The 4th Official
·22 February 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe 4th Official
·22 February 2024
In a recent report, journalist Pete O’Rourke mentioned that Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Everton midfielder James Garner. It has been stated that the Magpies could face competition in the form of Tottenham Hotspur in the race to land the English talent in the summer.
Garner is having a solid season at the Merseyside club and deserves credit for putting in a run of impressive displays at the centre of the Everton midfield. The English sensation has scored two goals and secured one assist in 31 matches for Everton this season in various competitions.
The 22-year-old has been a positive influence in both halves as he is averaging 2.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, 1.2 shots, 1.3 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been careful when distributing the ball from inside his half after completing 82% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
Garner is under contract at Everton until the summer of 2026, so it won’t be easy for the Magpies to land him on the cheap later this year.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: James Garner of Everton passes the ball during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park on November 04, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
Garner is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when at risk of being caught out at the back.
The English midfield ace is a tidy passer of the ball as well and can create a few decent openings for his teammates up top. He is full of energy and running at the centre of the park and could be a real asset in Newcastle‘s squad if Eddie Howe can devise a way to get him on board soon.
Garner would bring more energy and dynamism to Howe’s midfield department at the Tyneside club. Plus, he won’t take much time adjusting to life at St. James’ Park as he has got enough Premier League experience under his belt.
At 22, Garner has got a promising future ahead of him and would be a terrific signing for Newcastle to pull off at the end of this campaign as long as they can get him for the right price.