Everton have signed midfielder, James Garner from Manchester United for £15m on a five-year contract.
Garner’s move comes after he has failed to break through into Erik ten Hag’s senior squad at Old Trafford this season, despite having impressed on loan at Nottingham Forest for the last season-and-a-half with eight goals in 69 appearances.
Everton though have fought off fierce competition to sign the 21 year-old on a five-year contract until June 2027 for a £15m transfer fee, although Utd have inserted a buy-back clause into the transfer deal in case they wish to sign him again in the future.
Speaking to everton.tv. about his move to Goodison Park, Garner commented: “I’m made up to sign for Everton.
“It’s a huge step in my career and I want to help the team get better while progressing as a player,” Garner told evertontv. “I think Everton is the perfect place to do that. I can’t wait to get started.
“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.”
On what he will add to Everton’s midfield, Garner commented: “I’m a box-to-box midfielder who can play in different roles and can support in defence and attack. I like to support with goals and assists but can do the hard work, too, which is equally important.
“I feel like I can bring real energy to the team – it is something that Everton definitely demands and I can add that in abundance. I have got quality as well so hopefully I can be a big part of us having a good season.”
Manager, Frank Lampard added: “James is a fantastic midfielder with a great all-round game who has qualities we know Evertonians will appreciate. We are really looking forward to working with him and having him add further strength to our squad.”
Garner graduated through Utd’s youth academy and made his first-team debut in February 2019 as a substitute away at Crystal Palace, of which was the first of just seven appearances for Utd in total without scoring across 2018-19 & 19-20 seasons.
Utd in September 2020 decided to loan Garner out to gain senior experience at Watford where he managed 21 appearances, until he fell out of first-team contention following Xisco Munoz’s appointment as manager which led to his loan being terminated in January 2021.
Forest consequentially swooped for the now 21 year-old on a six-month loan before he returned on a season-long loan deal in August 2021, which saw him play a huge part in Forest’s turnaround from relegation battlers to promotion winners via Championship play-offs last season.
Garner could make his Everton debut at Goodison Park on Saturday 3 September against Liverpool in a 12:30pm BST kick-off live on BT Sport.
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