The Mirror reported that John Stones’ future at Manchester City is in doubt over the weekend, and Everton fans on Twitter made their feelings clear over whether they would welcome the England international back at Goodison Park.
The centre-back left the Toffees for the Etihad Stadium in a £47.5m deal in the summer of 2016, making 123 appearances in all competitions for them since.
The big move for the then 22-year-old came off of the back of 95 outings in total for the Merseyside outfit, where he showcased his ability and calmness in possession of the ball.
The Mirror says that the current Premier League champions are yet to offer the Englishman a new deal even though his current one is into its final two years, leaving some question marks over his long-term future.
Many Everton supporters have made it clear that they would like him back however when asked the question by a fan account on Twitter, with one saying “he would walk back into our team”.
With the rumours of former Everton man John Stones yet to be offered a new contract at Manchester City, would you have him back at Everton? pic.twitter.com/c0EorryCyi
— The Toffee Blues (@EvertonNewsFeed) January 12, 2020
Here’s what they said…
In a heartbeat no question
— Peter Mac EFC (@PeterJMacca) January 12, 2020
Without a doubt.
— Watched Toffee (@WatchedToffee) January 12, 2020
He is better than what we have 100% take him back
— Steven Verhoeven (@steverhoeven) January 12, 2020
10000%
— Colin Mackin (@Colin569) January 12, 2020
He would walk back into our team
— maxhornby14 (@maxhornby14) January 12, 2020
Imagine saying no to stones. Mad some of our lot. 🤣 get him back asap
— Matty Garner (@mattygarner1) January 12, 2020
In a heartbeat 👍 https://t.co/ht6KoWK7xA
— Kingles (@kingles10) January 12, 2020
Other fans chose to focus on what their manager could do with Stones, with one believing that Carlo Ancelotti “would take him up a level or 2”, and another suggesting he is the type of centre-back who would suit the Italian.
Call yourself an Everton expert? How much did each of these January signings cost?
Indeed, we have seen in recent games that Everton are now starting to play out from the back as the former Napoli boss wants, even if he labelled it as a “dangerous” tactic after the Brighton win, but they perhaps don’t have the players who are really comfortable playing that way.
Why not, Carlo would take him up a level or 2 , that’s if Moyes don’t get there first
— Lee (@bluefamily7) January 12, 2020
Absolutely yes. He would be our best player….
Give him to Carlo – get him the right partner and don’t worry about centre halves for 5 years— L. Armstrong (@LArmstrong15) January 12, 2020
I’d have Stones back, he probably is a closer fit to the kind of CB that would suit Ancelotti than anyone else we have.
— TT // 3️⃣9️⃣ Times. Honouring forgotten victims. (@torturedtoffee) January 12, 2020
Another chose to compare Stones to current Toffees central defender Michael Keane, who started against the Seagulls on Saturday but has come under criticism for his performances previously in 2019/20.
Comparing the duo’s stats this season certainly makes the former look to be the better option when it comes to possession, with an average passing accuracy of 94.4% compared to 80.4% for Keane in the Premier League this term.
Much better than Keane https://t.co/EbrETCbJ7G
— Tony Mc (@tonycat83) January 12, 2020
He’s better than Keane, and can play out from the back. Something that yard dog can’t do.
— Thomas Rogan (@iamtomrogan) January 12, 2020
In other Everton news, Carlo Ancelotti may have been dealt a major blow in his bid to sign a £35m-rated star he wants at Goodison Park…
