John Stones is widely expected to walk away from Manchester City when 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 his arrival 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, Stones still has the possibility of adding two more pieces of silverware – another league title and an FA Cup – before he leaves as a free agent, as City continue their pursuit of a historic treble. Stones' exit appears to be part of a broader exodus that will also see Bernardo Silva depart the Etihad. 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 in 2017 after a spell at Monaco, meaning he has spent nine seasons in Manchester, just a year after Stones’ arrival. Assistant manager Pep Lijnders surprised fans in April by acknowledging the rumours, saying that "every good story comes to an end," and the club later reiterated the news. Both Barcelona and Juventus have been linked with Silva, hoping to secure his services on a free transfer.
While these two giants have long admired the playmaker, they are not the only suitors; the Portuguese star has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia or a stint in Major League Soccer in the United States. Silva has not yet indicated a final decision, leaving his next destination open to speculation. Meanwhile, the future of City’s midfield anchor Rodri remains uncertain.
The Spanish international’s contract does not end until the summer of 2027, but the club would prefer to lock him down on a new deal, according to Sky Sports News. In late March, Rodri admitted that the allure of "the best clubs in the world" is hard to resist, hinting at a possible move to Real Madrid during an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero. He acknowledged that such a switch would be controversial, given his previous stint with city rivals Atlético Madrid, but noted that other players have taken similar paths.
Rodri elaborated, saying, "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, albeit not as closely as before. But right now, I am very happy here in the Premier League." He added that with one year left on his current deal, "there will come a point when we'll have to sit down, talk, and discuss things." The potential departures of both Stones and Silva, combined with the unresolved status of Rodri, signal a significant transition for Manchester City.
These changes come at a time when Pep Guardiola’s own future is still being debated. The manager, who has guided the club to unprecedented success, may also be contemplating his next move as the squad prepares for a new chapter. If Stones does indeed leave on a free transfer, it would mark the end of a decade in which he evolved from a promising youngster at Everton into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.
His partnership with Rúben Dias helped transform City’s back line, while his composure on the ball and ability to launch attacks from deep have become hallmarks of Guardiola’s style. Over ten seasons, Stones contributed to an era defined by relentless domestic dominance and occasional European glory, cementing his legacy among the club’s modern legends. Silva, on the other hand, has been a creative engine for the team, providing countless assists, scoring crucial goals, and often acting as the link between midfield and attack. His versatility—capable of playing on either wing or centrally—has given Guardiola tactical flexibility.
As he looks toward a new challenge, his departure will leave a noticeable void in City’s attacking midfield, prompting the club to consider replacements either from within the academy or via the transfer market. Rodri’s situation adds another layer of complexity. As a defensive midfielder, he has been integral to City’s balance, shielding the back four and dictating tempo.
Should he decide to join Real Madrid or another elite club, City would need to identify a successor who can replicate his blend of physicality, intelligence, and passing range. Overall, the summer of 2024 promises to be a period of significant change for Manchester City.
While the club remains a powerhouse in English football, the potential loss of three core players—Stones, Silva and possibly Rodri—will force Guardiola and his recruitment team to reshape the roster. Whether through promoting young talent, signing proven internationals, or exploring emerging markets, the next few months will be crucial in determining how the team rebuilds its foundation while still aiming for domestic titles and European success. Fans can stay updated on the latest transfer news and club developments through Sky Sports’ coverage, the official Manchester City website, and the Sky Sports app, which offers live streaming of Premier League matches and exclusive content. As the transfer window approaches, speculation will intensify, and the football world will watch closely to see where these high‑profile players ultimately land and how City adapts to the evolving landscape of elite football.