Everton in Advanced Talks to Re-Sign John Stones in Stunning Reunion

John Stones is on the brink of a sensational return to Everton, with the Toffees closing in on a deal to bring the England defender back to Merseyside after a glittering and trophy-laden spell at Manchester City, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The experienced centre-back first made his name at Goodison Park before earning a £47million move to City in 2016, a transfer that made him one of the most expensive defenders in British football at the time.

Now, after a decade of success at the highest level, Stones is being tipped for an emotional homecoming as Everton look to add quality, leadership and elite-level experience to their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Sources close to the situation indicate that discussions have progressed positively, with Everton increasingly confident of striking an agreement for the 32-year-old defender.

Stones would arrive back on Merseyside as one of the most decorated players of his generation. 

Since leaving Everton, he has established himself as a prolific winner, collecting six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three EFL Cups, two Community Shields, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

DISTINGUISHED 

The defender has also enjoyed a distinguished international career, earning more than 80 caps for England and helping the Three Lions reach consecutive European Championship finals. 

Stones finished as a runner-up at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, cementing his reputation as one of England’s most reliable performers on the biggest stage.

However, a combination of injuries and fierce competition for places has limited his opportunities in recent seasons, leading to growing speculation that he could seek a fresh challenge away from the Etihad.

Everton believes Stones could be the ideal figure to strengthen their backline and provide valuable guidance to the club’s younger players. 

His experience at the highest level is viewed as a major asset as the Blues continue to build for the future.

There is also a strong feeling that a return to the club where his career truly took off could reignite the form that once made him one of the finest young defenders in Europe.

Supporters have reacted enthusiastically to reports linking Stones with a return, remembering the composure, intelligence and ball-playing quality that helped him emerge as one of the country’s most sought-after defenders during his first spell at the club. 

PEDIGREE

SportsBoom understands a lucrative deal and, in personal terms, is believed to be close to being finalised. 

If everything proceeds as expected, Stones could put pen to paper on a long-term contract in the coming weeks.

With negotiations moving in the right direction, Everton fans will be daring to dream that one of their former stars is finally heading home, bringing with him a winning mentality forged by one of the most successful careers English football has seen in the modern era.