John Stones Pep Guardiola
Credit: Imago
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Sat 25 April 2026 7:30, UK
John Stones is setting his sights on a move overseas as he prepares to leave Manchester City upon the expiration of his contract this summer.
Stones has struggled for minutes at City this season due to recurring injury issues and Pep Guardiola preferring to start other players ahead of him in his backline.
He is widely expected to leave the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires in June, bringing a trophy-laden 10-year spell at the club to an emotional end.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Stones is eyeing a switch abroad as opposed to staying in the Premier League in the latter stages of his career.
Man City’s transfer plans will centre around signing more experienced players to cover the losses of the 31-year-old, as well as Bernardo Silva and potentially Rodri too.
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John Stones wants a new challenge in another top European league
Stones is yet to confirm where his future lies beyond this season, but City are due to announce his impending departure very soon.
He has been linked with a return to Everton, as David Moyes is reportedly keen on a move, but is set to snub their interest in favour of moving to another top league in Europe.
Season Appearances Minutes played Trophies
2025-26 7 353′ 1
2024-25 11 545′ 1
2023-24 16 1064′ 3
2022-23 23 1848′ 3
2021-22 14 1118′ 1
Stones’ PL stats in the last five seasons at Man City
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’s a lot of interest from Germany, Italy and Spain in Stones.
“I think that’s maybe an avenue that he would be keen to explore at this stage of his career.
“Stones is a top player, there is no getting away from that, he’s just had real bad luck with injuries in the last couple of seasons.
“I think maybe that would put off some Premier League clubs who might be interested as well. He’s been restricted to just 15 appearances this season.
“His CV is second to none. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of clubs from overseas who’ll be willing to give John Stones a chance on a free transfer.”
Pep Guardiola set to block Savinho exit despite recent struggles
Savinho is another City star who has struggled for regular game time this season, with just five starts and 600 minutes played in the Premier League up to now.
He came close to leaving the Etihad Stadium to join Tottenham last summer before Guardiola stopped the move, and the same thing looks set to happen this time around.
Sources have told Football Insider that Guardiola wants Savinho to stay beyond this summer, as he still sees him as an important part of his squad.
Tottenham remain interested in his services, with an approach possible if they stay up, but a move will only materialise if he pushes for an exit.
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