John Stones is widely expected to part ways with Manchester City once his current 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 trophy cabinet during his time in Manchester, having lifted the UEFA Champions League, six Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups and a UEFA Super Cup since his arrival from Everton in the summer of 2016.
At 31 years of age, Stones still has the chance to add a couple more pieces of silverware to his collection before he exits on a free transfer. City are currently chasing a historic treble, and a further Premier League title or an FA Cup triumph could still be on the cards for the veteran defender, allowing him to leave on an even higher note than he arrived.
Stones is set to follow another long‑serving City player, Bernardo Silva, out of the Etihad. Silva’s departure was confirmed in early April when assistant manager Pep Lijnders, in a candid press briefing, remarked that "every good story comes to an end". The club later formalised the announcement, confirming that the Portuguese midfielder’s contract also expires on 30 June. Silva joined City from Monaco in 2017, a year after Stones’ own arrival, meaning the two have shared nine seasons together, winning numerous honours and forming a core part of Pep Guardiola’s side.
Both Barcelona and Juventus have publicly expressed interest in signing Silva on a free transfer, and they are not the only clubs knocking on his door. Rumours have also linked the 31‑year‑old with a move to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning league or a stint in Major League Soccer in the United States, reflecting the global demand for his creative midfield talents. While Silva has not yet made a definitive decision, the variety of suitors underscores his reputation as one of the most versatile and technically gifted midfielders in the modern game. In contrast, the future of another City stalwart, midfield anchor Rodri, remains more ambiguous.
His contract runs until the summer of 2027, but the club would clearly prefer to secure a long‑term extension. Sky Sports News reports that City are actively negotiating a new deal with the Spanish international, hoping to keep the player who has become a linchpin in their defensive midfield.
Rodri recently opened up about his ambitions in an interview with Spanish radio, acknowledging that "you cannot turn down the best clubs in the world" when asked about interest from Real Madrid. The midfielder, who began his professional career with city rivals Atlético Madrid, knows that a move to the Spanish giants would be controversial for many City supporters. Nonetheless, he admitted that a return to LaLiga is an attractive prospect, noting, "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." Rodri also hinted at the contractual timeline, stating, "I have one year left on my contract at City. There will come a point when we have to sit down, talk, and discuss things." This suggests that while he is content in England for the moment, a decision will need to be made before his current deal expires, potentially opening the door for a high‑profile transfer if an agreement cannot be reached. Beyond the players, the managerial situation at Manchester City is also in flux.
Pep Guardiola’s future at the club has been the subject of speculation for months, and the impending exits of two of his longest‑serving first‑team members add another layer of uncertainty. Should both Stones and Silva depart, City will face a significant squad overhaul, prompting questions about how the team will replace such experienced, trophy‑winning talent and whether Guardiola will stay to oversee the next phase of rebuilding.
The broader context of these departures highlights a shifting landscape in European football, where clubs with deep financial resources like Manchester City must constantly balance the desire to retain home‑grown legends against the inevitable pull of free‑agency moves and lucrative offers abroad. For fans, the potential loss of Stones and Silva marks the end of an era that saw City dominate English football and become a regular contender on the continental stage. In summary, John Stones is poised to leave Manchester City at the end of his contract, concluding a ten‑year spell that featured multiple domestic and European triumphs.
Bernardo Silva is also set to walk away on a free transfer, with top clubs across Europe and beyond vying for his signature. Meanwhile, Rodri’s future remains under negotiation, and Pep Guardiola’s tenure is still undecided. All these elements point to a period of transition for Manchester City as they prepare for the next chapter in their storied history.