Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Tue 28 April 2026 14:15, UK

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Kevin De Bruyne is currently all Manchester City fans as John Stones confirms his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

The central defender has called time on his decade-long spell at the Etihad Stadium, with his contract expiring this summer, having first arrived from Everton in the summer of 2016 on a £47.5million deal.

Stones’ transfer raised a lot of eyebrows across the Premier League with that kind of money, but with two FA Cups, six Premier League titles and a Champions League, it was a worthwhile investment.

It is not clear where Stones will go next after Man City, but what is being made obvious is just how loved the Barnsley Beckanbauer was and still is in Manchester, with messages pouring in on social media.

John Stones feels the love as Man City exit is announced

Taking to Instagram (28 April), Stones wrote: “They say all good things must come to an end… But this thing we have had has been the greatest, and it will remain a part of me forever,” with a blue heart.

Moments after posting, the central defender received a reply from Kevin De Bruyne, who wrote: “My guy from the start. Legend,” also with a light blue heart.

The announcement received likes from West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Man City legend David Silva, who also replied, “The best,” while Joe Hart simply wrote, “Hero”.

There are likely to be so many more famous figures making contact with the 31-year-old, and with the defender potentially on the plane to the 2026 World Cup, he could win more silverware this summer.

Where could Stones’ next destination be this summer?

The main rumour is that the centre-half could make an emotional return to Merseyside, and that would certainly make sense given the European aspirations under David Moyes’ leadership.

Football Insider revealed that Everton are ready to gamble on Stones’ signature, with the main concern being his injury struggles over the last few seasons.

He has only played a combined total of 36 matches over the last two campaigns, spending much of his time on the treatment table. As a free agent, though, he would be a smart signing this summer.

It remains to be seen how the player feels about returning to his former club, and with several teams from around Europe interested in his services, he won’t have to decide on his future straight away.