England centre‑back John Stones confirmed he will depart Manchester City at season’s end, saying he “lived all my dreams” in the Pep Guardiola era. The former Barnsley defender, once dubbed the “Barnsley Beckenbauer,” featured in 73% of City’s games his debut campaign but has struggled for minutes this term.

Injury woes have limited Stones to just 16 appearances across all competitions this season, including 353 Premier League minutes. Despite that, he captained City to an FA Cup final win over Southampton. Opta data shows he has missed 737 days – 295 matches – through a litany of thigh, calf and other muscular problems.

Spain reports claim Stones is prepared to take a wage cut to join Barcelona, while Everton and newly‑promoted Coventry also feature in rumours. With City eyeing a domestic treble, his absence forces Pep to reshuffle a back‑line already thin on fitness. England’s Marc Guehi, who praised Stones’ partnership, will miss his club stalwart for the final stretch.

Stones leaves with 87 England caps and two European Championship final defeats on his résumé. His departure marks the end of an era for a player once pivotal to City’s defensive rhythm, and it opens a rare leadership void for both club and country.