Everton Aiming For Veteran Centre-Back On Free Transfer: Will He Solve Toffees’ Real Defensive Problem? | OneFootball

Everton are seriously considering a move to re-sign their former centre-back John Stones on a free transfer this summer. This interest follows a report by Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke. The 31-year-old defender looks set to leave Manchester City once his contract runs out in June 2026. The Toffees have shown real interest in bringing him back to Merseyside. It is a big move, considering they sold him to the Etihad nearly ten years ago for a fee that hit £50 million.

Everton Consider Emotional Return for John Stones as Man City Exit Looms

O’Rourke’s report from February 24 suggests there is real weight behind the rumours. Even so, people close to the situation already call a potential deal difficult. Stones currently earns about £250,000 a week at City. If Everton match those wages, he would immediately become the top earner in David Moyes’ squad. Since he would move for free, the England international has a lot of power.

He likely wants a massive signing bonus to make up for the lack of a transfer fee. Other clubs in the Premier League and abroad are already keeping tabs on him. This extra competition makes things even tougher for Everton. On top of that, Stones has dealt with several injuries lately. The report says he remains open to playing abroad for a fresh start.

Does a Stones Reunion Actually Solve Everton’s Real Defensive Problem?

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 22: John Stones of Manchester City looks on from the substitutes bench prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James’ Park on November 22, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Everton are in a decent spot right now, sitting comfortably in mid-table for the 2025-26 season. Moyes is still trying to build a team that can crack the top half over the next few years. On paper, Stones looks like a great catch. He has won titles, knows the league inside out, and the fans already love him from his early days at the Merseyside club. But the real question is not about his talent. It is whether his style of play actually fits what Everton need for the long term.

Everton expect Michael Keane to leave soon, and Reece Welch has not really proven himself at the top level yet. This leaves a massive hole in the defence. Stones offers leadership and looks calm on the ball. These are two things Moyes loves in a defender. Still, those injuries are a worry. He only started 11 league games last season. Playing in a high-pressure European push is a lot more gruelling than the rotated role he had at City.

The money side of things is a reality check, too. Paying even a chunk of his current salary would put a huge strain on Everton’s budget. It might even mess up the wage balance of the whole squad. The smarter move might be to find someone younger and more driven. Then again, few players offer the same emotional homecoming story or the high-level football IQ that Stones brings to the table.