David Moyes, Everton manager, smiling in the direction of Manchester City captain John Stones, who is playing in the Champions League.
(Credit: Imago)
Jacob Raw
Tue 21 April 2026 17:40, UK
Everton could be close to pulling off a major coup this summer in the form of John Stones, as his Manchester City career will come to an end this season.
The Englishman will depart Man City at the end of the season, leaving the Etihad Stadium as a free agent after 10 trophy-filled years.
Stones is said to be open to an Everton return, as it was back in the summer of 2016 when he made the switch to City from the Toffees.
The 31-year-old wants to help Pep Guardiola’s side win another Premier League title before testing out a new challenge for himself this summer.
Everton could sign Stones on a free transfer, and it would be hard to find a better deal than that this summer.
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
🚨 EVERTON TRANSFER HUB 🚨
Breaking news on active deals, incoming signings, Hill Dickinson Stadium departures, and Friedkin Group priorities.
The definitive source for EFC recruitment news
Why is John Stones leaving Manchester City?
Everton have been backed to sign Jack Grealish and Stones in a double swoop of Man City players this summer.
The pair have different reasons as to why they have fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, and for Stones, his injury issues have been the problem.
Area of game Stats
Matches (starts) 7 (4)
Minutes played 353
Goals conceded while on pitch 8
Pass success 92.7%
FotMob rating 6.67
Stones in PL this season
As seen in the table above, the centre-back hasn’t featured anywhere near the amount that he would have liked to this season.
He has played in just two of the last 10 Man City matchday squads that he’s been included in, and it remains to be seen whether that is down to any remaining fitness issues.
John Stones to Everton transfer report
Either way, Guardiola is a huge fan of the defender, but a move away comes at a time that could suit all parties, and Everton in particular.
It would be no surprise to see a multitude of Premier League clubs in for the Barnsley-born man, but Merseyside could offer him a safe haven once more, 10 years on.
Could Stones be a starter for Everton?
Everton already have two experienced centre-backs in James Tarkowski and Michael Keane.
The duo are both older than Stones, but have stayed more active than him in the past two seasons.
Though his injury problems will concern, Moyes will take great confidence from Guardiola’s love for him, as the Man City boss always knew Stones was going to be a top player.
🚨🔵 John Stones, expected to leave Manchester City in the summer as free agent.
31 year old defender wants to help until the end of the season and then expected to go after making history at #MCFC.
Bernardo and Stones, both leaving in June 👋🏼
🎥➕ https://t.co/KFssVri38G pic.twitter.com/4wnm8xaq4c
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 20, 2026
View Tweet
Guardiola said in 2017, as quoted by Sports Mole: “There is no doubt about his quality. John knows what the gap is and where he has to improve, defending the duels, but he’s so young, and he can achieve it. When he does, he will become an exceptional central defender.”
A multiple-time Premier League winner, a Champions League winner, and just about every other trophy there is to win in England, Stones has done it all and could be ready for a homecoming this summer.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Goodison News Insider Access
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.