Everton is looking to add players when the transfer window officially opens.
The Friedkin Group and the management have a lot of work ahead of them as the Toffees aim for a successful summer in preparation for the 2025–2026 season.
The departure of a number of players has already been revealed by the club.
Loanees Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala, and Armando Broja are all going back to their original clubs, while players like Ashley Young, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, and Abdoulaye Doucoure are all moving on.
Now, attention will probably turn to new players, and David Moyes is eager to bolster his defence.
John Stones is one player Everton has been remarkably linked to.
Stones might rejoin Everton after leaving in 2016, and there is one thing that could make it more likely that Everton will be able to sign him.
World Cup factor may help Everton to land John Stones
That has been the story of his career, but he only made 20 appearances for Manchester City last season, and he hasn’t played since February’s Champions League match against Real Madrid.
According to earlier reports, Everton intended to entice Stones to rejoin the team by offering him a long-term contract.
The Mirror claims that Everton is now prepared to test City’s resolve and listen to Stones. Due to injury issues, Stones had a very miserable 2024–25 season.
Given that the player only has one year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, it is said that City’s asking price is unlikely to be excessive.
According to reports, Everton is also aware of the player’s feelings on the 2026 World Cup and that he requires consistent playing time in 2025–2026 in order to stay in the team.
For £3 million, Moyes previously acquired Stones from Barnsley, and supporters may be hoping he can do so again in the upcoming weeks.
Moyes has already green-lit John Stones transfer
Everton News were informed a few weeks ago that Moyes was keen to bring Stones back to Everton.
Journalist Graeme Bailey told us: “John Stones is set to be available this summer and a number of clubs are keen.
“However, the issue with Stones and the major reason he is available is his injury record, he has barely started a dozen league games over the last two seasons and that is a concern.
“Would David Moyes and Everton like John Stones, the simple answer is yes, but it is not that simple. If he is on the market they are a club to watch.”
“The short answer is yes, but it’s not that easy to determine whether David Moyes and Everton would prefer John Stones. They are a club to keep an eye on if he is available.
Many people are in favour of Stones rejoining Everton. However, the injury record is undoubtedly concerning.
It might be hard to convince a player of Stones’ calibre to accept a pay-as-you-play arrangement, but it might be the best option.
