Transfer updates issued on Manchester City’s John Stones and Manuel Akanji | OneFootball

Manchester City look set to retain two of their most-experienced central defenders this summer amid talk of possible exits owing to concerns around fitness and injury records.

While the futures of both John Stones and Manuel Akanji have come under scrutiny in recent weeks, particularly following a difficult 2024/25 season for Pep Guardiola’s squad, the latest information suggests City are planning for the new campaign with both players in the picture.

Questions around depth in central defence, injury reliability, and potential squad reshuffles had placed the duo under the spotlight, but the club’s internal position now appears more stable.

Stones, who has struggled with recurring injury setbacks over the past 24 months, was at one stage viewed as a potential high-profile departure, having missed large chunks of last season, and notably playing no part in City’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign this summer.

Yet speaking candidly during the tournament, the England international expressed his love for the club and his desire to stay. “I’m here, I want to stay here, I love it. I’m here to help,” he said, adding that he hoped such comments would “shut down” the growing speculation around his Etihad future.

Meanwhile, Akanji has faced rising pressure from supporters across social media platforms, with some fans calling for the Swiss defender to be moved on during the current window. The 30-year-old endured a mixed season last term, featuring regularly but struggling at times with form and positioning across multiple roles.

Despite tentative links to Galatasaray earlier in the window, the Turkish champions are not believed to have made the defender a transfer priority, and no official approaches have been made to City.

Now, according to The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell, there is no prospect of John Stones leaving Manchester City this summer, despite the England international not being given a single minute of action at the recent FIFA Club World Cup having fully recovered from injury.

It is reminded that while the versatile centre-back only has a year left on his current City contract, Stones himself insisted during the United States-hosted tournament that he did not want to leave the Etihad Stadium.

As for Manuel Akanji, who has faced increasing calls from supporters online to leave the club, the report indicates that there have been no approaches made to Manchester City for the Swiss defender.

Looking ahead, there could still be movement later in the window, but not necessarily involving Stones or Akanji. City remain open to loaning out young Brazilian talent Vitor Reis, while the likes of Kalvin Phillips and James McAtee are expected to leave permanently.

In the background, Manchester City have been monitoring defensive reinforcements, but there are no active efforts to replace either senior centre-back at this stage. Contractually, Stones’ situation could become more relevant in 2026, with just one year now remaining on his current deal.

But unless an unexpected offer materialises or the player’s fitness falters again next season, City appear relaxed over his status, especially with the 31-year-old still seen as a tactical asset in midfield-centre back hybrid roles when available. Akanji, too, is expected to remain part of Guardiola’s plans as a utility option across the back line.

Ultimately, while speculation has bubbled in both cases, Manchester City are quietly confident that stability in defence – a problem area last season – will come not from sweeping changes, but from the consistency of familiar faces.