Barcelona have reportedly positioned themselves as strong favourites to sign Manchester City defender John Stones, whose future at the Etihad Stadium is becoming increasingly uncertain.
The England international, who joined City from Everton in 2016, has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s side over the years, helping the club to multiple Premier League titles and a historic treble in 2023.
But with his current deal due to expire in the summer of 2026 and persistent injury issues limiting his influence, speculation is growing that Stones’ time in Manchester may soon come to an end.
According to reports from Fichajes, Barcelona are closely monitoring the situation, viewing the 31-year-old as a potential bargain acquisition to bolster their defence next season.
The Catalan giants, constrained by ongoing financial difficulties, are said to see Stones as a “low-risk, high-reward” signing who could bring experience, composure, and leadership to their backline.
Barcelona’s interest in John Stones comes amid a broader effort to reinforce a defence that has struggled with consistency and depth. Manager Hansi Flick, who took charge ahead of the 2024–25 campaign, is said to be prioritising defensive stability after a season that exposed the club’s vulnerability in big matches.
With veteran centre-backs like Andreas Christensen and Iñigo Martínez facing recurring injuries, and young defenders such as Pau Cubarsí still developing, the Blaugrana are eager to add a seasoned figure capable of anchoring the defence.
Stones, known for his ball-playing ability and tactical intelligence, fits that mould perfectly.
However, Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles remain a decisive factor in their transfer planning. After years of wage bill constraints and limited spending power due to La Liga’s financial fair play regulations, the club’s leadership — including sporting director Deco — is focusing on creative ways to strengthen the squad without overspending.
Therefore, signing a player of Stones’ calibre on a free transfer would represent a significant coup.
The club’s strategy increasingly relies on opportunistic deals for players nearing the end of their contracts, as seen with previous signings such as Ilkay Gündogan, another former City player who arrived for free in 2023.
For Manchester City, the possible departure of Stones would mark the end of an era.
Since arriving for £47.5 million from Everton, he has evolved under Guardiola into one of Europe’s most technically gifted defenders. His ability to step into midfield and dictate play became a defining feature of City’s tactical system during their title-winning seasons.
Yet, injuries have repeatedly disrupted his rhythm. Over the past two campaigns, the Barnsley-born defender has missed significant portions of the season, limiting his impact and forcing Guardiola to rely more heavily on Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Nathan Aké.
With City consistently competing on multiple fronts and showing no signs of slowing their recruitment drive, the club appears to be preparing for life without some of its long-serving stars.
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Guardiola has often praised Stones’ professionalism and intelligence, but recent reports suggest that the manager is open to refreshing his squad with younger options.
However, another report has revealed thatCity’s management is believed to be weighing whether extending Stones’ contract beyond 2026 is in the club’s best interest, especially given his age and fitness record.
If no extension is agreed in the coming months, Barcelona’s interest in John Stones could become a reality since he could leave on a free transfer at the end of his current deal. It is an outcome that the Spainsh team are reportedly hoping to exploit.
Negotiations with his representatives could begin as early as January 2025, with the player allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement six months before his deal expires.
