John Stones

In terms of contribution to the football club, Stones does not stand up to several of Everton’s signings in recent years. He was only with the club for a few years, and during that tenure, the Toffees did very little of note.

However, the signing of Stones did much more than give Everton a good young player for a few years.

On a basic level, his signing proved that Everton’s pursuit of young players was working – and they have resultantly continued that in the years since.

Perhaps on a more direct level, though, Stones’ signing inevitably led to his sale – and what a sale it was.

The fee to take Stones from Everton to Man City has been earmarked at around the £50 million mark – and those funds can now be redistributed back into the club.

Several great players are better than 1 excellent player – and Stones’ signing directly lead to the signing of the next generation of Everton stars.