Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Thu 23 April 2026 7:10, UK

Everton may get the chance to start convincing Manchester City defender John Stones to make the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium as early as next week.

It has been widely reported in recent weeks – and indeed months – that Stones will be departing City at the end of the campaign.

David Ornstein shared a new update on Wednesday suggesting that exit, which is mutual, will be announced next week.

Stones has spent a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium but his importance to the team, not helped by some injuries, has diminished.

And with Stones now set to become a free agent, there is excitement that Everton could be a possible next destination.

John Stones returning to Everton makes sense

Respected journalist Ornstein added in his update via X that many leading European clubs are showing an interest in Stones.

That is understandable when you consider he is not exactly over the hill and is available for just a signing-on fee.

But that is not to say Everton will not also be lurking for a player hailed as “unbelievable” by former teammate Kyle Walker.

Everton have one big thing going in their favour, and that is sentimentality. Stones made a name for himself in three seasons at Goodison Park after joining from Barnsley.

The 31-year-old went on to become one of the finest and most crafted centre-backs anywhere in world football pretty much from the off at City.

A return to Everton would be a natural move, with the Toffees having to now pull on his heartstrings if a move is to be possible.

One big factor could determine Everton’s chances of Stones deal

Speaking exclusively to Goodison News this month, former scout Bryan King said Everton have a realistic chance of signing Stones and Jack Grealish.

That really would be some business for the Toffees. However, if that is to happen, you would imagine European football will have to be secured first.

David Moyes‘ side are still on course to achieve that, albeit last weekend’s home loss to Liverpool put a dent in those aspirations.

The Europa League is not exactly the Champions League, but playing European football of any sorts and leading Everton in this exciting new era could be tempting for Stones.

There is also the guarantee of starting regularly when fit, plus playing alongside Jarrad Branthwaite, a man who could – again, when fit – emulate his own career.

Plenty of ifs and buts, then, but now it is known Stones will announce his exit in the coming days, there is no reason to stop believing in this deal.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.