Manchester City defender John Stones has publicly addressed swirling rumors about his potential departure from the Etihad Stadium, reaffirming his commitment to the club despite a challenging injury-hit season. The 31-year-old England international, who is entering the final year of his contract, spoke candidly about his desire to stay and contribute to Pep Guardiola’s squad as they compete in the ongoing Club World Cup in the United States.
Stones, who joined Manchester City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million, has been a key figure in the club’s success, including their 2023 Champions League triumph where his hybrid centre-back/midfield role earned widespread praise. However, the 2024-25 season was marred by injuries, with Stones making just six Premier League starts and missing 33 matches due to recurring hamstring, thigh, and foot issues. His latest setback, a thigh injury sustained against Real Madrid in February, sidelined him for the final three months of the campaign.
The influx of new centre-backs, including January signings Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis, has intensified speculation about Stones’ future, with reports suggesting Manchester City could allow him to leave to trim their squad. Posts on X earlier this year fueled rumors, with some claiming Stones, alongside Ederson Moraes and Kyle Walker, might exit this summer. A potential return to Everton, where he began his career, was also mentioned, with journalist Alan Myers noting interest from Toffees manager David Moyes.
Despite these rumors, Stones has firmly shut down talk of a move. “I’m here, I want to stay here, I love it,” he told reporters ahead of City’s Club World Cup match against Al Ain in Atlanta. “I’m here to help the team, and I hope that shuts down any speculation.” Stones also reflected on the mental toll of his injuries, describing “dark days” where he questioned whether he could continue his career. “There were points where you dedicate your life to football, give everything, and those are the low moments when you can’t see the end of the tunnel,” he admitted.
Now back to full fitness, Stones is eager to play a significant role in Manchester City’s Club World Cup campaign, though Guardiola remains cautious about his minutes. “What we want from John is to be fit,” the City manager said, emphasizing the importance of Stones staying injury-free. The defender’s commitment comes at a pivotal time, with City aiming to rebound from a trophyless 2024-25 season, their worst in a decade.
While Stones’ passion for the club is clear, his long-term future remains uncertain with his contract set to expire in 2026. Manchester City’s depth in central defense, including Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Khusanov, and Reis, could prompt tough decisions for sporting director Hugo Viana. For now, Stones is focused on proving his worth and silencing doubters, starting with the Club World Cup.