Manchester City could be facing the prospect of seeing one of their most loyal servants depart for nothing at the end of the season, with reports suggesting that Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation closely.
The Cityzens have endured a campaign that has felt unusual by their recent standards. While they remain second in the table and firmly in the title conversation, performances have often lacked the authority and fluency that defined their domestic dominance in previous years.
Uncertainty has not been limited to matters on the pitch. Questions about the future of manager Pep Guardiola continue to swirl, adding another layer of intrigue to what could prove a pivotal summer at the Etihad Stadium.
Journalist David Ornstein recently told Sky Sports News that there’s “an extremely strong chance” the Catalan coach will leave at the end of the season, a development that would mark the close of a transformative era.
Against that backdrop, defensive stability has emerged as a pressing concern. Injuries and inconsistency have forced City into reactive decisions.
Young defender Max Alleyne was brought back from a loan spell at Watford, while the club also moved in the January transfer window to secure the services of Marc Guehi in a bid to steady the back line.
Even with those reinforcements, however, further upheaval could be on the horizon.
Contract uncertainty and continental interest
At the centre of the speculation is John Stones, who has been a key figure at City for almost a decade.
Since arriving from Everton in 2016, the England international has experienced the highs of multiple league titles and domestic cups, evolving from a ball-playing centre-back into a versatile defensive presence capable of stepping into midfield.
Yet his time at the club may now be drawing to a close. According to a report from CaughtOffside, Stones looks “increasingly” unlikely to be offered a contract extension before his current deal runs out this summer.
Should that prove accurate, he would be free to leave without a transfer fee — a scenario that would represent a significant shift in City’s squad planning.
Bayern Munich are understood to be among the clubs considering a move. The German giants are said to be exploring cost-effective options as they look to refresh their defensive ranks, and the availability of an experienced international on a free transfer is naturally appealing.
The personal connections involved could also play a role. Bayern manager Vincent Kompany, a former City captain and team-mate of Stones, is reportedly influential in discussions, while England striker Harry Kane — now a leading figure in Munich — may offer insight into life in the Bundesliga.
Interest is not confined to Germany. Conversations are also believed to have taken place with Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.
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As Stones is in the final months of his contract, he is permitted to discuss terms with overseas clubs, widening the range of potential destinations.
Meanwhile, Stones has never exceeded 30 Premier League appearances in a single season, largely due to recurring injury setbacks. Those physical issues have often interrupted his rhythm and limited his availability at key stages of campaigns.
Despite those fitness struggles, Stones has remained a trusted option when available.
Guardiola has frequently praised his composure on the ball and tactical intelligence, particularly during the 2022–23 season when the defender was deployed in a hybrid role that blended centre-back duties with midfield responsibilities.
If Stones was to depart, it would remove not only experience but also familiarity with Guardiola’s intricate system — assuming the Spaniard stays.
Should the manager himself move on, the club could face a broader rebuild, with senior figures potentially reassessing their futures.
