Manchester City bags Stones for reported £47.5M
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Manchester City has completed its drawn-out negotiations with Everton to make John Stones the second-most expensive defender in football history.
A fee of £47.5 million was agreed between the parties, according to multiple reports, and the England international signed a six-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
His valuation falls behind David Luiz's £50-million switch to Paris Saint-Germain in 2014, but if City enjoys successes in the Champions League over the duration of his deal, it could apparently draw level with the Luiz transfer.
Initial fee for Stones: £47.5m
— Paul Hirst (@hirstclass) August 9, 2016
Add ons: £1.25m each time City win CL during his time at the club (max twice)
Total could therefore be £50m
The initial announcement of Stones' arrival came from UEFA rather than City. The 22-year-old was named in his new employer's 21-man Champions League qualification squad ahead of its two-legged bout with Steaua Bucharest, which decides who earns a group-stage berth.
"I'm absolutely delighted to sign for City and now the deal's done I'm looking forward to the next stage in my career," said Stones, who cost Everton around £3 million when he left Barnsley in January 2013.
"I've 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 achieve the goals."
Stones' defensive work is of the ilk preferred by new manager Pep Guardiola. He's a defender that looks at ease with the ball at his feet, and won't be rash in possession with hopeful punts upfield to the attackers.
88.7% - John Stones completed a higher share of his passes than any other defender to play 25+ games in the PL last season. Assured.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 28, 2016
Amid repeated bids from Chelsea last summer, however, Stones' form undoubtedly curtailed in 2015-16. He was culpable in numerous errors and was often found wanting positionally in a disappointing 11th-placed finish for Everton.
He travelled with England for its Round of 16 exit to Iceland at Euro 2016, but he and then-club teammate Ross Barkley were the only outfield players not to play any minutes during the tournament.
"We want to help John show his quality with us and improve on what he has already achieved," Guardiola shared.
"I like the way he plays the game and I'm looking forward to welcoming him into the squad."
City's squad for the Steaua Bucharest matches also included some notable exclusions. Eliaquim Mangala, a defender that cost £42 million two years ago, overweight midfielder Samir Nasri, and striker Wilfried Bony were all left out, heightening speculation of exits for all three.
Guardiola has now splurged around £155 million this summer on new signings that include Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, and Nolito.
Meanwhile at Everton, new boss Ronald Koeman is allegedly set to swoop for Swansea City captain Ashley Williams as a replacement. The Welsh centre-back is believed to come at a cost of £12 million.