John Stones, the 32-year-old England defender, is on the verge of joining Inter Milan on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City at the end of June. The move would end a decade-long spell at the Etihad and take him to Serie A for the first time, a decision that has surprised some fans and pundits given the calibre of clubs chasing him, including Chelsea and Juventus.
Stones became a free agent on 30 June 2026 when his Manchester City contract expired, while he was away with England at the World Cup. He made 295 appearances for City after joining from Everton for £47.5 million in 2016, winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the Uefa Super Cup. At international level, he has 93 caps and was part of the England squad that finished third at the World Cup.
“John Stones is joining Inter Milan on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City – what it means for him, England and the Premier League.”
Why did stones leave City? His playing time dropped last season. He made only 13 appearances for City before being injured in December, and after a two-month lay-off he was selected just five more times by manager Pep Guardiola. Stones admitted at the end of the season that he still felt he had “so much to give a club” and was open to a “new challenge”. With his contract up, City did not renew, leaving him free to negotiate with clubs across Europe.
Inter Milan emerged as the frontrunners after holding positive discussions with the defender. The Serie A champions are understood to have agreed a two-year contract with Stones, running until 2028. He also held talks with Chelsea, who are rebuilding under new manager Xabi Alonso and play with three centre-backs, but Stones rejected the chance to return to the Premier League. Juventus were also interested. Stones’ decision to move abroad marks a rare departure for a high-profile English player in his prime, though he will join compatriot Fikayo Tomori, who plays for AC Milan.
For UK readers, the transfer highlights a growing trend: established Premier League stars choosing to test themselves in other top European leagues. Stones’ move weakens the pool of elite English defenders available domestically, but it also strengthens the England national team’s exposure to different tactical styles. His experience in Italy could benefit Gareth Southgate’s successors, as Stones remains a key figure for the Three Lions. The transfer also underscores the financial realities of modern football — City allowed a 93-cap international to leave for free rather than offer a new contract — and shows how top clubs outside England can still attract world-class talent on free transfers.
Q: Why did Chelsea not sign John Stones? Stones held multiple rounds of talks with Chelsea but ultimately rejected the move. Inter Milan had already agreed terms with the player, and Stones preferred the challenge of playing abroad after a decade in England.
Q: How much did John Stones cost Inter Milan? Nothing — he joined on a free transfer because his Manchester City contract expired. Inter will pay his wages and a signing-on fee, but no transfer fee is due.
Q: Will John Stones still play for England after moving to Italy? Yes. International managers select players based on form, not club location. Stones started England’s World Cup quarter-final and semi-final this summer, so he is clearly in Thomas Tuchel’s plans. Moving to Serie A should not affect his England call-ups.
Inter Milan are expected to finalise the deal within days, though the clubs must still confirm the contract. Stones will become the first English player to join Inter since Ashley Cole’s loan in 2014? Actually, a quick fact check: Cole was at Roma. More accurately, Stones would be one of very few English players at Inter. The move is set to be announced before Inter’s pre-season training resumes. For now, Stones is enjoying a break after the World Cup, but his new adventure in Italy is imminent.