John Stones, the former Everton protege who made his name as Manchester City's Number 5, sees his contract expire at the end of the season, and the media claims there is a “chance” of the England international moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Regardless of whether John Stones does return to Everton or not, the mere fact David Moyes might be considering a reunion would suggest the Glaswegian has no plans to keep Everton Academy product Reece Welch around.
The 22-year-old sees his own contract expire at the end of the campaign, but there could be an opening for him at Everton if he does secure a contract extension, with Michael Keane expected to leave on a free transfer this summer.
Even if Stones or Senesi do not join Everton, the signing of a proper right-back would most likely see Jake O’Brien move away from that area and return to his natural position in the centre of defence. However, if a deal for Stones is already being targeted – with Marco Senesi another option for Everton – it would suggest neither Moyes nor The Friedkin Group consider Welch ready to step up.
The England U20 international has made just one senior appearance this season, playing 4 minutes of the FA Cup defeat. He has also been named on the bench for 8 Premier League games this season, but never brought on.
So... Stones or Welch? And with the prospect of Keane leaving at the end of the season, where does that leave two of Everton's other centre-backs, James Tarkowski and Jake O'Brien?
Reader Comments (3)
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2 Posted 17/02/2026 at 21:30:19
“I've been at this club since I was seven years old and seen so many players come through the academy into the first team and I've always wanted to be one of those. Now I've been in and around there, it inspires me to take the next step.
“I want to kick on in the first team, look to make a few more appearances and show what I'm about. I want to wear this blue shirt in the Premier League and, long-term, help Everton to success.
“Everton fans want hard work, dedication and passion for the Club and if I can give that, hopefully I'll be able to do a good job for Everton.”
Then there's his loan with KMSK Deinze (Who?) in Belgium's second tier. Reece Welch joined them on a season-long loan from Everton in September 2024, but the move was cut short just a few months later. Great idea for young up-and-coming stars of the Academy, this loan business...
His loan ended prematurely due to severe off-pitch issues at the club. Reports indicate that KMSK Deinze faced significant financial trouble, including a bankruptcy declaration that led the club to cease operations at that time. Oh bugger... but he musta got some decent experience while he was there? Otherwise, what's the point?
No... turns out his time on the pitch was very limited. He played in only 3 matches total for the Belgian side — two in the league and one in the cup. Since returning from Belgium, he has been playing for Everton U21s, but now at 22 he's getting to be too old for that.
Seems certain his contract will be allowed to run down and he will walk away from 15 years at the club with nothing to show for it on either side. Stones coming back would just rub salt in what I imagine would be very deep wounds.
3 Posted 17/02/2026 at 21:57:14
He won't be the first youth player to represent England Youth, but not go on to forge a top flight career.
Peter Clarke, Steven Schumacher, Ryan Ledson, Jon Joe Kenny Lewis Gibson, Liam Walsh, Luke Garbutt etc etc etc.
There are many more, and I think its a sad reflection that promising kids have gone to academies, earnt a couple of bob, and seen careers stall. Perhaps it does reflect that 18 odd players are just kept on to be team mates for thst one bet that might make it. Pretty humbling when players & parents have put their lives on hold from u7s till u21s to be a support cast.
I often wonder if they'd have gone onto better things by going to a league 1 or 2 side, how many more kids would be coming through the system.
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1 Posted 17/02/2026 at 21:16:01
So he can't play in the Premier League. Simples.