It’s not every day that a player who spent a decade at Manchester City switches leagues and countries. But that’s exactly what John Stones did when he left the Premier League for Inter Milan in 2026 – a move that, while surprising to some, marks a deliberate new phase for the England defender.
Age: 31 (born 28 May 1994) · Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) · Current club: Inter Milan · Position: Centre-back / Defensive midfielder · Former club: Manchester City · National team: England
Quick snapshot
- Stones joined Inter Milan on a two-year deal in July 2026 (Reuters (international wire service))
- He suffered a thigh injury in February 2025 that kept him out for 8–10 weeks (The Athletic (sports journalism))
- His contract at Inter is reported to be worth around €4 million net per season (Associated Press (news agency))
- Exact transfer fee and full salary breakdown have not been officially disclosed (BBC Sport (public service broadcaster))
- His precise role in Simone Inzaghi’s tactical setup at Inter is yet to be seen (BBC Sport (public service broadcaster))
- February 2025: thigh injury during a Champions League match (The Athletic)
- July 2026: announced as Inter Milan player (Reuters)
- Stones will compete for minutes in Inter’s back three or defensive midfield (The Guardian (British newspaper))
- His fitness will be crucial after missing the second half of 2024–25 with injury (The Guardian (British newspaper))
Seven key facts from the available data, one pattern: the narrative around Stones is split between a proven Premier League winner and a player now embarking on an Italian adventure with open questions about his health and financial details.
Here is the known data organised in table form:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Current club | Inter Milan (Reuters) |
| Transfer date | July 2026 (BBC Sport) |
| Contract length | Two years (Associated Press) |
| Reported salary | €4 million net per season (Associated Press) |
| Last injury | Thigh injury (Feb 2025, 8–10 weeks out) (The Athletic) |
| Former club | Manchester City (ESPN (sports broadcaster)) |
What happened with John Stones?
Why did John Stones leave Man City?
Stones departed Manchester City at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season after his contract expired. ESPN (sports broadcaster) reported that he left as a free agent in June 2026. The move came after a disrupted final campaign in which a thigh injury – suffered during City’s 3-1 Champions League loss to Real Madrid on February 19, 2025 – sidelined him for eight to ten weeks (The Athletic).
- Pep Guardiola confirmed Stones would not need surgery, expecting recovery within the eight‑to‑ten‑week window (The Athletic)
- Transfer speculation began shortly after, with BBC Sport reporting in July 2026 that Inter were leading the race for his signature on a two‑year contract
The implication: Stones’ injury in early 2025 may have accelerated his departure from Manchester, as he was unable to contribute to the run‑in and the club chose not to extend his deal.
When did John Stones join Inter Milan?
The official announcement came on July 30, 2026, when Reuters confirmed that the England defender had signed a two‑year contract with Inter Milan. The Guardian reported that Inter had been “closing in” on Stones since he left City, and Goal (independent sport publisher) added that the deal runs until June 2028. The move reunites Stones with Italian football after nearly a decade in the Premier League.
Inter gain a versatile defender who can play centre‑back or defensive midfielder, but they inherit a player who missed the final months of the 2024‑25 season with a significant muscle injury – a risk that the reported €4‑m‑a‑year wage reflects.
Where is John Stones playing next season?
What is John Stones’ new club?
Stones now plays for Inter Milan in Serie A. The club confirmed his arrival as a free agent after his Manchester City contract expired (ESPN). He will wear the Nerazzurri shirt for at least the next two seasons.
Which league does John Stones play in now?
He competes in Italy’s top flight, Serie A – a league known for tactical discipline and defensive organisation. Stones’ ability to play as both a centre‑back and a defensive midfielder gives Inter flexibility, but his adaptation to Italian football will be closely watched.
Serie A’s demands on defending differ significantly from the Premier League. Stones will face fewer transition attacks but more structured low blocks and tight man‑marking. His success depends on staying fit and learning Inzaghi’s system quickly.
Why is John Stones not playing for Man City?
Did John Stones leave Man City?
Yes. Stones left Manchester City when his contract ended in June 2026. The decision was mutual: the club did not offer a new deal, and Stones chose to join Inter Milan on a free transfer (BBC Sport).
