The 2026 summer transfer window continues to be vibrant with a series of notable deals before closing on September 1. Besides the contracts expected to create a turning point, many deals also raise questions about the level of success for players and related clubs.
Among them, the deal for John Stones to leave Manchester City to join Inter Milan on a free transfer has received much attention.
With Man City, Stones' departure is considered inevitable. The English center-back has been constantly struggling with injuries in recent seasons, especially a thigh injury that caused him to be sidelined for 18 matches in the 2025-2026 season. This makes the possibility of contract extension almost non-existent.
However, Stones still closed 10 memorable years at the Etihad Stadium with many imprints. He is an important factor in Man City's most successful period in history, contributing greatly to helping the team win the treble in the 2022-2023 season, including the first Champions League title.
At the age of 32, parting is considered a reasonable choice for both sides, especially when Man City also avoided the possibility of losing him to a direct opponent in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan is willing to bet on Stones' injury history. Although not paying a transfer fee, the Italian team still offered the English international a 2-year contract with a salary believed to be around £115,000 per week.
The reigning Serie A champion believes that the Italian football environment with lower intensity of competition will help Stones maintain better fitness than the Premier League. If he reaches high form, Stones is still considered one of the best foot-playing center-backs in the world, which he has partly proven at the 2026 World Cup.
Inter also considers Stones an ideal replacement for veteran Francesco Acerbi. In addition, surpassing Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to sign this player further makes the deal considered successful.
On Stones' side, this is seen as an opportunity to refresh his career after a long period of injury torment. Moving to Serie A not only brings a more suitable playing environment but also helps him continue to compete for major titles in Inter colors.
At San Siro, Stones will reunite with his old teammate Manuel Akanji and is likely to be arranged to play in the three center-back system of coach Cristian Chivu, alongside Alessandro Bastoni. If he maintains his fitness and form, the former Man City center-back can completely extend his peak career for many more years, and continue to nurture hopes of participating in the England national team in the upcoming major tournaments.
After 10 years at Man City, I feel it's time to experience a new environment. When this opportunity came, I talked to my family and we did not hesitate at all.
I have heard a lot about life in Milan, but have not experienced it myself. That is what excites us. In addition, it is great to know that I have had a few friends here to share this experience" - Stones shared.
