Overview
- Manchester City, in reports on Wednesday and Thursday citing talkSPORT, were said to be unlikely to offer John Stones a new deal beyond this season.
- His agreement runs to summer 2026, which could open a free transfer path for a return to Everton.
- Recurring injuries have cut his 2025–26 minutes to four Premier League starts and 14 appearances in all, and he recently withdrew from the England squad.
- City are planning a defensive refresh that could integrate on-loan prospect Vitor Reis under sporting director Hugo Viana.
- Everton’s interest faces cost hurdles, with CaughtOffside reporting doubts over meeting his wages and noting reported rival interest from Europe.