John Stones: Leeds increasingly likely to seal transfer after odds tumble

John Stones is now being tipped to make a sensational move to Leeds United this summer on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old centre-back was released by Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 campaign after his contract expired.

However, he has proved at the 2026 World Cup that he still has plenty of talent and played the full 120 minutes in the 2-1 victory against Norway.

Now, one UK bookmaker is backing Leeds to complete an audacious swoop for Stones, and have slashed the club’s odds of completing a deal down to 20/1.

The England international is yet to make a decision on where he will continue his footballing career, and has been linked with a return to Everton.

Stones struggled with injuries throughout the 2025-26 campaign, and only managed to make 18 appearances in all competitions for Man City.

Leeds United linked with a move for John Stones

Leeds’ backline was far from stable during the 2025-26 season.

Overall, the Peacocks conceded 56 goals throughout their Premier League campaign, with only the bottom four sides letting more into their net.

As a result, it is clear that Daniel Farke is in need of defensive reinforcements and may now look to tempt Stones to Elland Road.

If completed, the move would be a shock to many, with Stones still clearly a top defender when he is fit.

However, given his recent injury record, it would also be a gamble, as Leeds could end up paying high wages for a player that will barely feature on the pitch.

Who else is linked with Stones?

As it stands, Bayern Munich are the favourites to seal the transfer of Stones this summer at 7/4.

Manager Vincent Kompany was once Stones’ teammate at Man City, and he could now be eyeing a reunion.

Inter Milan are the second favourites at 2/1, while Juventus are also considered to be in the running at 7/2.

Everton are yet to be ruled out of the race at 6/1, while AC Milan and Napoli are considered outsiders at 12/1.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen where Stones will be playing his football during the 2026-27 campaign, with plenty of twists and turns expected over the coming weeks and months.