The transfer window may only be open for a few days before it closes and opens again. But that has been the trigger for a flurry of Everton rumours.
The Blues have already done one deal after making Carlos Alcaraz’s loan move permanent. David Moyes and the club’s new look recruitment team are expecting to do a lot of business in the coming months though.
One name who has cropped up is John Stones. It was reported by the Mirror on Sunday that Everton are open to bringing the defender back to the club with his position under threat at Manchester City. So would the move make sense for the Blues?
Our Everton writers have their say on the potential move.
Joe Thomas
I don’t see an upside that would make this move compelling to Everton. A wonderful player who could add great wisdom and experience to the dressing room, one that already understands the club too.
But unless Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gueye end up leaving this summer – and both look odds on to stay with Coleman offered a deal and talks with Gueye understood to be progressing – Everton need players they can build a future around. Stones is not one of them.
However that dressing room looks in a few months’ time, there should be no need to worry about new players understanding their new club if Coleman is around – even if that ended up being in a mentor role. Leighton Baines will also add another layer of Everton culture to Moyes’ squad.
So then you would be left with a player who has struggled with injuries in a position where the club will hopefully be well-placed, with a fit James Tarkowski, retained Jarrad Branthwaite and developing Jake O’Brien. Should Tarkowski struggle to overcome his serious hamstring issue or Branthwaite end up being sold, then the response should be to invest in an up and coming centre back who can provide cover while growing as a player – not on an ageing star with a troubling fitness record.
Matt Jones
Past his best. On big wages. Injury prone.
This potential transfer would ring alarm bells for a new recruitment team.
Stones has clearly been an excellent player down the years. The defender’s achievements and consistency have perhaps gone under the radar, with his impact for City and England underrated.
Additionally, his ability to play right-back, centre-back or even step into midfield has been invaluable to City. For Pep Guardiola he was a key figure in the team that dominated the Premier League, particularly in the treble-winning season.
But time seems to have really caught up with him in the previous campaign. In fact, even when Stones was playing at his peak, he still frequently struggled with injury problems. Last season he started just six Premier League games; since he joined City, he’s never started more than 23 in a top-flight season.
Stones’ experience would be an asset and if Everton were able to get him onto the pitch he would clearly have plenty to offer still.
As thing stand though, the squad has four capable centre-backs – the Blues are waiting on a decision over Michael Keane’s future – and their transfer budget would better invested elsewhere.
With a new stadium to move into, this summer should be about building for a new era at Everton. Stones, practically and symbolically, would not send the right sort of message.
