Everton are looking to make moves this summer, and a big new claim has just been made about John Stones.
Stones has been linked with Everton now for a lot of this calendar year, with the club looking to bolster their pool of centre-back options.
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Stones left Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season and has been looking for a new club – and there has been a lot of interest in the 32-year-old.
Clubs in Italy and Germany have been keen.
But Everton have always been there as well, and it seems the Toffees may be about to steal a march on their transfer rivals.
Everton closing in on John Stones
It has been boldly claimed by Sports Boom that Everton are now in advanced talks to bring Stones back to Merseyside.
He’s said to be ‘on the brink’ of a sensational return, with sources close to the situation apparently indicating that recent discussions have progressed positively.
Everton are said to be feeling increasingly confident that an agreement will be struck.
It is stated later in the article that a ‘lucrative’ deal is close to being finalised.
That would suggest Stones would be paid very handsomely, and he would likely receive a large signing-on bonus given his free agent status.
If the move comes to fruition, it would see Stones return to the club he left back in 2017 for around £50 million.
During his time away from the club, he has become highly decorated having won a slew of trophies with Manchester City, including six league titles and a Champions League.
He also built a reputation as being one of the finest ball-playing defenders in the game.
If it does happen, then Everton are taking a risk.
Stones made just 18 appearances in 2025/26 having again struggled with injuries.
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During his whole time at City, Stones never played 30 or more Premier League games in a single campaign, and played 20 or more in just four seasons.
Hopefully, his bad luck with injuries will turn if he seals a move to Everton.
Given Stones is currently at the World Cup it remains to be seen how quickly this can wrap up. But Thomas Tuchel has given the green light for players to complete moves.
With Stones being a free agent, potentially this might make things smoother for Everton as there’s no other club involved and just the player.
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