Key Takeaways
- John Stones will leave Manchester City on 30 June after almost ten trophy-filled years.
- Bernardo Silva has also been confirmed as a summer departure on a free transfer.
- Rodri’s long-term future is still unclear despite City pushing for a new deal.
Manchester City’s defence is set to lose one of its main pillars, with John Stones preparing to walk away from the Etihad Stadium when his contract ends in June.
The 31-year-old England defender arrived from Everton in 2016 and has since collected six Premier League winner’s medals, a Champions League title, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the UEFA Super Cup. He could still add another league crown and an FA Cup this month as City chase a treble.
Stones’ exit follows last week’s announcement that Portuguese forward Bernardo Silva will also leave on a free after nine seasons. Assistant coach Pep Lijnders told reporters “every good story comes to an end” before the club made the news official. Barcelona, Juventus and sides from Saudi Arabia and MLS are monitoring Silva’s situation.
Meanwhile, Spain midfielder Rodri has only one year left on his deal. City want to extend it, yet the 28-year-old hinted on Spanish radio that a return to LaLiga appeals. “You cannot turn down the best clubs in the world,” he said, while adding that he remains happy in Manchester for now.
With Pep Guardiola’s own contract nearing its end, the champions face another summer of change as two long-serving stars depart and the manager’s future stays unresolved.
