Stones wage demands revealed as Milan, Juventus & Inter linked with departing Man City defender
Quick summary
John Stones' wage demands have been revealed as AC Milan, Juventus, and Inter Milan are linked with a move for the departing Manchester City defender.
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Attributed to original sourceJohn Stones’ wage demands could put him out of reach for Italy’s biggest clubs.
According to transfer journalist Alfredo Pedullà, via MilanNews24 , the England centre-back has decided to leave Manchester City after a decade under Pep Guardiola, and has been linked in Italy with both Inter and Juventus.
Milan, too, are in the market for a central defender to bolster Ruben Amorim’s backline, though Stones has not specifically been tied to the Rossoneri. Regardless of the suitor, Pedullà suggests the defender’s salary expectations may simply be too steep for Serie A.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 25: John Stones of Manchester City brings out the 2018/2019 Premier League trophy during the After Party Celebration to mark the achievements of Manchester City men’s, women’s and academy teams during the 25/26 season at The Co-op Live Arena on May 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) Pedullà: Stones’ demands only for clubs willing to ‘go mad’ Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pedullà laid out the numbers and offered a characteristically colourful assessment of the defender’s quality.
“To stay in Europe he’s asking for 8/9 million base plus 2/3 in bonuses. I’d give it to him because he’s a strong, important defender, he’s built up extraordinary experience,” Pedullà said.
“In Italy he’d play with two cigars in hand and a blindfold on. But he costs that money, and in Italy they only give you that if they’ve decided to go mad.”
It amounts to a clear verdict: while Stones’ pedigree is beyond question, a serial title winner schooled in one of the most demanding systems in world football, the financial outlay required to land him would represent a significant gamble for any Italian club.
For now, his suitors on the peninsula may be admiring from a distance rather than preparing concrete offers.
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What happened
Manchester City defender John Stones is reportedly on his way out of the Etihad Stadium, with Italian giants AC Milan, Juventus, and Inter Milan all monitoring his situation. The article reveals Stones' salary expectations, which will be a key factor in determining which club can afford his signature. Stones has fallen out of favor at City under Pep Guardiola and appears set for a fresh start in Serie A. The three Italian clubs are assessing whether they can meet his financial demands as the January or summer transfer window approaches.
Chance analysis
Stones' potential departure from Manchester City would represent a significant squad change for Guardiola, who has relied on the English defender in big matches despite his inconsistent availability due to injuries. For the Italian suitors, acquiring a Premier League-proven defender would be a statement signing, though his wage demands could be a major stumbling block given Serie A clubs' financial constraints. This story is still in the rumor phase, so concrete impact on match predictions remains limited until a deal materializes.
Stones is likely to leave Manchester City, weakening their defensive depth, while one of Milan, Juventus, or Inter could gain a high-profile defender if they meet his wage demands.
Monitor Stones' situation as a potential Serie A arrival; until a deal is confirmed, his availability at Man City remains uncertain, affecting both squads' defensive depth.