Everton have held talks with John Stones over a return to Merseyside this summer, with the Manchester City defender set to leave as a free agent at the end of the season. The 31-year-old spent three years at Everton before his move to City, and former chief Keith Wyness says nothing has been finalised yet.
“It’s not necessarily nailed on, it’s an option and there’s been discussions, but certainly nothing finalised yet,” Wyness said. “It’s still 50-50.”
The interest matters now because Stones is approaching the end of a six-year stay at City and has been available only sparingly this season, with injury problems and strong competition limiting his league involvement. As the season closes, Everton have a chance to shape their defence for David Moyes, who is set to be backed in the market by the ownership, and Stones would bring a familiar name into a rebuild that needs certainty.
Wyness said the picture is not straightforward. “There’s been interest, as I understand, from Bayern Munich and that may well be an option for him that he might prefer,” he said. “He might get a better deal in terms of a lengthier contract from what I’m hearing.”
That leaves Everton facing a contest they may not control. Bayern could offer a longer deal, while Stones is also weighing the appeal of going back to a club where he was once a young defender trying to establish himself. Everton are also being linked with another City defender, Nathan Ake, who sources said has emerged as a transfer target after starting only five Premier League games this campaign.
For Everton, the broader plan is clear enough. They may strengthen defensively this summer, and Stones fits the profile of a player who would add experience and familiarity. For Stones, the choice is different: a return home, or one last move that could give him more years on his next contract. That is why the answer to where is john stones going is still open, even if the market is already starting to narrow it down.
