Everton Snatches Bargain Midfielder James Garner for £15m in Deadline Deal

Everton pulled off a smart late move by landing Manchester United’s James Garner for a deal worth up to £15 million.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who spent last season impressing on loan at Nottingham Forest with four goals and 10 assists, was quietly sold by United due to heavy competition for places in Erik ten Hag’s current squad.

Garner, who many fans thought deserved a shot under the new manager, now takes on a fresh challenge at Goodison Park after signing a four-year deal with the Toffees.

Reports suggest Everton paid an initial £9m, with add-ons pushing the fee closer to £15m.

“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 Everton’s official website.
“I think Everton is the perfect place to do that. I can’t wait to get started. The manager [Frank Lampard] has a real plan for the club and for me.”

Garner sees working under Frank Lampard, a Premier League midfield legend himself, as the perfect next step to unlock his potential.

With Lampard looking to reshape Everton’s midfield, Garner’s arrival comes at a crucial time, especially with Andre Gomes heading out to Lille on loan.

Meanwhile, it was a busy deadline day at United too.

Another exit saw young winger Tahith Chong leave permanently for Birmingham City, penning a four-year deal after a decent loan spell last season.

How Garner Can Be a Smart Signing for Everton

James Garner brings something Everton badly needs: energy, vision, and a real engine in midfield.

He’s not just a player who passes sideways; he drives forward, presses high, and can pick a pass to open up tight defenses.

At 21, he’s already tasted Premier League pressure with Nottingham Forest and helped them climb to the big stage.

His set-piece delivery is another underrated weapon that could easily boost Everton’s attack.

With a manager like Frank Lampard guiding him, Garner has the right tools and environment to become a key figure for the Toffees over the next few years.

For a fee that could eventually rise to £15m, it could turn out to be one of the smarter deadline-day deals of the season.