Everton are losing ground in the hunt for John Stones, as several big European clubs step in ahead of the summer window. David Ornstein confirmed on 22 April 2026 that Stones’ leaving Manchester City is a mutual call, with an announcement expected any day now. Leading teams across Europe are already making their interest known. Stones has only played 14 times this season, with Pep Guardiola sticking mostly to Rubén Dias, Marc Guéhi, and Abdukodir Khusanov.
Everton fall behind in the race to sign John Stones this summer
He moved to City from Everton back in August 2016 for £47.5 million and went on to win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two EFL Cups, and the Champions League. Now, after ten successful years, the 31-year-old has a massive career decision to make.
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Journalist Pete O’Rourke mentioned on the Transfer Insider podcast that Stones won’t be rushed and is open to playing abroad. Juventus and teams in the Saudi Pro League are interested, alongside Brighton, West Ham, and Everton. However, reports suggest Everton can’t get close to his current wages, which Capology puts at £250,000 a week at City.
“It’s more a case of waiting and seeing right now. Stones won’t rush into any decision. He’ll consider his next steps in the coming weeks once it has been confirmed that he will leave Manchester City after a successful 10 years at the club. There’s been links with a potential move back to Everton, but I would say they’re probably unlikely right now. Stones, at this stage of his career, 31, I think he could maybe look to try his luck abroad.”
Everton’s sentimental case carries real obstacles
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: John Stones of Manchester City takes to the field prior to the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Newcastle United and Manchester City on March 07, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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For Everton fans, this transfer feels more like a fairy tale than a solid plan. The connection is definitely there, as Stones grew up at Goodison before City turned him into a world-class defender, but good memories aren’t enough to make this deal work. Jarrad Branthwaite’s recent injury means David Moyes desperately needs a new centre-back this summer. That makes the search for a defender urgent, but the actual stats show a worrying trend for Stones.
In his seven Premier League games this season, Stones saw seven goals go in and managed just one clean sheet, meaning his team conceded about every 50 minutes he was playing. He didn’t record a single tackle and averaged only 0.51 interceptions per 90 minutes, though he did make 3.31 clearances. These numbers suggest a player struggling to find his rhythm after repeated injuries, rather than a star who can change a team’s fortunes overnight.
Everton are currently 11th in the table with no European football to offer as of now, and the Friedkin Group is keeping a tight grip on the budget for their first window. Clubs in Italy and elsewhere can offer Stones much better sporting projects. Everton’s best shot is to play on his emotions, but as we know, nostalgia doesn’t pay the bills.
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