Is John Stones injured?
As of his Inter arrival in July 2026, Stones had recovered from the thigh injury that kept him out of City’s final months. No new injuries have been reported since. However, his history of muscular problems – including the February 2025 setback – is a factor Inter will monitor closely (The Athletic).
What this means: Stones’ absence during the second half of 2024‑25 likely cost him a role in City’s plans, making the transfer inevitable. His fitness remains the key variable for his Inter career.
What is John Stones’ net worth in 2026?
What is John Stones’ salary at Inter Milan?
No official salary figure has been published. Associated Press reported that his Inter deal is worth “a reported four million euros a season” net. Goal also cited the same €4‑m‑net figure. These are unverified but consistent across outlets.
What was John Stones’ salary at Man City?
His Manchester City wages were not disclosed. Media estimates during his tenure ranged roughly between £150,000 and £200,000 per week, but neither the club nor Stones has confirmed any amount. No official financial data is available for his career earnings.
How much is John Stones worth?
Exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. Given his salary history and endorsements, estimates vary widely, but no verified figure exists from official sources.
The pattern: Reliable financial details on footballers are rare. The gap between reported and confirmed numbers leaves room for speculation, but the only concrete data point is the reported €4‑m‑net salary from Inter.
Who is John Stones’ wife?
Who is John Stones’ spouse?
Stones is reported to be married to Millie Stones, though the couple has kept their relationship largely private. No official confirmation from the player or club is available, and the information comes from unverified media reports. The lack of authoritative sources makes it difficult to treat this as a confirmed fact.
How many children does John Stones have?
Unconfirmed reports suggest Stones and his partner have a daughter born in 2021. Again, no official records or reliable statements from the player support this. The overall low research confidence on personal details means these claims should be treated as unverified.
Timeline
- February 2025 – Stones suffers a thigh injury during Manchester City’s 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League (The Athletic)
- July 2026 – Stones signs a two‑year contract with Inter Milan as a free agent (Reuters)
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Stones joined Inter Milan in July 2026 (Reuters)
- His contract runs for two years (BBC Sport)
- He had a thigh injury in February 2025 requiring 8–10 weeks recovery (The Athletic)
- He left Manchester City as a free agent (ESPN)
- Inter were ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign him (ESPN)
What’s unclear
- Exact transfer fee and full salary details
- Stones’ precise role in Inter’s tactical system
- His long‑term injury prognosis beyond the 2025 setback
- Personal life details (marriage, children) – no official confirmation
Quotes
Ciao, Nerazzurri! I’m so proud to have joined @inter…
— John Stones, via Instagram, upon signing for Inter Milan.
The quote captures the excitement of the move, but it also highlights the absence of any direct statement about his fitness or tactical expectations.
Summary
John Stones has traded the Premier League for Serie A, moving to Inter Milan on a free transfer after a decade at Manchester City. His 2025 injury disrupted his final season, but he arrives in Italy with a clean bill of health and a two‑year deal. The financial details remain opaque, and his personal life is largely private. For Inter, the bet is that a motivated, fit Stones can reinforce a defensive unit that already challenges for trophies. For Stones, the challenge is proving that his best years are still ahead – away from the league where he made his name. The decision is clear: perform in Milan, or risk being remembered as a player who peaked under Guardiola.
Frequently asked questions
What is John Stones’ preferred foot?
Right.
How many caps does John Stones have for England?
Over 70 senior caps, as of his transfer to Inter. Exact counts are updated on the FA website.
What jersey number does John Stones wear at Inter Milan?
His squad number has not been officially announced as of the transfer.
Did John Stones win any trophies with Manchester City?
Yes – he won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, a Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup during his time at the club.
What was John Stones’ first club?
He began his senior career at Barnsley.
Is John Stones injured right now?
No known injuries as of his Inter Milan debut. He recovered fully from the thigh injury sustained in February 2025.
What is John Stones’ market value?
Market value is not officially published. As a free transfer, no fee was paid. Estimates from transfermarkt are unconfirmed.
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Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.