Stones lands in Serie A
John Stones has found his next home. Inter Milan confirmed on Tuesday that the former City defender has signed on a free transfer, with the 32-year-old agreeing terms until 30 June 2028. There is no option to extend beyond that two-year deal.
The Barnsley-born centre-back left the Etihad on 1 July as a free agent, bringing a decade-long association with the club to a close. His next chapter starts in Milan, where he will earn around €4 million net per season.
A decorated decade
Stones joined City from Everton in August 2016 for an initial £47.5 million. Across 295 official appearances under Pep Guardiola, he collected six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups, three Community Shields, the Champions League, the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup. His final season delivered one more FA Cup winners' medal.
Internationally, he has 94 England caps, appearances in two European Championship finals and a bronze medal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Juventus, Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid were all linked with a move. Inter won the race.
Blues move on
City have already reshaped their defensive options. Marc Guehi arrived earlier in the January window, and Vitor Reis has returned from his Girona loan, giving Enzo Maresca depth at the back.
Stones leaves with a trophy haul few defenders will match. Milan's gain is a reminder of how quickly eras end.