Transfer rumors: John Stones returning to Everton would be unwise | OneFootball

John Stones made an early name for himself late in his Everton career, so much so that he ended up being sold to Manchester City in 2016 for a then-record £47.5 million.

Stones joined Everton from Barnsley near the end of David Moyes' first run as manager, but never played under the Scot, making his debut against Chelsea at Goodison on September 14, 2013, under Roberto Martinez.

The England international played in 95 matches for the Toffees, with 80 starts and logged over 7200 minutes, scoring once, but otherwise proving a stalwart defender alongside the likes of Phil Jagielka and Ramiro Funes Mori.

While he has been solid at times for Manchester City, Stones has never neared the Premier League minutes he achieved during his Everton heyday, although appearances have been scattered in other competitions for the fixture congested Sky Blues.

Of late, however, it's been harder for Stones.

After just 12 league starts in 2023/24, he's been plagued by various injuries at points over the season, something that has kept him out of matches for going on a few years now. He's played in just 11 matches with six starts and less than 600 minutes so far this campaign.

And with just a year on his contract and his 31st birthday only weeks away, it appears he's going to be nearing his Manchester exit, and a potential return to Everton is not out of the question, according to Lucas Arnold at The Boot Room.

Arnold mentions that "Stones has interest from the Saudi Pro League, but in England there are clubs who would be willing to take him including West Ham and his former club Everton to name but two. The issue is with his injury record, less than 10 stars in the last two seasons, it would be a risk for anyone. If he does indeed hit the open market, I believe that Everton would be open to the prospect."

There does seem to be a lot of nostalgia-tinged rumors going around with regards to Everton so far, with Tottenham striker Richarlison also tipped for a possible reunion (something Arnold also mentions in his article).

In Stones' case, the need isn't as clear, especially if the club aren't pressured to sell Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, leaving a trio of JB along with Jake O'Brien and James Tarkowski at centerback.

And even if he's only a depth option, the price would have to be excessively reasonable given his potential role and the injury history.

The question would be whether he'd even be productive at this point in his career, although he is a year and half younger than Tarkowski, but the latter has not been prone to lengthy spells off the grass.

Ultimately, this feels like an agent's attempt to get the best deal he can for his client. Everton certainly need centerback depth heading into next season, but there are bigger puzzles for Moyes to solve.

Not to mention that going after a player who can't stay on the pitch for depth isn't exactly the most prudent move.