(Credit:Imago)

Aasif Rahman

Fri 1 August 2025 10:04, UK

Man City defender John Stones was active on social media to react to news of an official exit from the Etihad Stadium.

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Last season was one to forget for Man City, who finished third in the Premier League and ended the campaign without a single piece of silverware, which is the first time that’s happened in eight years.

The club are now pushing ahead with a major squad overhaul this summer, and Stones is one of several senior players who could leave Man City.

Football Insider revealed back in May that Man City would be willing to listen to offers for Stones following another injury-disrupted campaign, in which he managed just 20 appearances across all competitions.

With his own future hanging in the balance, the centre-back was quick to respond after learning of a confirmed staff departure from the club.



SeasonGames missed2024/25332023/2412202/2313John Stones’ injury history.

Man City officially confirmed on 31 July that director of football Txiki Begiristain has departed the club after 13 hugely successful years at the Etihad.

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The announcement was shared via the club’s official Instagram account and prompted reactions from several current and former players, including Stones, Kalvin Phillips, and Riyad Mahrez, who all shared a like on the post.

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Begiristain had already revealed plans to step down from Man City in October 2024, and the club have now formally completed the transition, with Hugo Viana appointed as his successor.

The 60-year-old joined in 2012 and played a major role in overseeing a golden era for the club.

During his tenure, City lifted seven Premier League titles, claimed their first-ever Champions League trophy, and completed a historic treble under Pep Guardiola.

City also confirmed that Begiristain will return to Manchester for the derby on 14 September, where the club will pay tribute to his outstanding contribution over the last decade.

Phillips could leave Man City.

(Credit Imago)

While Phillips was among those to acknowledge Begiristain’s exit on social media, his own future at City remains uncertain.

As reported by Football Insider on 29 July, Leeds United retain strong interest in re-signing Phillips following their promotion back to the Premier League.

A move is unlikely to materialise until he has fully recovered from injury, but the Phillips is understood to be keen on a return to Leeds as he looks to revive his career with regular first-team football.

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