Pep Guardiola thinks Everton could sign an ‘incredible’ player and person in John Stones.
The former Everton defender has seen his future thrown up in the air, with Stones set to leave Manchester City as a free agent this summer.
Everton are going to try and add another centre-back when the window opens amid concerns over Jarrad Branthwaite’s fitness.
Let us know your predictions ahead of Monday’s huge match on Merseyside! 😬
Recent history does not bode well for Everton… 🫣
With Stones a potential option for the Toffees, Guardiola has issued a glowing review of the 31-year-old.
What Pep Guardiola has said about Everton target John Stones
Everton are considering a move for Stones when he becomes a free agent in the coming weeks.
Although he is getting on in age, he would certainly bring a lot of experience with him from years of playing under Guardiola.
Would a return for John Stones on a free make any sense for Everton? 🧐
His experience could prove priceless! 🏆
“He was best player by far in the [Champions League] final in Istanbul,” Guardiola said in his Friday press conference.
“Now he feels fit, hopefully he can find physically the rhythm to be ready and like Bernardo said, part of ourselves, not just me, is leaving. He is an incredible person on and off the pitch.”
There is a belief that Stones is open to joining Everton again in the summer, as it would allow him to remain in the north west.
Naturally, there are going to be concerns over Stones’ injury record, with the 31-year-old having failed to play more than 27 times in the league since joining City.
That is not something that will benefit Everton, given the injury issues Jarrad Branthwaite is already suffering on Merseyside.
David Moyes will love what John Stones could offer Everton
It is no secret that Moyes adores Jack Grealish and all the experience he has brought to the Toffees.
Having players of this ilk and experience around Finch Farm will be invaluable as the Blues look to clinch European football.
The argument returns to whether Stones’ injury concerns will outweigh the positives he would offer the club.
However, this is a player who has played 62 times in the Champions League and got his hands on countless trophies.
Players like this do hold significant value behind the scenes for clubs like Everton, who are looking to make the leap forward into the conversation of European football.
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