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Manchester City have made their eighth summer signing after bringing in defender John Stones from Everton for a reported fee of £47.5 million
The ball playing centre back, that has all the attributes and skills to be a perfect Pep Guardiola player, has become the world’s second most expensive defender, only behind David Luiz after his move to Paris St-Germain from Chelsea for £50 million in 2014.
On managing to finally get their man after months of negotiations and bids reportedly turned down, Manchester City manager Guardiola said: “ We want to help John show his quality with us and improve on what he has already achieved.
“I like the way he plays the game and I’m looking forward to welcoming him into the squad.”
Stones could feature for Manchester City for the first time against Sunderland on Saturday with the options in defence being limited, club captain Vincent Company is out injured and Eliaquim Mangala is not favoured by Guardiola.
“I’m absolutely delighted to sign for City and now the deal is done I am looking forward to the next stage in my career”, Stones told the official Manchester City website.
“I have obviously seen what’s going on here at the Etihad, it’s an ambitious club with a great manager so I can’t wait to get stuck in and help the club achieve their goals.
“I know it will be tough getting a place in this team but I’m determined to become the best player I can be and help us to success.”
The centre back began his professional career at Barnsley, coming through the youth academy before making his debut in the Championship in 2012 against Reading. He went on to make 26 appearances before moving to Everton in January 2013 for £3 million.
Stones made 95 appearances for Everton in three seasons and became part of the England squad at the 2016 European Championship. In 2015, the defender was the subject of severe interest from Chelsea before eventually leaving this summer to join Manchester City.
Everton have already moved to replace Stones with Swansea captain Ashley Williams after both clubs agreed a £12 million deal. It looks to be a great bit of business for the Merseyside club with Williams, who captained Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, being a consistent top-performer in the Premier League.
