John Stones to Everton could be agreed in days as Man City exit set to be announced
John Stones could soon be set for an emotional return to Everton as his Manchester City days come to an end this summer.
The 31-year-old centre-half left Goodison Park in August 2016, joining Pep Guardiola’s side on a £47.5million deal, where he is now just eight games short of 300 appearances.
Sadly for the England international, his last two campaigns have been blighted by injuries, making a total of just 10 Premier League starts, though he was back on the bench for City’s key win over Arsenal.
Back at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, there is a lot of uncertainty over David Moyes’ current backline, so it would be a surprise to see Everton agree a deal for Stones on a free transfer at the end of the season.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBJohn Stones deal could be agreed before the summer
Michael Keane has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal on Merseyside, and with Jarrad Branthwaite suffering yet another injury blow, the centre-back department needs addressing this summer.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are ready to gamble on Stones’ signature, given the defender’s injury issues, and a deal could soon be agreed for the Toffees.
According to David Ornstein, the veteran’s departure is set to be announced as early as next week, and while top European clubs are likely to be interested, Moyes’ side could pip all of them to his signature.
| John Stones’ recent injuries | Season | Games missed |
| Calf | 2025-26 | 3 |
| Thigh | 2025-26 | 18 |
| Muscle | 2025-26 | 3 |
| Hamstring | 2024-25 | 18 |
| Foot | 2024-25 | 6 |
| Foot | 2024-25 | 5 |
| Unknown | 2024-25 | 5 |
Bernardo Silva has already bid farewell to the supporters at the Etihad Stadium, and if Stones is to be next, the Toffees can begin writing up plans to draw him over the Hill Dickinson as soon as next week.
Who else are Everton interested in at the back?
Everton are clearly in the market for at least one new defender, with Stones not the only name being linked on Merseyside ahead of a busy summer window.
Juventus’ Federico Gatti, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi and Ozan Kabak of Hoffenheim are all potential targets for the Toffees, all while the club are trying to tie down their current players to new deals.
Football Insider understands that a new defender is a “top priority” for Everton following Branthwaite’s new setback, though it is believed that he may only miss four weeks due to the hamstring problem.
While it seems like a huge gamble to sign Stones, it would be on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Man City, and supporters already love him, given his previous spell at the club.
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