirmed last week after the club announced that the Portuguese midfielder’s contract also expires on June 30. Silva joined City from Monaco in 2017, a year after Stones’ arrival, and has spent nine seasons contributing creativity and work‑rate to the side. Assistant manager Pep Lijnders surprised fans in April by acknowledging the inevitable end to Silva’s story at the club, stating, "every good story comes to an end," a sentiment later echoed by an official club statement.
Both Barcelona and Juventus have been linked with Silva, eager to secure his services without paying a transfer fee. While those two giants have shown sustained interest, they are not the only suitors.
Rumours also link the 31‑year‑old with potential moves to the burgeoning Saudi Arabian league or a stint in Major League Soccer in the United States, reflecting the growing appeal of non‑European destinations for established stars seeking new challenges and lucrative contracts. The midfield also faces uncertainty around Rodri. Although his deal runs until the summer of 2027, the Spanish international is reportedly a priority for City’s hierarchy, who hope to lock him down on a new long‑term contract.
In late March, Rodri admitted in a Spanish radio interview that "you cannot turn down the best clubs in the world" when asked about a possible future move to Real Madrid. Having previously played for city rivals Atlético Madrid, a transfer to the Spanish capital would be controversial, and Rodri himself noted that other players have taken similar paths. He added, "Not directly, but over time.
You can't turn down the best clubs in the world. I would like to return to LaLiga, yes, of course. LaLiga is where I started, and I still follow it, even if not as closely as before. But right now I am very happy here in the Premier League.
I have one year left on my contract at City, and there will come a point when we have to sit down, talk, and discuss things." These comments suggest that while Rodri values his current situation, the allure of a return to Spain remains strong, and negotiations are likely to intensify as his contract approaches its final year. Beyond the players, the future of Pep Guardiola himself is still a subject of speculation.
With at least two senior figures – Stones and Silva – poised to leave, the club is on the cusp of another significant squad overhaul. Guardiola’s tenure has been defined by an ability to adapt and reinvent, and any decision regarding his continuation will shape the next chapter of City’s ambition, whether that involves a fresh tactical direction or a continuation of the existing philosophy.
In summary, John Stones’ imminent exit marks the end of a ten‑year chapter that saw him evolve from a promising Everton defender into a cornerstone of one of the most successful English clubs of the modern era. His departure, alongside that of Bernardo Silva, underscores a period of transition for Manchester City as they prepare for the 2024‑25 season. While the exact destinations for these players remain unconfirmed, the interest from top European sides, as well as emerging markets in the Middle East and North America, ensures that the summer transfer window will be closely watched by fans worldwide. The club’s ability to replace such experienced talent, maintain its competitive edge, and navigate the managerial future will determine whether City can sustain its dominance domestically and in Europe in the years to come.