John Stones is poised to walk away from Manchester City once his contract runs out in June, bringing to a close a remarkable decade‑long tenure with the club. The England international defender has amassed an impressive trophy cabinet during his spell, featuring a Champions League triumph, six Premier League crowns, two FA Cup victories, three Carabao Cup wins and a UEFA Super Cup, all collected since his arrival from Everton in the summer of 2016.
At 31 years of age, Stones still has the possibility of adding two more pieces of silverware to his collection before he exits as a free agent. Manchester City are currently chasing a historic treble, and a further Premier League title or an FA Cup win could still be on the horizon for the centre‑back if the team maintains its momentum in the closing stages of the season. Stones' impending departure will mirror that of fellow veteran Bernardo Silva, who was confirmed last week to be leaving the Etihad when his own deal expires on 30 June. Silva, the Portuguese midfielder, joined City in 2017 after a successful stint at Monaco, meaning he has also spent nine seasons in Manchester.
The announcement came after Pep Lijnders, the club’s assistant manager, surprised fans in April by stating that "every good story comes to an end," a sentiment that was later echoed by the club itself. Both Barcelona and Juventus have publicly expressed interest in acquiring Silva on a free transfer, and they are not the only suitors.
Rumours have also linked the 31‑year‑old with potential moves to Saudi Arabian clubs or a venture into Major League Soccer in the United States. While Silva has not yet made a definitive choice, the breadth of interest underscores his reputation as one of the most versatile midfielders of his generation.
The future of another key midfielder, Rodri, remains uncertain as well. The Spanish international’s contract runs until the summer of 2027, but Manchester City would prefer to secure his services for the long term.
Sky Sports News reports that the club is actively negotiating a new deal, although no agreement has been reached yet. In a candid interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero in March, Rodri admitted that "you cannot turn down the best clubs in the world," acknowledging that Real Madrid had reportedly shown interest.
He added that a move to his native LaLiga would be appealing, noting his early career roots in Spain, but he also emphasized his current happiness in the Premier League. Rodri’s comments highlighted a delicate situation: while he respects the allure of a club like Real Madrid, he is also aware that such a transfer could be controversial given his previous experience with City’s city rivals, Atlético Madrid. He told listeners, "There are other players who've taken that path," suggesting that a move to Madrid would not be unprecedented, yet it would still be a bold step. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s own future at the helm of Manchester City is still a subject of speculation.
With at least two long‑serving players—Stones and Silva—set to depart, the squad is poised for a significant transition. Guardiola has guided the team to unprecedented success, but the departure of core figures often prompts questions about the next phase of a manager’s tenure.
In summary, John Stones is expected to leave Manchester City on a free transfer after ten years of service, having contributed to a period of sustained dominance in English and European football. His exit will join that of Bernardo Silva, whose next destination remains undecided amid interest from top European clubs and other leagues.
Rodri’s contract situation adds another layer of intrigue, as the club seeks to retain one of its midfield anchors while also navigating potential offers from elite sides abroad. All of these developments come at a time when Manchester City are still in contention for a treble, meaning the remaining fixtures could determine the final trophies that Stones might collect before his departure. The upcoming summer transfer window promises to reshape the squad, and fans will be watching closely to see how the club rebuilds after the loss of such influential players.