James Garner joined Everton from Manchester United during the 2022 summer transfer window.
Everton shelled out around £15m on James Garner’s signature after his successful loan spell in the Championship with Nottingham Forest.
Garner has been regular under Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche and now David Moyes, so clearly he’s a top professional who’s really admired around Finch Farm.
The Toffees are actually in talks to extend Garner’s contract amid interest from Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
It’s clearly been a productive three years on Merseyside for Garner, and that’s exactly what he predicted in his first interview after joining the club.
Everton midfielder James Garner.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
James Garner’s Everton prediction has come true
After signing for Everton, Garner said it was the perfect club to develop as a player, and that’s proved to be bang on.
“I’m made up to sign for Everton,” the Toffees midfielder said in September 2022.
“It’s a huge step in my career and I want to help the team get better while progressing as a player. I think Everton is the perfect place to do that. I can’t wait to get started.
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“The manager (Frank Lampard) has got a real plan for the club and for me. Working with him on a daily basis is major for me. Him and his staff can take me and the team to the next level. That’s what I’m hoping for.
“I know how passionate Evertonians are. I’m passionate myself and the sort of player who feeds off the crowd. I know what the fans are like so I think I’ll be a good fit.
“I’m still only young and there’s a lot of leaders in the Everton team now, but it’s something I’ve always had and I’m not afraid to speak my mind and lead by example.”
James Garner is now in contention for England call-up
Garner’s impressive form has alerted Thomas Tuchel and if he continues to perform, perhaps an England call-up could arrive in March.
David Moyes certainly believes Garner should be considered, as he hailed the 24-year-old in an interview with talkSPORT earlier this month.
“He’s been fantastic since I came in,” Moyes said.
“I didn’t realise how good he was, he’s so good, he’s great in midfield and he’s probably getting closer to people talking about him getting an England call. He’s played full-back, done a brilliant job for us, and is playing very well.
“England have so many players to select… but he’s one of those young English midfielders who can have a chance.”
Garner has even been linked with a return to Manchester United, who let him go under Erik ten Hag’s stewardship.