Exclusive: Man City to sell 'one of the first names on Pep Guardiola's team sheet'
Man City are increasingly likely to sell John Stones during the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that it might be the “right time for all parties to move on” at the end of this season.
The 30-year-old will enter his final contract year after this summer which gives City the option to cash in on him or risk Stones leaving for free in the summer of 2026 if a new deal isn’t agreed.
Stones is still seen as one of the first names on Pep Guardiola’s team sheet when fit as he is an important member of the squad, but managing to stay healthy on a consistent basis has proven difficult for the England international.
The centre-back has only made 11 appearances in the Premier League this season, and just 20 in total across all competitions.
Stones’ lack of availability is a concerning situation for the defending Premier League champions, which could lead to a decision being made about his long-term future.
Man City will continue to rebuild in the summer
City’s 2024-25 campaign has been an underwhelming one on all fronts, with the FA Cup currently being their only chance of winning silverware.
| Club stats 2024-25 (all competitions) | Stones |
| Appearances | 20 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes played | 1,134 |
Guardiola began rebuilding the team during the January transfer window with the signings that he made, and it is believed that will continue in the summer transfer window.
That included signing Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov, which brought two centre-backs to the club to provide more cover in this area of the pitch.
Man City want to restructure the defensive line
Guardiola isn’t done making defensive improvements after signing a couple of centre-backs, and after Nathan Ake’s latest injury the pressure is growing.
Football Insider revealed that City are interested in signing AC Milan and Juventus defenders Theo Hernandez and Andrea Cambiaso.
Selling Stones might open up more finances to make those signings happen, while also bolstering their profit and sustainability.
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