For months, John Stones has been linked with a return to Everton, but the defender is now heading for a new adventure over in Italy with Inter Milan.
John Stones’ contract with Manchester City expired at the end of last season.
Naturally, this resulted in a lot of speculation about his next move, with plenty of clubs interested in swooping on a free.
Would a return for John Stones on a free make any sense for Everton? 🧐
His experience could prove priceless! 🏆
Stones became one of the top defenders in the world at City and even though he had a poor injury record, it was clear to see he was still a quality player.
And that was evident at this summer’s World Cup, with Stones starting three of seven games.
But Fabrizio Romano has reported Stones is on his way to Inter, in a blow for Everton.
Everton set to miss out on John Stones as Inter contract details emerge
On X last night, Romano said: “John Stones to Inter, here we go! Approval on contract terms just arrived, all confirmed.
“Deal until June 2028, no option for further year.
“Salary around €4m net per season. Stones will undergo medical in Milano soon. Story from today, confirmed.”
So a two-year deal for Stones, which means he will be 34 when the next decision will be made on his future.
There may be no option for a further year, but of course there will be scope for him to stay longer if Stones performs to the high standards people expect of him.
The €4 million net per season in Italy equates to a gross wage of €7 million, or €134,600 per week (about £115,000).
That is actually a very reasonable wage for Stones, who was earning much more than that at City.
Everton could well have afforded this, and it is perhaps a bit of a missed opportunity. Earlier this summer, David Moyes branded Stones ‘an exceptional player’, amid the speculation about Everton’s interest.
Stones would have brought a wealth of experience, and it would have been a signing to lift a fanbase that has been growing increasingly concerned, especially as a returning player.
Even though Everton were a consideration for Stones, the Toffees were always up against it.
Stones had interest from top clubs and with Everton having no European football to offer, he was always likely to pursue one of those opportunities.
A return to Merseyside for Stones won’t be possible until at least 2028. By that time, Stones may well have either declined too much to warrant a move by Everton.
Or he could even extend at Inter, further casting doubt on him ever coming back.
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