Ranking Potential Landing Spots for Everton's John Stones
Everton center-back John Stones is a hot property on the transfer market, if a new report is to be believed.
According to Rob Draper at the Daily Mail, Stones is a £50 million summer target for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Chelsea. All four of those big-spending clubs are reportedly willing to shell out mega-money for the defender, who has established himself as a full England international and a key member of Everton's squad.
The Toffees rebuffed Chelsea's interest in Stones last summer, but if Draper's report is correct, Stones might be destined to depart in 2016. So where will he go?
Here, Bleacher Report ranks the four potential suitors in terms of how likely they are to capture Stones' signature—if he decides to leave Everton next summer.
4. Real Madrid
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Real Madrid have the finances to afford a £50 million defender. The problem is that the Spanish giants are facing a transfer ban next summer.
It's true that Real could sign players next summer if they appeal the ban, but with the club's future transfer dealings so unsettled at present, we simply can't rate their chances any higher here.
3. Barcelona
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Like Real Madrid, Barcelona have the financial resources to cover a £50 million transfer fee. But would the Catalan club really be willing to spend that amount on a defender?
That's far from certain, and both Barca and Real Madrid might be hesitant to sign a young English center-back talent following Madrid's disastrous deal for Jonathan Woodgate in 2004.
In addition, both clubs might have concerns over how Stones would adapt to life in a new country. Stones, 21, has spent his entire career in England and would have to learn a new language and culture if he moved to Spain.
For those reasons, we can't rate Barca above either of the English teams listed as potential suitors.
2. Manchester City
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Unlike Barcelona and Real Madrid, Manchester City wouldn't have to deal with Stones' adaptation to a new culture. The 21-year-old has played his entire professional career in England and is already a full England international.
In other words, moving from Everton to Man City wouldn't be that much of a change for Stones, at least in terms of his geographical and cultural surroundings.
The move would make some sense for City as well. The Sky Blues have had serious defensive concerns this season, especially when captain Vincent Kompany has been injured. But even if he returns to full fitness soon, Kompany will be 30 in April, and City might be interested in signing younger center-backs as cover.
City might have a good chance to sign Stones, but as we'll see in the next slide, the player already had his head turned last summer. And it wasn't by any of the three clubs we've already looked at.
1. Chelsea
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Of the four clubs mentioned as potential suitors for Stones, Chelsea might be the most obvious fit at present.
Last summer, the Blues made no secret of their interest in the Everton defender, and Stones reciprocated. According to BBC Sport, the England international put in a transfer request in late August after Chelsea had made bids of £20 million, £26 million and £30 million.
Heading off rumors of a winter transfer, Everton boss Roberto Martinez said Stones would be staying at Goodison Park.
“I’m not worried at all—our best players will not be leaving in January," he said, via to Andy Hunter at The Guardian. "We’re not in a position where we have to make financial decisions or balance the books.”
The move would make sense from Chelsea's standpoint, with the Blues likely looking for defensive reinforcements in the summer. Skipper John Terry has been a key member of the squad again this season, but he turned 35 in December, and a long-term replacement is needed.
At 21, Stones fits the bill perfectly. With Premier League and international experience, he has the potential to be a crucial contributor for years to come.
