According to BD Cricket Live, six of Europe’s top football clubs — including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester City — are now in fierce pursuit of Everton defender John Stones. Stones’ transfer value has skyrocketed to £50 million, and if the deal goes through at this figure, he would become the most expensive defender in football history.
Back in the summer of 2015, Chelsea had already made four attempts to sign Stones, but Everton stood firm, rejecting each offer. Even during the winter transfer window, Chelsea returned with a fifth bid. English media sources revealed that Everton turned down a £45 million proposal from the Blues. However, Chelsea isn’t the only heavyweight vying for Stones’ signature. According to journalist Northcroft, Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keeping close tabs on the young defender.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Northcroft remarked, “It’s truly rare to see so many world-class clubs chasing a young English player.” He added that Stones is indeed on Real Madrid’s transfer shortlist, although it’s still unclear if Everton will allow him to leave this summer. Besides Stones, Real Madrid is also eyeing Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba as key targets. Barcelona, too, has expressed strong interest in adding Stones to their roster.
Northcroft further suggested that Stones is almost certain to leave Everton during the summer window. “Chelsea have been pursuing him for quite a while,” he noted. “Now, with Pep Guardiola set to take charge at Manchester City, they are eager to secure Stones’ services as well. Manchester United and Bayern Munich have shown interest too. It’s a heavy burden for a 21-year-old to make such a big decision.” Given City’s defensive woes — with Vincent Kompany’s persistent injuries and neither Mangala nor Otamendi fully living up to expectations — their interest in Stones is hardly surprising.
BD Cricket Live also highlights that Everton is reluctant to part ways with Stones, whose contract runs until 2019. If forced to sell, the club would prefer transferring him to a La Liga side rather than strengthening a direct Premier League rival. Under former coach Rafael Benítez, Real Madrid had already shown interest, and new manager Zinedine Zidane hasn’t dropped Stones from their radar either. With Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City now in the mix, Stones’ valuation has understandably soared to the £50 million mark.
One thing’s for sure: when so many giants come knocking, it’s hard for a young talent to stay put — especially when opportunity only knocks once.