James Tarkowski signs his new Everton contract
James Tarkowski signs his new Everton contract
James Tarkowski has signed a new two-and-a-half year contract with until 2028. The defender's previous contract was set to expire at the end of the current season.
The centre-back has been a key member of the side since joining from Burnley on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 and has been an ever-present again this season. ' side have started the campaign well and sit in eighth place in the table after their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
, who scored a memorable equaliser for Everton against Liverpool in the last ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, shared his delight at agreeing fresh terms with the club.
He told evertontv: "I'm super excited and proud to be an Everton player and to continue this journey.
"It's been a crazy few years with some big lows and some massive highs. We've managed to get through those tough times and hopefully now we're on to more positive and exciting times ahead.
"I think the intention has been set out from the start of this season.
"I’ve loved every minute so far of working under the manager. He has made it clear where we're going with this club. The results and performances have really improved in his time here and it does seem to be going in one direction.
"The reason I've signed is because I want to be a part of that. Now it's up to us as players to get on board and take us in that direction."
Speaking about his relationship with the supporters, Tarkowski, who wears the Everton armband when club captain playing, added: "They're proud, honest people. You know what they're feeling and what they're thinking straight away. That's probably the kind of person I am myself.
"I've taken to this club really well and I've really enjoyed my time here, even though it has been turbulent at times.
"I've been lucky enough to lead this team out a few times now and every time I do it, it makes me massively proud. Everyone knows Seamus is the true leader of this group but I'm here to support him and it makes me very proud every time I get to put that armband on.”
Tarkowski made 111 consecutive starts - just two short of Wayne Bridge’s record for an outfielder - before suffering a hamstring injury in April this year.
And he added: "The injury I got at the end of last season was the first real injury I've had in a very, very long time.
"So that took a lot of hard work to get back from but, yes, I want to be reliable and I pride myself on that. I want to be able to be relied upon all of the time.
“There have been times when I've had to play through injuries, but most lads do that. You have to do it. I want to put another big run of games together now.
"I'm experienced and I know my own game well. I know how to play and how to get the best out of myself.
"And then I also want to be a leader, not just on a matchday, but also in and around the training ground – guiding people, helping people and just helping this team get better."