Chelsea have added John Stones to their shortlist of potential signings this summer.
The centre-back was key for Manchester City across 10 years and won 20 trophies at the Etihad.
Stones left City following the expiration of his contract at the end of last season, alongside Bernardo Silva.
Chelsea have added former Manchester City defender John Stones to their shortlist of centre-backs that they are considering signing this summer, according to new reports.
Stones was Pep Guardiola’s fifth signing after joining in 2016 and was the only one in the list – which included Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan – who had been at City uninterruptedly, spending a decade and becoming a fan favourite at the club and in the Premier League.
Eyebrows were raised when Stones penned a £47.5 million deal with the Citizens after a series of somewhat inconsistent performances at Everton, but Guardiola evolved the centre-back into a versatile machine during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Historically, Stones was key in City’s first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph when, under Guardiola and Enzo Maresca – the new City boss who was assistant at the time – they beat Inter Milan in Istanbul in the 2022/23 season.
John Stones added to Chelsea transfer shortlist
Stones officially left City at the end of last season following the expiration of his contract alongside Bernardo Silva, with the pair of departures coming at a time of particular heartache following a conclusion for Guardiola, who left one year before his deal expired.
All players and staff took part in special farewells at the Etihad Stadium in May, where Stones, Silva and Guardiola were celebrated for their courageous efforts and unprecedented success that they cumulatively brought to Manchester.
Now, however, and following a positive 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with England, Stones is on the hunt for a new club as he looks set to remain at the highest levels of football – be it in England or abroad.
According to The Athletic, Stones could be on his way to Stamford Bridge after the London club added the defender to their shortlist of potential signings this summer.
Stones’ best moments and that goal-line clearance
Stones was a huge figure on and off the pitch for Manchester City, and there is the argument that his fate of leaving may not have come so soon if it weren’t for the copious injuries that he suffered in almost every season at the club.
For what was a hugely successful tenure in blue, Stones and City fans at least have some special moments to look back on, including his goal-line clearance against Liverpool in January 2019.
The centre-back rushed back to clear a Sadio Mane shot that bounced off the inside of the post and inadvertently struck the ball against Ederson, causing panic inside the City six-yard box.
But then, Stones sprinted back and threw himself and more at the ball again, hooking it away just a fraction of an inch before it fully crossed the line. City won the game and ultimately lifted the title, winning by one point.