Everton are sniffing around the Etihad Stadium.
Not only are the Toffees considering another loan move for Jack Grealish once he recovers from a broken foot, but TEAMtalk now state that Everton are also thinking about bringing John Stones back to Merseyside.
The former Everton defender is out of contract at the end of the season, and it remains to be seen if Manchester City offer him a new deal.
While it would be a romantic return for Stones, those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium do have two concerns.
There is NO WAY we should bring John Stones back ❌
Prone to injuries. Enormous wages. Turning 32 in May. It's a no from us ⛔️
John Stones in action for Everton
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Everton wary of injuries and lack of playing time as John Stones under consideration
TEAMtalk say the Toffees admire the 31-year-old, but there are still some doubts over his injury record and also his lack of action this season.
Stones has not featured since 2nd December 2025 as a thigh problem plagues his season, making just 13 appearances in all competitions so far.
Historically, the Manchester City No.5 has missed 151 games throughout his career because of injuries – according to Transfermarkt – suffering from a range of muscle issues including his hamstring and his thigh.
Season Days Injuries Games missed
2025/26 82 days 2 21
2024/25 164 days 4 34
2023/24 53 days 1 11
2022/23 59 days 2 12
2020/21 23 days 3 6
2019/20 70 days 3 16
2018/19 67 days 3 12
2017/18 77 days 3 16
2015/16 25 days 1 4
2014/15 67 days 1 19
However, the chance to potentially sign Stones – who Anthony Gordon called “the best” defender on the ball in Europe – on a free transfer remains under consideration by Everton despite these doubts.
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TEAMtalk add that the Barnsley academy graduate may even replace Michael Keane, as the Everton No.5 himself sees his contract expire in July.
Everton need to be wary of blowing the budget on Manchester City outcasts
Grealish and Stones are obviously players from the top drawer, but Everton risk neglecting other areas in need of strengthening, like both full-back areas, by funding these moves.
There is believed to be a £70m budget this summer – according to The i Paper – and the same outlet report that Everton are willing to spend up to £25m of that sum on Grealish.
The Friedkin Group would also have to negotiate his current £300,000-a-week salary in the event of a permanent deal, or even another loan.
Furthermore, while Stones would be a free transfer should Manchester City release him, the man born in Barnsley earns £250,000-a-week according to Capology, which would cost Everton £13m-a-year if they match that salary.
If you could sign one player, who would it be Everton fans? 🤩
Everton deadline day graphic
Free agents typically tend to receive even larger salaries than usual due to the absence of a transfer fee, so it is possible he demands more cash should he depart Manchester City – in our view at least.
So, signing both Grealish and Stones would eat into the £70m budget, and also represent business which offers little resale value to Everton as both embark on their thirties – not to mention their injuries.
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