John Stones to Depart Manchester City as Free Agent After Club Declines Contract Extension

End of an Era at the Etihad

According to Главком: Defender John Stones will leave Manchester City when the 2025/26 season concludes, becoming a free agent. The club has opted not to renew his contract, bringing an end to a tenure that began in 2016. Over ten seasons at the Etihad, Stones has collected 16 trophies, including six English Premier League titles and the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League crown.

In the current campaign, Stones has made 16 appearances across all competitions without registering a goal or assist. His trophy haul with Manchester City includes:

• two FA Cups,
• two FA Community Shields,
• three EFL Cups,
• the UEFA Super Cup,
• the FIFA Club World Cup.

He has also been named to the Premier League Team of the Year twice, underscoring his significant contributions on the pitch.

Chasing More Silverware

During the 2025/26 season, Manchester City remain in contention for two major honors. They are level on points with Arsenal at the top of the league table on a points-dropped basis with just four matches remaining. Additionally, the squad has reached the FA Cup final, where they will face Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 16. This marks City's fourth consecutive FA Cup final appearance, a club record.

Notably, Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva will also leave the club this summer as a free agent. He recently set the Premier League record for most appearances by a Portuguese player, highlighting his importance to the side.

The departures of Stones and Silva represent a major challenge for Manchester City, as both have been integral to the team's structure in recent years. This could reshape their transfer strategy, forcing the club to seek quality replacements to remain competitive in future seasons.

Meanwhile, the team continues its pursuit of trophies this season, reflecting their determination and ambition on the domestic front.

As Manchester City prepares for a significant transition with the departures of John Stones and Bernardo Silva this summer, the club is actively looking to strengthen its squad. Reports suggest that they have set their sights on a Bournemouth striker valued at €80 million, which could be a key move to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming seasons.