John Stones in a Manchester City training kit ahead of a Champions League clash / Manchester City's Jack Grealish featuring for Everton in 2025-26 / Erling Haaland of Manchester City in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Manchester City and Galatasaray

Manchester City stars are excited to see the next stage of John Stones' career after leaving the Etihad Stadium as a free agent.Imago

Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish respond to John Stones transfer latest

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

28 Jul 2026, 8:03 am

Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish are clearly excited to see what's next for former teammate John Stones.

After a decade and 295 appearances, the 32-year-old defender left the Etihad Stadium as a free agent, having played just 18 games last season.

It was an emotional departure, especially combined with Bernardo Silva's exit, and Man City supporters are keeping a close eye on his next adventure.

Stones, unsurprisingly, has been linked with a move across the Premier League, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds United all eyeing a deal this summer.

Bayern Munich had also been mentioned in the race, while Grealish is also expected to depart Enzo Maresca's squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Everton are still interested in signing the winger permanently, but his move elsewhere is nowhere near as advanced as Stones', it would appear.

John Stones in 'here we go' announcement

It looks like Serie A giants Inter Milan are set to win the race for the England international's signature, with Fabrizio Romano issuing his famous "here we go" post.

The transfer specialist wrote on Instragram (27 July): "Inter Milan agree deal to sign John Stones on a two-year contract. Exclusive story from the afternoon now confirmed.

"Stones has agreed on contract terms after final exchanges tonight. Deal until June 2028, no option for further year, and a salary around €4m net per season for former Man City defender."

He will join former teammate Manuel Akanji at the San Siro, and in reaction to the latest news, both Haaland and Grealish liked the post.

Future teammate Marcus Thuram also liked the news, clearly excited to be working with the six-time Premier League and three-time FA Cup winner.

Man City set sights on John Stones replacement, £70m could get deal done

Jack Grealish 'keen' on Everton move as Enzo Maresca plans talks for Man City lifeline

What's next for Jack Grealish?

The focus is now likely to return to Grealish, who spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan with Everton, where he was injured for the best part of six months.

Upon the season finishing, there were suggestions that his Man City career could be saved by the incoming Maresca, but that is likely wide of the mark.

Instead of reuniting with the Toffees, Bryan King, speaking to Football Insider, has tipped the winger for a sensational return to Aston Villa.

David Moyes' side remain interested, but his wages are likely the biggest barrier between Everton and getting a deal over the line for the City man.

Jack Grealish