Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has discussed the potential value of bringing John Stones back to the club this summer, while also highlighting a significant concern for manager David Moyes.
John Stones, Everton Free Transfer Considered, But Injury Concerns Persist
Wyness, who was the CEO at Everton from 2004 to 2009 and now advises top football clubs, recently spoke on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast about the possibility of Stones returning as a free agent in 2026. The 31-year-old’s contract with Manchester City will end on June 30, and manager Pep Guardiola has hinted this might be Stones’ final season at the Etihad.
Wyness explained the financial advantages clearly. Everton sold Stones to City for about £48.5 million in 2016, and bringing him back for free a decade later would be, in his view, a smart deal. However, he noted that Stones’ injury history needs careful consideration before any decision is made.
He stated: “There are both pros and cons regarding John. He has a history with Everton, and we sold him to City for around £48.5 million. To get him back on a free would be good business. However, there are concerns about his injury issues, so we need to evaluate that thoroughly. If he can remain injury-free, it could be an interesting option.”
Guardiola admitted in January that Stones had not been training with the team, and with the arrival of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, Stones’ role at the club has further diminished. He returned to the lineup for the first time since November 25 in the FA Cup win over Salford City in February, playing just over an hour after recovering from a thigh injury. This situation reflects the concerns Wyness raised.
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