Roberto Martinez could torpedo Everton with 3 for 1 transfer swap with Manchester City
Everton manager Roberto Martinez is considering sending John Stones to Manchester City in exchange for Wilfried Bony, Jesus Navas and Eliaquim Mangala
Everton fans basking in the glory of their club’s 2-0 thrashing of Chelsea in the FA Cup might want to stop reading now if they want to maintain their high. If Roberto Martinez gets his way, the club could be set to make a horrific three for one transfer swap.
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The Daily Star reports that Martinez is pushing for a deal that would send prize defender John Stones to Manchester City in exchange for striker Wilfried Bony, winger Jesus Navas and defender Eliaquim Mangala. Such a deal would be a classic example of trading a dollar for three quarters. It would rob Everton of a star while bringing them three average Premier League players in return.
Even Stones’ biggest detractors would tell you that he has a bright future in the Premier League. He’s a classy defender who has exceptional ability on the ball. That ability can get him in trouble upon occasion, but it’s what gives him the chance to be a truly world-class defender as well. At just 21 years of age, Everton has every right to hold out for a King’s Ransom if another club wants to acquire the English international.
Suffice it to say that the alleged Manchester City offer is far from a King’s Ransom. At best, it would give Everton three Premier League regulars. At its worst, it would give the Toffees three Manchester City flops who failed for a reason under manager Manuel Pellegrini.
In all fairness, the report alleges that the interest in Bony is somewhat dependent on the possibility of Romelu Lukaku being sold this summer. The departure of the immensely talented Belgian would leave a gaping hole at striker in Martinez’s lineup.
Acquiring Bony would at least give Martinez a forward on the roster who has shown the ability to be a top Premier League striker in his past. The only challenge is that Bony has not been anywhere near his Swansea form during his time at Manchester City. It’s fair to question whether he can ever regain his scoring touch.
Taking Navas off of City’s hands would be celebrated far and wide by City’s most passionate fans. They’ve grown tired of watching Navas blow by defenders with his world-class pace only to plant a cross into the third row. He might be a slight upgrade over Aaron Lennon in Martinez’s lineup, but that benefit isn’t close to compensating the Toffees for the loss of Stones.
Mangala might be the worst player of the trio. He’s looked like a fish out of water at City despite his huge transfer price tag. He might ultimately become a good Premier League defender, but the thought of acquiring him to replace Stones is a massive downgrade.
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Everton fans have to hope this story isn’t true, or at the very least there would be significantly more coming to Merseyside. Perhaps a truckload of cash or some City starlets with star potential would make this deal palatable. As it’s currently constructed, this deal would be an absolute travesty for the Toffees.