Which clubs are interested in signing John Stones after his Manchester City departure?

Confirmed Interest

Reports indicate that Barcelona has shown interest in signing Stones and he is willing to take a pay cut to join the Spanish club. His former club Everton and Premier League newcomers Coventry have also been linked with moves for the defender.

Departure Details

Stones announced his departure on social media, confirming he will leave Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season. He will depart as a free agent following the expiry of his contract. The 31-year-old becomes the latest long-serving player to exit the Etihad Stadium after Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Ederson departed last summer, with captain Bernardo Silva also leaving in June.

Manchester City Legacy

Stones joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5m as Pep Guardiola's second signing. Over 10 seasons, he made 293 appearances and won 19 major trophies, establishing himself as one of Guardiola's most important signings. Despite being hampered by injuries throughout his final season, Stones remains a firm fans' favourite and integral part of City's success.

Career Impact at City

Stones has scored 19 goals and delivered crucial defensive moments, including a match-winning goalline clearance against Liverpool during the 2018-19 title race. He was deployed as a midfielder when City won the Champions League in 2023 as part of the Treble-winning side. An elegant, ball-playing centre-back nicknamed the 'Barnsley Beckenbauer', he became a key part of City's midfield under Guardiola.