Man City tight-lipped on John Stones’ future amid talk of a summer departure
By Simon Peach, Press Association Chief Football Writer
Manchester City remain tight-lipped on John Stones’ future amid reports the England defender will leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
The 31-year-old has won medals aplenty since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Everton in 2016, including a Champions League crown, two FA Cups and six Premier League titles.
Stones is hoping Pep Guardiola’s men can pip Arsenal to the post for a seventh and seemingly final league triumph with City before his deal runs out in the summer.
Reports emerged in the build-up to Wednesday’s trip to Burnley that the England international would leave at the end of the campaign, with an announcement potentially following next week.
City confirmed last Thursday that captain Bernardo Silva would depart this summer and declined to comment when contacted by the Press Association about the future of Stones.
When boss Guardiola was asked on Tuesday if there was any clarity on Stones’ future at the club, he said: “No.
“The only thing I can say is that he is back for already two, three weeks. Monday he was training with us and this is the best news.”
Stones has been restricted to just 15 appearances in all competitions during an injury-impacted 2025/26 campaign.
The defender was on the bench for Sunday’s potentially-crucial 2-1 win against Arsenal, having overcome a calf issue sustained on international duty last month.
England boss Thomas Tuchel is a huge fan of Stones and, despite this season’s injury concerns, says the “world class” centre-back has “credit in the bank” when it comes to his World Cup selection.
Asked if he would make an exception for the City player with regards to his lack of playing time, he said last month: “I don’t know yet, but if you come to the World Cup you should be fit.
“So when he came (to camp), he was fit. He did not have a lot of minutes, but he has a level of game understanding.
“So the exception of the rule means that he does not start a lot. I can see that because I’m a big fan and I know what he brings to the team in terms of personality, attitude and quality game understanding.”
