Everton will reportedly prioritise a new centre-back this summer – but John Stones cannot be that man.
It will be a big summer for the Toffees, especially if David Moyes has delivered European football.
But even if he hasn’t, it will still be an important window for The Friedkin Group, as they look ahead to their second full season as owners.
Would a return for John Stones on a free make any sense for Everton? 🧐
His experience could prove priceless! 🏆
John Stones lifts the Premier League trophy for Manchester City.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
Earlier this week, it was reported that three positions are top of the agenda for Everton ahead of the summer.
A new right-back, a new centre-back and a new forward are all priority positions for the club.
A number of centre-backs have been linked in recent weeks, such as Ben White and Marcos Senesi.
John Stones is also claimed to be of interest, but the Manchester City defender – as good as he is – simply represents too much of a risk.
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Fresh injury problem for Everton target John Stones
It’s been reported that Stones has now left the England camp after picking up a new injury problem.
The defender sustained a calf problem and has been recalled by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Stones played no part in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay, and will now have tests back at City to determine the severity of his latest issue.
It’s another frustrating moment for the 31-year-old, who had not long been back in the picture after missing a couple of months with a thigh injury.
And he had other issues before that, meaning he’s turned out just 15 times for City this season for less than 1000 minutes overall.
Thomas Tuchel has called Stones ‘a world-class player’ (via Guardian), and the defender is someone he’d love to take to the World Cup this summer.
But it’s going to depend on whether he can get himself fit. And even then, it’s about whether he can stay fit.
And this is something that Everton ought to strongly consider this summer if Stones becomes a topic of discussion.
There is no denying his ability. But his injury record, sadly, continues to be a major point of concern.
A common theme of Everton’s centre-back options, barring Jarrad Branthwaite, is that they are very durable and available for selection pretty much every game. This is very handy for Moyes, and allows for strong competition between them all.
John Stones in England training.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
It would be a big risk from Everton to bring Stones in – likely on huge wages – when the evidence is there that he struggles to be fit for large parts of the season.
He’s managed to make over 20 appearances in the Premier League for City in just one of the last four campaigns, and has never played 30 or more since he went to the Etihad.
Stones, of course, is a former Everton player and the idea of him returning to the club is definitely nice.
But Everton heads should rule hearts this summer. This latest injury for Stones is a further warning of how unfortunately fragile he is, and an Everton defenders union that’s built on durability shouldn’t really be welcoming him into the fold.
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