Garner Shines as Everton's £9m Steal
James Garner has become a key player for Everton, impressing with his performances and leading the team in various metrics, after being signed from Manchester United for an initial fee of £9m in 2022
James Garner has become a crucial player for Everton, with his impressive performances earning him praise from pundits and his manager, David Moyes. The midfielder was signed from Manchester United for an initial fee of £9m in 2022 and has since developed into a leader on the pitch.
Garner's dedication to the team is evident in his playing time, as he played all but six minutes of Everton's Premier League campaign in the 2025-26 season. His impact on the team was also seen in a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest in December, where he scored the opening goal.
The midfielder's skills have not gone unnoticed, as he ranked top for a host of metrics for Everton last season. His performance against Tottenham, where he outshone the home team's midfield pairing of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, which cost nearly £200m, was particularly impressive. Match of the Day pundit Thomas Frank praised Garner's display, saying he was 'extremely good' and that he is aware, talking, and organising on the pitch.
Former Everton defender Ashley Williams also praised Garner, saying he is the type of midfielder a centre-back would want to play behind. Everton manager David Moyes has also taken notice of Garner's growth, saying he is turning into a really good leader and taking more responsibility on the pitch.
## Why it matters Garner's rise to prominence is a significant development for Everton, as the team looks to build on its recent success. With Garner's leadership and skills on the pitch, the team is well-positioned to compete with top teams in the Premier League. His relatively low transfer fee of £9m makes his success even more impressive, especially when compared to the nearly £200m spent by Tottenham on their midfield pairing.
Despite missing a significant part of pre-season after hernia surgery, Garner has shown his dedication and perseverance, and his hard work has paid off. As the Premier League season continues, Garner will be a key player to watch, and his performances will be crucial to Everton's success.
