How close Leicester City & Southampton actually were to denying Everton’s James Garner transfer | OneFootball

After an excellent season with Nottingham Forest on loan from Man United, James Garner had interest from Everton, Leicester City, and Southampton...

James Garner has played 116 games since joining Everton from Manchester United in the summer of 2022, but Leicester City and Southampton had serious interest after an outstanding campaign with Nottingham Forest.

The 18-month loan with Nottingham Forest in the Championship helped to put James Garner on the map, having helped the club achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2021/22 in his second City Ground stint from Manchester United.

The midfielder was a set-piece taker during that time, scoring eight and assisting 10 in his 69 appearances for the club. Garner was always likely to make the step up to the top flight that summer, be that with Man United, Forest, or someone else.

He penned an initial four-year deal at Goodison Park in September 2022, with Sky Sports providing the details of a £9 million switch to Everton which could rise to £15 million with add-ons. Five goals and nine assists in 116 games later, Garner has established himself as one of the club's best players.

Garner has notched three and five of those respectively in 2025/26 alone, with the 24-year-old very much one of the most in-form players in the Premier League. His form could see an England call-up soon, as well as transfer interest potentially rise.

Leicester City and Southampton wanted Everton's James Garner after Nottingham Forest success

Garner's versatility is particularly standout, with the midfielder able to fill in at right-back or left-back when required. However, he is more than a utility player, with the defensive or central midfielder an excellent technician with plenty of potential left.

That potential is why so many clubs were keen in 2022, given his Old Trafford contract was winding down. The Athletic report that Everton were not the only team interested in the English top flight.

They explain, even on deadline day, after agreeing a deal that would rise to £15 million if all add-ons were triggered, there was a fear he would end up elsewhere. Nottingham Forest are not named, with Leicester City or Southampton the main concerns for Everton.

How close that deal came has been revealed, with it being "due to medical checks and the need for late sign-off on the deal."

The report further explains that, at one stage,"Garner seemed to be on his way for last-minute talks elsewhere, but pre-existing relationships and his desire to move to Everton proved important."

How big of a difference-maker James Garner has become for Everton

Garner has been an ever-present for Everton this season, having started every game in all competitions. His 32 appearances are matched only by James Tarkowski in the squad.

Availability is often named as the best ability but Garner's sheer consistency is where his reputation has been built. Week after week, he delivers reliable performances in midfield, rarely dropping below a solid level. Per FotMob, only Bruno Fernandes, Erling Haaland, Declan Rice, and Bruno Guimaraes rank higher for average rating.

It's hugely significant for Everton that they landed him over Southampton or Leicester, given Garner contributes steadily in both defensive and attacking phases. That dependability allows a team’s midfield structure to function smoothly and gives teammates confidence that he will do his job effectively every match.

His versatility is also an important strength, though slightly secondary to his consistency. Another key attribute is his aforementioned set-piece ability. Garner is capable of delivering dangerous corners and free kicks with accuracy and composure but his development goes beyond those three areas of his skill-set.

Beyond those three traits, Garner’s passing range and positional awareness are also noteworthy. He reads the game well, distributes the ball efficiently over both short and long distances, and helps control tempo. Together, these qualities make him a dependable player and one every side needs, especially given what has occurred for Leicester and Southampton since Everton landed him.