Manchester City have officially announced the signing of defender John Stones, completing a move from Everton for a reported £47.5 million.

Stones’ former club Barnsley will receive 20% of the profit made by the Toffees.

Defender included in City’s Champions League squad before being officially announced

Rumours of Stones’ move intensified last night when the defender was announced in the Citizens’ Champions League squad for the upcoming qualifying round.

A deal for the defender was still yet to be officially announced by either City or his then current club Everton, despite strong rumours that a transfer was close to being completed. So it was rather surprising when the former Barnsley youngster appeared in City’s 21-man squad next to the squad number 24.

Guardiola a big fan of ball-playing Stones

It is well renowned that new City boss Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the England international and rumours of a bid had failed to die down over the summer. The Toffees even reportedly turned down an offer of around £40 million for their starlet earlier in the window and the final offer – accepted by Everton – is expected to reach £47.5 million, including add-ons.

Stones became a key part of Everton's defence | Photo: Getty images
Stones became a key part of Everton's defence | Photo: Getty images

City’s defensive woes

A new centre back would have been top of Guardiola’s transfer shortlist when he was officially unveiled as their new head coach back in June. Club captain Vincent Kompany has had terrible luck with injuries over the past couple of years and big-money signings Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi have failed to live up to their hype. Veteran Martin Demichelis was also released at the end of last season so Stones will be a timely boost to the former Bayern Munich boss’ defensive problems ahead of the new season.

Stones joins Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane and Nolito in being Guardiola’s big-money first team signings as he looks to re-build his side into a possession-based forced ahead of the new Premier League season.

Manchester City take on Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 13 August, kick off at 17:30. 

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About the author
Sam Smith
VAVEL UK sub-editor. Premier League and Football League accredited journalist.