John Stones Replacement Sought by Manchester City

Manchester City are preparing for a defensive revamp this summer after John Stones' potential departure.

The England international could be joined by Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias through the exit door.

John Stones, 32, has been with Manchester City since 2016, when he signed from Everton for around £50million.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 23, has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium as a potential replacement for John Stones.

Manchester City will have to pay a significant sum, with Everton setting a minimum asking price of £70m for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has shown promise but struggled with injuries.

The Sky Blues are watching Jarrad Branthwaite closely, but any move reportedly depends on players leaving from the Etihad Stadium, with Marc Guehi, Abdukhodir Khusanov, and Josko Gvardiol expected to be part of the team's defensive rebuild.

Manchester City aren't the only team interested in Jarrad Branthwaite, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich also credited with an interest.

On 13 June, sources told **Football Insider** that Enzo Maresca wants Everton's Iliman Ndiaye to succeed Savinho at Man City.

Jarrad Branthwaite made 10 Premier League appearances for Everton in the 2025-26 campaign, dealing with multiple hamstring issues during the season.

James Garner is another player who will attract interest from top clubs in the coming months.

The transfer window is expected to be busy for Manchester City, with several players potentially leaving and arriving at the Etihad Stadium.

John Stones' potential departure has sparked rumors of a defensive revamp, with Jarrad Branthwaite as the top target.

Manchester City will need to act quickly to secure Jarrad Branthwaite's signature, with several other top clubs interested in the young defender.

The Sky Blues are ready to pounce on all the big stars at Hill Dickinson Stadium as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming campaign.