John Stones is leaving Manchester City as a free agent. His contract expires at the end of June and will not be renewed, so the question now is which club tries to turn that into a deal. Bayern München, Everton and a wider group of suitors are already in the frame, while Bayern's Max Eberl has publicly said of the link, "That's not true".

Why Bayern's denial matters

Bayern had been monitoring Stones since February, according to the reporting in the briefing, and their name comes up for obvious reasons. The club still finished first in the Bundesliga, and that status alone keeps them in any conversation for a player who is available on a free transfer.

But Eberl's denial is the clearest concrete signal in the material here. Bayern may sit near the front of the queue on reputation, yet there is no public commitment from them to bring Stones in.

The rest of the interest list is busy enough without Bayern. Everton are named alongside Napoli, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Monaco, Como and MLS clubs, which tells you this is not a narrow chase. It is an open market for a 17-appearance season at City, not a done deal wrapped in one destination.

Stones leaves after a difficult season of availability

Pep Guardiola's assessment helps explain why City are prepared to let the situation move on. He said, "I cannot judge his performance because he has been a little bit out. I don't have doubts with John. When he reaches his level, he is a top central defender. I only want him fit and, unfortunately, like last season, a lot of the time it is not possible. He is a lovely, incredible team-mate."

That line on fitness matters more than any nostalgic framing. Stones only made 17 appearances in 2025/26, and his Premier League rating of 6.43 sits below his 6.98 Champions League rating, which suggests the level is still there when he is available.

The goodbye at the Etihad was emotional enough to match the uncertainty outside it. Stones said, "It's been a dream come true," and then added, "And from the bottom of my heart and my family's hearts, thank you so much. It's been an honour to wear the shirt in front of you guys." Bernardo Silva was also in tears in the tunnel and in floods of tears inside the dressing room, which underlined how much of City's modern core is being broken up at once.

What happens next is less sentimental and more practical. John Stones is out of contract at the end of June, and unless Bayern's public posture changes, the race looks open for Everton and the other clubs named in the briefing to make the next move.

FAQ

Will John Stones leave Manchester City on a free transfer this summer?

Yes. Stones' contract expires at the end of June and will not be renewed, so he is available on a free transfer. The briefing says Bayern Munich have been monitoring him since February, with Everton, Napoli, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Monaco, Como and MLS clubs also mentioned as possible suitors.

Are Bayern Munich actually trying to sign John Stones?

The reporting says Bayern Munich have been monitoring Stones since February, but Max Eberl publicly answered, "That's not true" when asked about the link. So the interest is being discussed in the market, but Bayern's own sporting side has cooled it in public.

Why is John Stones leaving Manchester City now?

The briefing frames the move as a free-agent exit after a season in which Stones made 17 appearances for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola said he was "a little bit out" and pointed to fitness problems, while also saying he has no doubts about Stones' quality when fit.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →