John Stones is poised to exit Manchester City when his current contract runs out in June, bringing to a close a remarkable decade-long tenure at the Etihad Stadium. The English centre‑back has amassed an impressive collection of silverware during his time with the Sky Blues, including a Champions League triumph, six Premier League crowns, two FA Cup victories, three Carabao Cup wins and a UEFA Super Cup, all earned after his 2016 transfer from Everton. Now 31, Stones still has the chance to add two more trophies to his résumé before he walks away as a free agent. Manchester City are still in contention for a historic treble this season, meaning a further Premier League title and perhaps an FA Cup could be secured before his departure.
This potential final haul would cement his status as one of the most decorated defenders in the club’s modern era. Stones is expected to follow fellow veteran Bernardo Silva out of the Etihad.
Silva’s exit was confirmed last week after the Portuguese winger’s contract also expires on June 30. Silva joined City in 2017 after a spell at Monaco, a year after Stones’ arrival, and has spent nine seasons contributing to the club’s dominance. 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’s official statement.
Both Barcelona and Juventus have publicly expressed interest in acquiring Silva on a free transfer, and they are not the only suitors. The Portuguese playmaker has also been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League or a stint in Major League Soccer in the United States, reflecting the broad range of options available to a player of his caliber.
While Silva has not yet confirmed his next destination, the interest from top European and emerging markets suggests he will have a lucrative decision to make. In contrast, the future of City’s midfield anchor Rodri remains more ambiguous.
The Spanish international’s contract runs until the summer of 2027, and the club would prefer to retain him, according to Sky Sports News. Nevertheless, Rodri himself has hinted at openness to a move abroad, acknowledging in a March interview with Spanish radio that “you cannot turn down the best clubs in the world.” He specifically referenced the possibility of joining Real Madrid, a notion that would be controversial given his previous stint with City rivals Atlético Madrid. Rodri explained his thinking to Onda Cero, noting that several players have taken similar paths and that his heart still belongs to LaLiga, where he began his professional career.
He said, “I would like to return to LaLiga, yes, of course. For me, LaLiga is where I started. I still follow it, not as much as before, but I still follow it.
But right now, I am very happy here in the Premier League.” He added that with one year left on his City contract, “there will come a point when we’ll have to sit down, talk, and discuss things.” These potential departures come at a time when Pep Guardiola’s own future at Manchester City is still uncertain. The Catalan manager has led the club to unprecedented success, but with at least two long‑serving stalwarts set to leave, the squad will inevitably undergo another period of transition. Guardiola will need to decide whether to rebuild around younger talent, pursue high‑profile signings, or perhaps consider his own next career move. Beyond the on‑field implications, the exits of Stones and Silva could have financial repercussions for the club.
Both players are leaving on free transfers, meaning City will lose valuable assets without receiving a transfer fee. However, the club’s robust commercial income and the ability to reinvest in new talent may offset the loss. Moreover, the free‑agent market often provides opportunities to sign quality players without a hefty price tag, a strategy that City could exploit to refresh the squad. In summary, John Stones is expected to bid farewell to Manchester City after ten years of service, potentially adding a final Premier League title and FA Cup to his trophy cabinet before his contract expires.
He will join Bernardo Silva, whose future is also being courted by several elite clubs across Europe and beyond. Meanwhile, Rodri’s situation remains fluid, with speculation about a possible move to Real Madrid or a return to LaLiga, while Pep Guardiola’s tenure hangs in the balance.
The upcoming summer will be a pivotal period for Manchester City as they navigate the departure of key veterans and plan the next chapter of their ambitious project.