John Stones is widely anticipated to part ways with Manchester City once his current contract runs out in June, bringing to a close a distinguished decade-long tenure with the club. The English centre‑back has amassed an impressive collection of honours during his spell at the Etihad, including a Champions League triumph, six Premier League crowns, two FA Cup victories, three Carabao Cup titles and a UEFA Super Cup, all secured after his move from Everton in the summer of 2016. Now 31, Stones still has the chance to add a couple of further medals to his cabinet before his exit as a free agent.
City are still chasing a historic treble this season, and a final league title or an additional FA Cup win could be on the cards for the veteran defender if he remains on the pitch for the remaining fixtures. His impending departure mirrors that of fellow midfielder Bernardo Silva, who was confirmed last week to be leaving the club when his own deal expires on 30 June.
Silva, who arrived from Monaco in 2017 – a year after Stones – has also spent nine seasons at Manchester City. Assistant manager Pep Lijnders broke the news in April, remarking that "every good story comes to an end," a sentiment later echoed by the club in an official statement. Both Barcelona and Juventus have been reported as front‑runners to snap up the Portuguese playmaker on a free transfer, though they are not the only suitors. Silva has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning league or a stint in Major League Soccer in the United States, and he has yet to announce a definitive decision about his next destination.
While the future of Stones and Silva appears increasingly certain, the situation surrounding midfielder Rodri remains more ambiguous. The Spanish international’s contract runs until the summer of 2027, but City are eager to secure his services for the long term and are reportedly working on a new agreement, according to Sky Sports News. In late March, Rodri admitted in an interview with Spanish radio that "you cannot turn down the best clubs in the world," when asked about speculation linking him with a possible move to Real Madrid. Rodri’s comments sparked debate because of his earlier career at City rivals Atlético Madrid, making a direct transfer to the Spanish giants a potentially controversial step.
He later clarified his stance, saying, "There are other players who've taken that path, not directly, but over time. 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." He added that with just one year left on his current deal, "there will come a point when we'll have to sit down, talk, and discuss things," indicating that negotiations are likely to intensify as the season draws to a close. Beyond the players, the managerial picture is also in flux. Pep Guardiola’s own future at Manchester City has not been definitively settled, and the possible loss of two long‑standing squad members this summer could signal a broader period of transition for the club. Whether Guardiola will stay to guide a refreshed roster or seek a new challenge elsewhere remains a topic of intense speculation among fans and pundits alike.
In summary, John Stones is set to leave Manchester City on a free transfer after ten years of service, joining Bernardo Silva in what appears to be a summer exodus of key veterans. While Silva’s next stop is still undecided, Barcelona, Juventus, Saudi clubs and MLS teams are all reportedly monitoring his situation. Rodri, meanwhile, is expected to stay for at least the next season but is likely to negotiate a new contract amid rumors of interest from Real Madrid. The combined departures and contract discussions underscore a pivotal moment for Manchester City as they contemplate squad rebuilding, managerial continuity, and the pursuit of further silverware in the upcoming campaign.