Inter Milan close in on deal for defender John Stones
Developed over time first seen 3 months ago
England defender John Stones completed a move to Inter Milan on a free transfer, joining the Serie A champions on a two-year deal after his contract at Manchester City expired at the end of June. The 32-year-old had been courted by several major European clubs, including Chelsea and Juventus, but Inter emerged as the frontrunners and secured his signature following advanced talks, adding a decorated Premier League winner to their squad without a transfer fee.
Stones made 295 appearances for City after his £47.5m move from Everton in 2016, helping the club win six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the Uefa Super Cup. A former Barnsley player, he has earned 93 England caps and was part of the squad that finished third at the recent World Cup, making him one of the summer's most sought-after free agents.
- John Stones joins Inter Milan on a free two-year deal.
- Left Manchester City after his contract expired in June.
- Beat Chelsea and Juventus to sign the England defender.
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Inter Milan are the reigning Serie A champions, and John Stones is an England centre-back who spent nine years at Manchester City, winning trophies including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. His contract at City expired at the end of June, making him a free agent, and reports suggest Inter are now front-runners to sign him ahead of Chelsea and Juventus.
Free transfers like this attract heavy interest because a club can sign an experienced, internationally proven player without paying a transfer fee, though wages and contract length still need agreeing. Stones is 32 and was part of England's squad at the recent World Cup, where the team finished third, underlining his continued standing at international level.
His potential move is one of several high-profile free-agency situations this summer, alongside other well-known players out of contract, making it part of a wider story about top players changing clubs without transfer fees.
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Originally published by BBC Sport as “Inter in advanced talks with England defender Stones”.