Exclusive: £47.5m Man City star Guardiola loves could leave with Ederson and Walker amid fitness concerns

Yesterday at 07:15 AM

TBR Football have now been told that John Stones could follow Ederson and Kyle Walker in leaving Manchester City this summer.

The Citizens are planning to revamp their defence across the next six months after a difficult 2024/25 campaign so far – with a run of just three wins in 13 Premier League outings left them sixth in the table.

TBR Football understand Kyle Walker is free to leave – with the Saudi Pro League making the England international a top target – while Ederson is also a primary target for Saudi Arabian clubs this summer.

Both previously spoke to Saudi Arabian sides before Manchester City convinced them to stay – although they are set to depart the Etihad Stadium once the 2024/25 campaign ends.

Now, sources have informed TBR Football that another pillar of the Pep Guardiola era could leave with them in John Stones.

Manchester City ready to move on from John Stones amid fitness concerns

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – has now been told that Manchester City are preparing to move on from the £47.5m defender.

Stones has now entered the final 18 months of his contract, and we understand the Citizens have no plans to discuss an extension as things stand.

The 30-year-old has only managed to start four Premier League games so far this season, with Manchester City concerned by his long-term fitness.

Furthermore, plans are already being made to bring two of the most talented young centre-backs in Europe to the Etihad Stadium.

TBR Football understand Manchester City are close to signing Abdukodir Khusanov from RC Lens – who Tottenham and Newcastle also wanted.

Additionally, we have been told Manchester City are in talks to sign Vitor Reis from Palmeiras amid doubts over Stones, who Guardiola once said is like a “son” to him.

Manchester City have Ederson and Kyle Walker replacements in mind too

Manchester City often replace key figures well, with Erling Haaland coming in for Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva for David Silva and so on.

The Citizens are an organised outfit, and already have some idea of who they would like to replace Ederson and Walker too.

TBR Football understand Manchester City admire Bayer Leverkusen No.30 Jeremie Frimpong as an option on the right of defence.

Sources have also shared that Manchester City are closely watching Parma No.31 Zion Suzuki as a replacement for Ederson – with Lille glovesman Lucas Chevalier and Atalanta No.29 Marco Carnesecchi under consideration as well.