John Stones leaves Man City after a decade as Bayern Munich and Everton circle

John Stones has left Manchester City after a decade at the club, with his contract expiring at the end of the 2024-25 Premier League season. The 32-year-old centre-back was given a public send-off alongside Bernardo Silva following City’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on the final day of the season.

Speaking to supporters on the pitch at the Etihad, Stones was visibly emotional. “I can’t express the gratitude I feel. To feel the love you have given me over ten years. It has been a dream come true,” he said. “From the bottom of my heart, from the bottom of my family’s heart, thank you so much. It has been an honour to wear the shirt, to play for this club has been a privilege. This will always be my home.”

Injuries hampered Stones significantly in the latter stages of his City career, limiting his influence on a squad that won four consecutive Premier League titles during his time there. Despite that, he departs as one of the more decorated defenders of his generation in English football.

Retirement does not appear to be on the agenda. Stones has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup and could start alongside Marc Guehi in the tournament this summer. His next club move is expected to follow once the competition concludes.

Bayern Munich have emerged as one of the frontrunners. The Bundesliga club are managed by Vincent Kompany, Stones’ former City teammate and the man who mentored him through some of his best years in Manchester. Harry Kane, another familiar face from the England setup, is already at the Allianz Arena.

A return to Everton, the club Stones left for City in a £47.5m deal in 2016, has also been mooted. David Moyes guided the Toffees to a respectable mid-table finish in the Premier League last season, and the club’s rebuilt identity under new ownership could appeal.

AC Milan, Juventus, and AFC Bournemouth have also been mentioned as possible destinations, though none of those links appear as advanced as the interest from Bayern and Everton. Stones will have no shortage of options as a free agent with World Cup football still ahead of him.