OFFICIAL: Manchester City Sign Stones

Manchester City have signed John Stones from Everton for a massive £47.5m fee, making him the world’s second most expensive defender.

Manchester City have confirmed that the Englishman has signed a six-year contract. John Stones is newly appointed manager Pep Guardiola’s eighth signing of the window.

City have already signed Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus, Marlos Moreno, Aaron Mooy and Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer.

Yorkshire born Stones joined Yorkshire-based club Barnsley when he was just a 7-year-old. He began his career with Barnsley, making his professional debut in the Championship in March 2012, before joining Everton for around£3 million in January 2013.

Stones made his debut for Everton against Stevenage in the English League Cup second round on 28 August 2013, a 2–1 win after extra time at Goodison Park.

He made his league debut as a late substitute for Steven Naismith in a 1–0 home victory against Chelsea on 14 September, 2013.

News of Stones’ signing was known before the official announcement, as the 22-year-old was named in City’s Champions League squad.

Stones seemed delighted with his transfer, and said: “It’s an ambitious club with a great manager so I can’t wait to get stuck in. 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.”

Manager Guardiola also talked about his new signing, by stating: “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.”

City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, also had his say: “We have worked hard to bring him to City and we feel we are signing one of the best central defenders in Europe.”

In the beginning of this year, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand had urged the Red Devils to sign John Stones. Rio had said: “I don’t care how much it is. You are getting a player for ten years. John Stones and Raphael Varane are the best in the world.

“The team starts at the back. Your platform for winning titles starts in defence. If Stones goes to another English club they will regret it.”

Will Ferdinand’s warning come true, and will Manchester United regret not signing him?

 

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