John Stones is no longer a Manchester City player. After ten years, 293 appearances, and a trophy cabinet that most defenders can only dream about, the 32-year-old confirmed his departure from the club on April 28, walking away as a free agent when his contract expires on June 30.
But here’s the thing: a player who couldn’t stay fit enough to hold down a regular spot in City’s squad this season just started England’s World Cup opener against Croatia. Thomas Tuchel, England’s manager, doesn’t seem bothered by the irony.
A decade at the Etihad, bookended by question marks
Stones arrived at Manchester City from Everton in August 2016 for an initial fee of £47.5 million. Over the next decade, Stones collected six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and three EFL Cups. The crown jewel was City’s treble-winning 2022-23 season. He extended his contract in 2021, a commitment that kept him at the Etihad through this season. But injuries plagued his 2025-26 campaign, limiting his appearances and ultimately making it clear that City wouldn’t be offering fresh terms.
Tuchel’s faith and England’s gamble
