Everton were very quiet in the winter transfer window.
The Toffees only made one new signing as Tyrique George arrived on loan from Chelsea.
However, as Everton fans hoped for The Friedkin Group to bring a new striker or a new right-back to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, work was going on behind the scenes to ensure James Garner stuck around.
On 23rd January, the Everton No.37 eventually penned a new deal running until July 2030 – and that move now looks like a master stroke from the Toffees after his exceptional debut for England.
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James Garner makes his England debut vs Uruguay at Wembley Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
Everton moved to tie James Garner down at just the right time
Had The Friedkin Group dragged their heels and waited to discuss a new deal with the 25-year-old, it would have posed a major problem for Everton.
Garner was going to become a free agent at the end of the season when his previous contract was set to expire, and had the situation remained unchanged going into this current international break, many clubs presumably would have been fighting for his signature after his first call to the England squad.
Even the England call-up alone would have given the former Manchester United midfielder a stronger position in contract talks with Everton.
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So, the fact Garner won the Man of the Match award on his England debut would have made him even more desirable for clubs across Europe – Manchester United were keen even before Thomas Tuchel called him up.
Fortunately, Everton had the foresight that a rapid career development like this was possible in the March international break, and moved quickly to ensure the man born in Birkenhead was tied down before he potentially exploded onto the international scene, which he has now done.
The Friedkin Group arguably now have a £50m player on their hands, even more if Garner does make the World Cup squad and impresses in the United States.
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Everton paid just £9m for him in 2022… 👏
James Garner playing for Everton.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Having cost the Toffees just £9m when arriving from Manchester United in September 2022, Garner is proving to be one of the best additions Everton have made across the last decade.
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