Everton Get Ready For Getting Offers For This 25-Year-Old: Does Their New Era Actually Depend On Keeping Him? | OneFootball

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Everton are well aware of the mounting interest in James Garner. Despite the noise, they have no plans to let the 25-year-old leave this summer. Brown noted that while Nottingham Forest have been tracking Garner for months, unbothered by his January contract extension, Everton are the ones in control here.

He suggested the new deal was a smart tactical move to stop Garner from walking away for free and to make sure the club get a massive fee if he ever does move on. While United scouts are reportedly pushing INEOS to bring him back to Old Trafford, and rumours of a £61 million Liverpool bid have surfaced via Fichajes, those Anfield links should be taken with a pinch of salt.

“Everton aren’t going to let Garner go easily,” Brown told Football Insider.

“It’s been a strong season, but they have to build on that, they can’t just be happy with what they’ve got and where they are now.

“That means keeping hold of their best players and adding quality around them, so letting somebody like Garner leave isn’t part of their plans.

“There’s a lot of interest in him, so they’ll be bracing for offers, but they won’t be entertaining them.

“Moyes will want him to stay and become a key part of the team long-term, that’s why they gave him a new contract not long ago.

“So they’re in a strong position to keep hold of him unless they’re made an offer they can’t refuse, but I would be surprised to see him leave.”

Do Everton’s New Era Actually Depend on Keeping Garner?

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Thierno Barry of Everton celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate James Garner during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton at City Ground on December 30, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The stats tell the story. According to FootyStats, Garner has bagged two goals and six assists across 31 Premier League games in 2025/26. He’s currently leading the way at Everton for chances created, successful passes, and interceptions.

In fact, his interception numbers are second only to Moises Caicedo in the entire league. He has covered 240.1km this season, outrunning almost everyone in the division, and is averaging a career-high 4.4 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes. These aren’t just squad player numbers, as he is the heartbeat of the team.

Finishing remains his main weakness, with a shooting accuracy of around 32% showing he still has work to do in front of goal. However, we can understand that his aggression can sometimes boil over, with seven yellow cards this season. Even so, his senior England debut under Thomas Tuchel against Uruguay has put him right in the mix for the World Cup, which only bumps up his price tag.

Everton simply cannot afford to lose him right now. With Idrissa Gueye getting older, selling your midfield engine is a bad look. Handing him to a rival like Forest or Liverpool would be a massive step backwards for a club with European ambitions.

I feel like Garner will stay put. With a contract running until 2030 and David Moyes’ full backing, Everton hold all the control. Unless a massive bid north of £60 million lands on the desk, expect him to be at the centre of the park next season.