Michael Keane set for Everton heartbreak as John Stones deal lined up

Everton surely need quality investment in their squad to push further in the Premier League, and signing Manchester City centre-back John Stones would certainly be that.

The Toffees have relied on the partnership of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane this season, but that may be set to change in the upcoming campaign.

Stones is being linked with a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the England international’s current contract expiring in June, leading to a potential reunion with David Moyes.

The 31-year-old has had his fair share of fitness issues at the Etihad Stadium, but his arrival would undoubtedly add much-needed title-winning experience to the Merseyside outfit’s ranks.

Everton John Stones Manchester City stats
Credit: Imago

John Stones transfer to have repercussions for Michael Keane at Everton

Keane signed a one-year contract extension at the Toffees after the end of the last season and extended his stay in L4.

The 33-year-old is in his ninth season at the Blues, but completing a decade may not be on the cards for him at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

In the previous campaign, the defender played second fiddle to Jarrad Branthwaite in the starting lineup, and many fans didn’t rate him highly.

However, the narrative around Keane has changed significantly after his exceptional performances in recent months, and he’s now a key part of the team.

The Englishman will undoubtedly feel he’s done enough to be handed fresh terms at the Merseyside outfit, but he may be in for a heartbreak.

If Moyes ends up signing Stones, he may see no need to keep Keane around, with Tarkowski, Branthwaite and Jake O’Brien providing plenty of options.

Friedkin Group can’t make same mistake they made at Hill Dickinson Stadium last summer

Last summer saw a major overhaul at Everton, with important players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure leaving as free agents.

Ashley Young also ended his time at the Toffees at the end of the previous campaign, with a few other squad players also departing.

Everton manager David Moyes
Credit: Imago

Moyes came into the 2025-26 season with an evident lack of depth in his squad, and that has clearly affected the Blues over the last few months.

With Seamus Coleman, Keane, Idrissa Gueye and Vitalii Mykolenko in the final months of their contracts, The Friedkin Group must invest heavily at the Merseyside outfit to avoid repeating their mistake.

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