Stones ready for Inter as free agent, but Romero still wanted too
Quick summary
John Stones is prepared to join Inter as a free agent, while Inter also remain interested in Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMultiple sources confirm John Stones has agreed a two-year contract with Inter, earning €4m per season, but the England international does not exclude Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 23: John Stones of England walks out the tunnel to inspect the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana at Boston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Sky Sport Italia had stated this afternoon that a verbal agreement was reached for Stones to join Inter as a free agent after his contract with Manchester City had been allowed to run down.
It was followed by multiple other confirmations that all have the same figures, a contract to June 2028 that is worth €4m per season net in wages.
Stones not only Premier League target for Inter ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 10: John Stones #5 of England looks on during a international friendly against Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) Because England went all the way to third place in the World Cup, Stones is still on vacation and in no real hurry to undergo a medical, so that has not yet been scheduled.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that Inter are seeking more than one central defender, as Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian both left as free agents this summer.
That means they are continuing to pursue Tottenham Hotspur star Cuti Romero , trying to get a deal done with his club for €40m.
The Argentina international is said to be eager for a return to Serie A after his experiences with Genoa, Juventus and Atalanta.
It is entirely possible that Inter will have three former Premier League defenders in the side this season, as Manuel Akanji already joined from Manchester City last summer.
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What happened
Inter Milan are exploring defensive reinforcements, with John Stones reportedly open to a free-agent move from Manchester City. Despite being out of favour at City, Stones is seen as a viable option for Inter. Meanwhile, Inter's pursuit of Cristian Romero from Tottenham is also still alive, suggesting the club could target multiple defensive additions this window. The double pursuit indicates Inter are prioritising defensive depth and quality ahead of the new season.
Chance analysis
Inter's interest in two high-calibre Premier League centre-backs signals a significant defensive overhaul. Stones would arrive on a free, offering a low-cost, high-experience option, while Romero would require a major transfer fee but represents a younger, more long-term solution. For prediction systems, Inter's defensive line could look substantially different next season, potentially improving their solidity but also requiring tactical adjustment during a transition period.
Inter could substantially strengthen their defensive options with experienced and high-quality centre-backs, potentially elevating their competitiveness domestically and in Europe.
Inter's defensive depth and quality may improve significantly if both Stones and Romero arrive, but integration risks and transfer timing should be factored into early-season performance predictions.