Sold in 2016, now better than Keane: Everton will rue call on "exceptional" 27 y/o gem - opinion

Everton are well known for being reckless when it comes to incoming transfers, but they have also let go of some of the best players to grace the Premier League over the years. With the benefit of hindsight, it was a terrible decision to let players go in a few instances.

Wayne Rooney, Romelu Lukaku and John Stones are three of the most notable Premier League players to leave Everton and thrive following their departures from Merseyside, with the latter transforming into a player for whom the Toffees are absolutely crying out as they embark on a battle to avoid relegation this season.

Stones left Goodison Park in what was then a club-record departure deal back in 2016, becoming the world’s second most expensive defender at the time as Manchester City paid £47.5m for him. Despite the Toffees getting a good fee for him, his ability and talent would be worth its weight in gold in the current Everton team.

Since leaving the club almost six years ago, Stones has been hugely effective in City’s successes, winning eight major trophies including three Premier League titles, justifying his move completely. Whilst the 27-year-old has been celebrating being at the top of his game with the current English champions, Everton have been falling further down the table, now finding themselves in a worrying position.

After a 5-0 defeat last night against Tottenham Hotspur is an abysmal defensive performance, it is clear that many of Everton’s issues lie in their backline. They have conceded 18 more goals than they have scored and won only six of their 25 Premier League games so far this season, so Everton must surely look back on their decision to sell Stones with a sense of regret.

Hailed as “exceptional” by his City manager Pep