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John Stones has verbally agreed a two‑year contract with Inter Milan, confirming he will leave English football for Italy after ending his 10‑year spell at Manchester City as a free agent.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move this evening with his trademark “Here we go!” – with all terms now finalised, pending a medical in Milan this week before signing until June 2028. No transfer fee is involved, with the 32‑year‑old set to earn around €4 million net per season.
Stones chose Inter over late offers from Chelsea and Arsenal, plus approaches from Juventus – ending the Blues’ hopes of adding his elite experience and ball‑playing quality to Xabi Alonso’s new‑look defence.
Chelsea had stepped up their interest in recent days, seeing Stones as the ideal short‑term leader to balance their young squad – following the example set by former captain Thiago Silva. Arsenal meanwhile lined him up as cover for William Saliba, who picked up an injury during England’s World Cup run.
But Inter moved fastest to seal the deal, beating off competition across Europe to secure one of the Premier League’s most decorated defenders. Stones leaves City having won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups – 19 major trophies in total – and was a key part of the historic treble‑winning side of 2022/23. He also starred for England as they reached the World Cup semi‑finals this summer, showing his enduring class on the biggest stage.
Renowned for his elite distribution, tactical flexibility and calm under pressure, Stones will bring world‑class quality to Inter’s backline as they defend their Serie A crown and target further European success.
